Last month I posted brief reviews of eight picture books that feature libraries around the world. Today I’m back with six books about library “firsts,” listed in chronological order. If you’re a library lover, I think you’ll enjoy learning more about the history of libraries through these colourful and inspirational stories.
Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by John O’Brien (Calkins Creek, 2013)
This lively picture book begins with Thomas Jefferson’s childhood love of reading and describes his love of books that only grew throughout his life. It covers important events like writing the Declaration of Independence, traveling to France, becoming President of the United States, and of course donating his own library to replace the Library of Congress which was burned down during the War of 1812. Along with the story, this book features copious sidebars that provide information and quotations. Even more information is included in the author’s note, which is followed by two paragraphs about “Thomas Jefferson, Slaveholder,” and a bibliography. Recommended for ages 7 to 10.
The Book Boat’s In by Cynthia Cotten, illustrated by Frane Lessac (Holiday House, 2013)
After the Erie Canal was completed in 1825, floating libraries traveled between Albany and Buffalo, stopping periodically to lend and sell books. This colourful picture book tells the story of a farm boy named Jesse who works every day after school to earn enough money to buy his own copy of The Swiss Family Robinson. A one-page author’s note explains the context. Recommended for ages 6 to 9.
Clara and the Bookwagon by Nancy Smiler Levinson, illustrated by Carolyn Croll (Harper & Row, 1988)
Clara loves stories and longs to learn to read, but her father says farm people don’t have time for books — until a traveling library arrives at their farm and the librarian convinces him to let Clara borrow a book. As explained at the back of the book, this story is set in Maryland between 1905 and 1910 and features the country’s first book wagon. As a typical “I Can Read” book it’s comprised of four short chapters with simple text and illustrations. Recommended for ages 6 to 8.
The Storyteller’s Candle / La velita de los cuentos by Lucia M. Gonzales, illustrated by Lulu Delacre (Children’s Book Press, 2008)
This bilingual picture book features Pura Belpre, the first Puerto Rican librarian at the New York Public Library. It tells the story of two Puerto Rican children facing their first Navidad (Christmas) in New York. When Belpre visits their school they learn that the library is for everyone, not just English-speakers. At the climax Belpre organizes a fiesta for El Dia de los Reyes (Epiphany) and all the Puerta Rican neighbourhood takes part. With a brief introduction, bio of Pura Belpre, and glossary of Spanish terms, this book is very informative. Bonus: a note on the artwork explains that an actual newspaper from Jan 6, 1930 was used in the collages. Recommended for ages 6 to 9.
That Book Woman by Heather Henson, illustrated by David Small (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2008)
Cleverly written in the voice of a young Appalachian boy who doesn’t see the value of books, this story describes the work of the Pack Horse Librarians, who brought books to people in rural Kentucky in the 1930s. You might enjoy reading this out loud; here’s an excerpt: “Comes on a time the world turns white as Grandpap’s beard. The wind it shrieks like bobcats do deep inside the dark of night. So here we sit tucked ’round the fire, no thought to howdy-do’s this day. Why, even critters of the wild will keep a-hid come snow like this.” The books ends with an author’s note and a few recommended websites and books. Recommended for ages 7 to 9.
Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile by Gloria Houston, illustrated by Susan Condie Lamb (Harper, 2011)
This is the true story of Dorothy Thomas, who always wanted to be a librarian. When she got married and moved to rural North Carolina there was no library for her to work at — until the community decided to raise money for a bookmobile. I love the cheerful illustrations, and the fact that the author remembers Miss Dorothy visiting her school when she was a child. Recommended for ages 5 to 8.