Luna Loves Library Day

Luna Loves...

by Joseph Coelho, Fiona Lumbers (Illustrations)

Luna loves library that's the day she spends with her dad. Exploring the shelves they find magic, mystery and even start to mend their own history. An inspiring story from one of the UK's greatest up-and-coming poets for children, captured in all its flights of fancy by newcomer Fiona Lumbers.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, Divorce, Books About Books, Fiction, Adventure

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 5, 2017

About the author

Joseph Coelho is a British poet and children's book author who was elected Children's Laureate in 2022.

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Luna lives with her mum, she drops Luna at the library where her dad is waiting for her, I think this means her parents aren't together anymore. Luna looks at a book about bugs, her dad doesn't like bugs so they look at another, a book about mermaids. This was shown as a smaller book within this book, I thought that was a nice idea but the story wasn't very good. Dad shows Luna some pictures of a country with palm trees where he grew up. Another page shows them reading a magic book and Luna says Dad knows how to disappear and Luna wants to learn how to bring him back and she looks sad. Then she goes home. I can only assume Dad walked out and will meet Luna in the library once a week . This book looks like it's aimed at the very young, I don't know if this would be at all comforting to a young child who was in a similar situation.

[Mathew · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s always something hidden or alluded to in a good title and ‘Luna Loves Library Day’ proves to be no exception. Excited about her trip to the library, Luna is dropped off by her mother and welcomed by her father. Together they explore a range of books, from long ones about dinosaurs to complex ones about trolls and mermaids and their children. The idea that a library can be a place that houses stories that help us, or offer us mirrors into our own world, a form of bibliotherapy, whether we are aware of it is a powerful one for any gatekeepers of literature to see.

What Coelho and Lumbers offer here is a rich, sensitive story about a young girl coming to terms with the separation of her parents (my reading). There are things that she wants to happen, magic that she would like to evoke to make things work but being with her loving parents and gaining an emotional understanding through the world of stories, at least, gives her a sense of why these things sometimes happen. It’s a beautiful book that sits at many levels. The rich picking is there for the taking but only to those who care to find it or need to.

[BrookesEducationLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really charming picture book about a little girl Luna and all the reasons she loves Library Day, especially because it is her day to spend time with her Dad.
This book would be good for those looking for stories that reflect on themes of divorce and separation but is generally a lovely read about all the fun things that can be found from spending a day in the Library!

[Ellie L · Rating 4 out of 5]

An empowering and warm celebration of the community and transportive power held inside libraries. Coelho and Lumbers beautifully reveal the doors held within books, with magical new worlds spilling from each page and into the present. A very touching note to the comfort that stories can offer, reflecting difficulties within the protagonists own family life and helping her to accept them. Such an empowering read which highlights how unsettling periods in life can be healed through stories shared with a loved one.

[Dana Al-Basha | دانة الباشا · Rating 4 out of 5]

The high score in this case is for the art, I loved the illustrations so much and the story within the story is lovely. What I didn't care for though is the tone of sadness in the book, it's about divorced parents, and we can tell that Luna loves books because it connects her with her father who she doesn't see much of. I hoped it would be as happy as it appeared but it isn't. I suppose it's a good book for children who are dealing with that at home.

[Erin Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was lovely to read a book about a child that enjoys reading so much. Luna not only enjoys going to the library to see her Dad but too be entranced by a world of books at her fingertips. I was slightly alarmed at the start of the book when she was dropped off by her Mum but then as a reader you get the impression that the parents are separated when her Dad is already waiting for her. I also really liked the illustrations throughout! The incorporation of the book inside the book was great and very innovative. Never had a picture book with a picture book inside before. I like the way Luna uses her imagination and relates it to the books in the library.

Would be a good book to use to show children that things like divorces do sometimes happen between parents but children can still be happy even if their parents aren't together. Great addition for a book corner.

[Izzy]

Three things I really enjoyed about this book are: it takes place in a library (hopefully encouraging children to go there and read more), you see how much Luna cherishes the time she spends in there with her father, and there is a picture book within the book!

[Eleanor Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an endearing and reassuring book for all children in a few different ways. Firstly, being dropped off by her mother and greeted by her father displays that her parents may be separated. It suggests that library time is time spent with her father and even though their interests differ she can leave with a bag full of memories and happy times. It lets children know that even though times are hard joy can be found through reading.
I particularly like the picture book within this picture book as it makes the experience of reading that bit more interactive for the child. Additionally, the whole story portrays reading and going to the library in such a positive light. I think it celebrates the inquisitiveness of a child and demonstrates that many answers to young children's questions can simply be found through exploring reading.
A lovely book that will definitely have a place on my classroom book shelf!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not surprisingly, I welcome any book promoting a love for the library. Add to that a little girl anticipating spending time with her father as he reads to her during their weekly visit. As an added bonus, there's a book inside this book, which means the reader is able to join in on the fun. All in all a feel good book that makes parental separation take a back seat to the story of daddy and daughter time.

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a heart breaking story! I love the idea that “The Troll King and the Mermaid Queen” story is included within the book and how it portrays both the parents and the hardship of divorce. The message that no matter what both parents still love the child equally as much is such a special one and one that every child deserve to know

[RJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad I read through this one before recommending it to a library patron! It is about divorce. It's a good picture book about divorce, for sure! Just - good to know it's not just a pretty, whimsical book about libraries.

[Louise Goddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although at first it did not feel like there was much plot, I really enjoyed this book. The subtleties in this story alluding to a bigger picture were really well thought out, and I would definitely recommend it.

[Abril G. Karera · Rating 3 out of 5]

No terminó de convencerme ese asunto entre moralino y cotidiano de enfrentar una separación con la lectura, como si se tratara de una medicina. Aún así, no es un libro terrible. Las ilustraciones brillan por sí mismas y le dan muchísima ternura al relato.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luna's weekly visit to the public library is very special. Not only does she get to see her Dad, she also gets to pick out just the right books to read for the week.

Readers may be initially alarmed when Luna's mother just drops her off at the library without coming in or staying with her (at least, I was -- this is not a habit I condone!), however you can rest assured when Luna sees her father at the library waiting for her, that is the "plan" (and she will be with an adult in the library). It is at that point, the reader understands that Luna's parents are either separated or divorced. The library is a comfortable, safe place they spend their quality time reading and enjoying books, including the short book within the book -- the story of a young mermaid in the same situation she is, with parents who have decided to part ways. This is part of her weekly routine, one that she looks forward to enjoying.

Coelho's simple, spare text is just enough to clue the reader in on what is happening. Fiona Lumbers' watercolor artwork adds so much detail to Luna's story, with expressions on both child and her parents indicate all are happy with this shared custody arrangement. Excellent use of white space keeps the details from being too cluttered.

A fun visit to the library!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL. THE. FEELS. This story is about a young mixed/biracial* girl that gets to go to the library to spend time with her father. Luna and her dad find lots of interesting books and we learn about the somewhat fragile relationship she has with him. While it centers around having fun exploring the books in the library, it really focuses on what it's like for Luna to be part of a non-traditional family and how much she cherishes the time at the library because she gets to spend time with her dad. The illustrations are beautiful and there is a fun storybook within a story. Would be wonderful as a real life example for kids about what you do when going to the library (bring your library card, books to return, book bag), the things you can do at the library, and shows checking books out-- but especially that all kinds of families go to the library. It also gets them to review and list things. But honestly, it's all about the feels with this book.

*I prefer the term mixed when talking about my own biracial kids-- they are a mixture of both of their parents' awesome ethnicities!

[Teacher Librarian Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations that you draw you into the whimsical and alluring world of libraries. Intertwined is the story of a little girl processing the separation/divorce of her parents told within a fairy tale within the middle of the book and her emotions throughout the main book. A great book for children who are adjusting to seeing a parent for a visit and the feeling like they have 'disappeared'. It shows the beauty of books and libraries to help children understand and see that others are going through the same issues as them and how books can bring them joy and light at times when they are struggling.

[Srujan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming little story about a little girl spending a day at the library with her father. It's mostly about the books they pick out at the library. The underlying theme was how the little girl was coping with her parents'separation, but at 3 years, my tinies were too young to appreciate it. They just delighted themselves in the whole library experience because we have recently started to go to a library. And hence we didn't go into the details. The book deals with sensitive subjects of divorce and separation in a gentle and responsible manner.

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a young girl who has divorced parents. In my opinion, this book does not describe in good detail what having divorced parents is like. One focus of the book is that Dad disappeared but still loves the child, however, some of the children might have Dad raising them. Also, for some children, Dad might not live with them but still be very present in their lives. Some of the wording could have been a bit different to make everyone feel included.

[Stefanie Foard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be a good one to give to kids whose parents are separated or divorced. Luna's mom drops her off at the library where she and her dad pick out books together and read a fantastical story about parents breaking up. Plus the illustrations are so pretty!

[Rebecca Durrant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much deeper than other "I love the library" books. A lovely story about how books can help us work through difficult times and provide comfort to us.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww! I liked that this was a book about a girl and her father, both of whom love the library. I also like that the book depicted the parent and child using the library together, and not a parent just leaving their young kid alone in the building, which is not OK and which some picture books continue to depict!

[Abigail Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teaches children about how the library works, how to borrow books and how to behave in a library setting. Tells us how libraries have so many different genres of books.

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really lovely story with a rather hidden theme (depending on how you read it). I really liked how there was the story that Luna was reading inserted inside the story. This would be really good to show children as they can understand how and what Luna is reading.

[Maggi]

I really enjoyed the illustrations and whimsical style of this book. However, I found parts of the story confusing and I didn't really get the message which is why I won't rate this.

[Jeni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is currently my favorite picture book.
--The illustrations are delightful.
--Luna has a fully imagined personality.
--Her parents are both present, and it's implied that they are co-parenting, but that's not obvious (there's no "you'll be fine if your parents split up" overt messaging here, the author/illustrator just shows it!)
--The family is multi-racial. (again, no over messaging, just showing.)
--Plus, my personal catnip: A book within a book. SO. GREAT.

Such a great fun read!

[Amanda Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a public library employee, it's common to see parents that use the library as the safe space where they can allow visitations and I think this book handles it beautifully. It handles a touchy subject with imagination and gentleness and the story within a story is one of my favorite surprises to find in a book!

[FM Family · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the things this book is trying to engage with (love of books, parental separation, libraries, diverse families, migrant narratives) but it felt like it could have used some more editing to come together cohesively. Great, colourful illustrations.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. There was this writer at school and that's when I bought this book and got his autograph, which is great.

[✨️ Louise Allen ✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid reader and a lifelong lover of storytelling, I recently delved into “Luna Loves Library Day” by Joseph Coelho, beautifully illustrated by Fiona Lumbers. From the moment I opened the book, I was immediately struck by the charm of Luna’s world and the warmth that enveloped me like a cozy blanket on a rainy day.

Luna's excitement for library day is palpable, and it reminds me of my own childhood adventures in libraries—those magical places where you can travel far beyond the confines of your hometown and explore endless realms and ideas. Joseph Coelho has masterfully captured the essence of what makes libraries so special: the ability to transport readers to fantastical lands teeming with vibrant characters. With every turn of the page, I felt the urge to venture across oceans and into worlds filled with dragons, trolls, and distant galaxies, all while sitting comfortably in my reading nook.

One of my favorite moments in the book was when Luna encountered trolls. This sparked a delightful wave of nostalgia, transporting me back to my own childhood when I played with colorful troll dolls—all those vibrant hues of hair, the eclectic clothing styles, and their endearing grins. It’s fascinating how a simple mention of trolls can invoke such cherished memories. It serves as a beautiful reminder that stories have a unique ability to reconnect us with our past—those small, vivid snippets of joy that shape who we are.

Fiona Lumbers’ illustrations complement Coelho’s narrative brilliantly, adding an extra layer of magic to the reading experience. Luna's expressive face, filled with wonder and curiosity, is brought to life through meticulous details that enhance every scene. The vivid colors and whimsical designs invite readers to linger on each page, as if each illustration is a portal to another world waiting to be explored.

And let’s not forget the charming nod to nature and the reminder that even the smallest creatures, like ants, can be incredibly fascinating. It’s a delightful touch that encourages curiosity about the world around us—something I deeply appreciate and resonate with. Ants, with their teamwork and industriousness, remind us of the beauty in even the littlest things, synergizing perfectly with the overarching theme of exploration in the book.

Overall, “Luna Loves Library Day” is not just a delightful children’s book; it’s a heartfelt celebration of imagination, exploration, and the indescribable joy of reading. Joseph Coelho and Fiona Lumbers have penned a masterpiece that is sure to inspire children and adults alike to embrace the myriad of worlds waiting within the pages of a book.

In my opinion, this book deserves every one of its five stars. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who cherishes the magic of stories and the adventures they promise—the kind of book that makes you want to share your own fond memories and inspires many more to come. Grab a copy, find your favorite reading spot, and embark on a journey alongside Luna; you won’t regret it!

[Vanessa True · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed my time reading Luna Loves Library Day. I was gifted this book by my teacher mentor a few months ago and I am extremely excited for this book to be a favorite in my future classroom. Some elements of this book that I really enjoyed and find to be really impactful for a classroom audience are that people of color are illustrated and represented within this book. I have learned within my ECE classes that children who are not white are often discouraged because they are not seeing their skin tone or people who look like them in their classroom books. When I was told this information I took a stroll around my local library and was surprised by how many picture books lacked diversity. I was shocked by how I went for so long not realizing the massive discrepancy in children's books, which is why I love this book so much. Not only does it have children of all different ethnicities illustrated, but the main character Luna also has a biracial family, her mother is White and her father is African American. I think Luna representing a biracial child is a great opportunity to show diversity to young children and now she is available for little boys and girls who look like her to say "Hey! She is like me!".

Other elements of this picture book that I just love is how the book is illustrated and told. The illustrations seem to be watercolored and still provide vibrant enthusiasm. The pages come alive as Luna and her father explore different areas of the library. For instance, her father pulls out a bug book for her, suddenly there are bugs and vines creeping and crawling all over luna as if right out of the book. Fun elements like this from a book I feel as though really engage the readers. After exploring many books they settle on a mermaid book. Readers can actually read the exact book they are reading because the author included a physical extra book within Luna Loves Library Day. The first time when I flipped through this book I did not know that his extra book surprise would be in there, and I was really excited when I saw it. I know that my future class will love this fun element because I truly have never seen it before.

Overall this book is great for children and shows diversity within the pages and relates an interesting and refreshing story for children to enjoy!