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The Night Library
The Polar Express meets The Night at the Museum in this fantastical picture-book adventure about the magic of books and libraries, perfect for book lovers of all ages!
After a young boy goes to sleep upset that he's getting a book for his birthday, he's visited in the night by Patience and Fortitude, the two stone lions who guard the New York Public Library. Soon, he's magically whisked away from his cozy home in the Bronx, and the two mighty lions show him the wonder of the library. There, the inquisitive Latino boy discovers the power of books and their role not only in his own life, but also in the lives of the people he loves.
Raul Colon's gorgeous, rich art creates an immersive world in this book about books, which is sure to capture the imaginations of kids and adults and inspire them to grab their library cards and dive into the worlds of stories.
After a young boy goes to sleep upset that he's getting a book for his birthday, he's visited in the night by Patience and Fortitude, the two stone lions who guard the New York Public Library. Soon, he's magically whisked away from his cozy home in the Bronx, and the two mighty lions show him the wonder of the library. There, the inquisitive Latino boy discovers the power of books and their role not only in his own life, but also in the lives of the people he loves.
Raul Colon's gorgeous, rich art creates an immersive world in this book about books, which is sure to capture the imaginations of kids and adults and inspire them to grab their library cards and dive into the worlds of stories.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published April 2, 2019
4 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
David Zeltser
9 books20 followersDavid Zeltser is the author of Lug: Dawn of the Ice Age and its sequel, Lug: Blast from the North. These novels satirize humanity’s response to climate change and have been praised by Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and Al Gore, who called the first book “a great combination of humor and powerful insight.”
His debut picture book, Ninja Baby (Chronicle Books, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Diane Goode), was a runner-up for the Magnolia State Book Award, featured in USA Today, and received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, which called it “a funny and pitch-perfect story.” His more recent picture books include Codzilla (HarperCollins, illustrated by Jared Chapman) and The Night Library (Random House, illustrated by Raul Colón), which School Library Journal described as “sure to inspire people of all ages to pick up a book and experience the magic that unfolds.” The Universe Ate My Homework (Lerner Books, illustrated by Ayesha Rubio) was praised by NPR science journalist and Radiolab host Robert Krulwich, who kindly lent his voice to the book trailer.
David is also a screenwriter. He co-wrote the feature script Solo with director Joseph Greco; it is being produced by Oscar-winning producer Jonathan Sanger and James Trezza.
David and his friend Julia Chiapella co-founded The Word Lab, a free after-school writing center for kids. It’s in Santa Cruz, California, where he lives with his family.
His debut picture book, Ninja Baby (Chronicle Books, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Diane Goode), was a runner-up for the Magnolia State Book Award, featured in USA Today, and received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, which called it “a funny and pitch-perfect story.” His more recent picture books include Codzilla (HarperCollins, illustrated by Jared Chapman) and The Night Library (Random House, illustrated by Raul Colón), which School Library Journal described as “sure to inspire people of all ages to pick up a book and experience the magic that unfolds.” The Universe Ate My Homework (Lerner Books, illustrated by Ayesha Rubio) was praised by NPR science journalist and Radiolab host Robert Krulwich, who kindly lent his voice to the book trailer.
David is also a screenwriter. He co-wrote the feature script Solo with director Joseph Greco; it is being produced by Oscar-winning producer Jonathan Sanger and James Trezza.
David and his friend Julia Chiapella co-founded The Word Lab, a free after-school writing center for kids. It’s in Santa Cruz, California, where he lives with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
April 3, 2019
On the night before his eighth birthday, a young boy is surprised to be given a book by his parents. Surely they must realize that he prefers toys and games, he thinks. But then, as he is struggling to fall asleep, a sound brings him to the window and he is even more surprised to see a massive lion outside his house. The lion, whose name is Fortitude, takes him on a magical nighttime journey to the New York Public Library, where the enchanted books reenact scenes from the boy's favorite stories, read to him by his now-deceased Grandpa. They even reenact the storytime sessions that grandfather and grandson once shared. This reminder of his beloved elder recalls the wonder of reading for the boy, who, when questioned by his parents the next day, maintains that he will keep the book he has been given...
A beautiful book, one which pairs a sensitive and thought-provoking story about the power of reading with gorgeous artwork, The Night Library is the third title I have read recently to feature Patience and Fortitude, the two stone lions who stand guard outside of The New York Public Library's 42nd Street Astor Hall. The previous two, Josh Funk's Lost in the Library: A Story of Patience & Fortitude and Jessica M. Boehman's The Lions at Night , were each interesting, in their way, but I think this one is outstanding! Author David Zeltser highlights how influential childhood reading can be, and the all-important role of family members in fostering a literate environment for young people. He also explores how the death of a loved one, in this case the boy's grandfather, can interrupt that process. He never explicitly states that the boy stopped reading because his grandfather died, but there is a strong implication that this is the case, and that without the encouragement of this beloved elder, he begins to get out of the habit of picking up books for pleasure. The story therefore functions, not just as an exploration of reading, but of the grieving and healing process, after the death of a loved one. As could be expected, the artwork by Raúl Colón is simply beautiful, with a gorgeous dream-like quality that perfectly matches the story. I think this may be my favorite yet, of Colón's books!
All in all, a wonderful book, whether one is looking for a story featuring Patience and Fortitude and the New York Public Library, or for a tale exploring the power of reading, and the loving bond between family members.
A beautiful book, one which pairs a sensitive and thought-provoking story about the power of reading with gorgeous artwork, The Night Library is the third title I have read recently to feature Patience and Fortitude, the two stone lions who stand guard outside of The New York Public Library's 42nd Street Astor Hall. The previous two, Josh Funk's Lost in the Library: A Story of Patience & Fortitude and Jessica M. Boehman's The Lions at Night , were each interesting, in their way, but I think this one is outstanding! Author David Zeltser highlights how influential childhood reading can be, and the all-important role of family members in fostering a literate environment for young people. He also explores how the death of a loved one, in this case the boy's grandfather, can interrupt that process. He never explicitly states that the boy stopped reading because his grandfather died, but there is a strong implication that this is the case, and that without the encouragement of this beloved elder, he begins to get out of the habit of picking up books for pleasure. The story therefore functions, not just as an exploration of reading, but of the grieving and healing process, after the death of a loved one. As could be expected, the artwork by Raúl Colón is simply beautiful, with a gorgeous dream-like quality that perfectly matches the story. I think this may be my favorite yet, of Colón's books!
All in all, a wonderful book, whether one is looking for a story featuring Patience and Fortitude and the New York Public Library, or for a tale exploring the power of reading, and the loving bond between family members.
October 8, 2019
This is the book Charlotte Zolotow's
My Grandson Lew
wishes it could be. Both books are about boys who had close relationships with their grandfathers. But in The Night Library, the memories are woven into a story about dreams, books, and a love of reading.
The narrator is given an early birthday present by his parents: a book. Disappointed, he goes to sleep, only to wake up to find a lion purring outside his window. The beast--whose name is Fortitude--takes him to the library, where he finds lots of books... as well as the memories that go along with them. Most of those memories revolve around his deceased grandfather and the times they spent reading together. By the end of the magical evening, the boy has rekindled his interest in reading, and he comes to appreciate his parents' gift.
I can see why this has been compared to The Polar Express. The framing is somewhat similar, and the fantasy elements are sort of vague. Did it really happen, or was it all just a dream? The illustrations are likewise a bit dreamy, done in soft colours with a gentle overall feel.
This is a lovely, well-written book that celebrates reading and the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
Quotable moment:
The narrator is given an early birthday present by his parents: a book. Disappointed, he goes to sleep, only to wake up to find a lion purring outside his window. The beast--whose name is Fortitude--takes him to the library, where he finds lots of books... as well as the memories that go along with them. Most of those memories revolve around his deceased grandfather and the times they spent reading together. By the end of the magical evening, the boy has rekindled his interest in reading, and he comes to appreciate his parents' gift.
I can see why this has been compared to The Polar Express. The framing is somewhat similar, and the fantasy elements are sort of vague. Did it really happen, or was it all just a dream? The illustrations are likewise a bit dreamy, done in soft colours with a gentle overall feel.
This is a lovely, well-written book that celebrates reading and the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
Quotable moment:
October 20, 2019
“Looks like you found your books ... those books have been waiting for you.”
On the eve of his 8th birthday, a boy’s parents give him a book as a present. He is disappointed. “I couldn’t understand it. My parents knew that I liked toys, games and movies — not books.” That night, he dreams that the famous New York Public Library Lion, Patience, shows up outside his window. He takes the boy on a journey to the library as well as reacquainting him with his reading journey. It was his grandfather who read to him and taught him to read with stories like The Tale of Peter Rabbit and The Cat in the Hat and The Polar Express. The night reignites the boy’s love of reading.
A definite addition to my school library and a great read aloud for “Our Reading Journey” initiative.
On the eve of his 8th birthday, a boy’s parents give him a book as a present. He is disappointed. “I couldn’t understand it. My parents knew that I liked toys, games and movies — not books.” That night, he dreams that the famous New York Public Library Lion, Patience, shows up outside his window. He takes the boy on a journey to the library as well as reacquainting him with his reading journey. It was his grandfather who read to him and taught him to read with stories like The Tale of Peter Rabbit and The Cat in the Hat and The Polar Express. The night reignites the boy’s love of reading.
A definite addition to my school library and a great read aloud for “Our Reading Journey” initiative.
September 21, 2020
Another reviewer says this is better than My Grandson Lew. I found that more moving and re-readable... this one doesn't know if it's a book about libraries, or reluctant readers, or the loss of a grandparent. I'm guessing, because it takes place on the boy's eighth birthday, it's for seven year olds... and maybe pretty much for them only, besides librarians and fans of libraries.
How many kids in NYC actually get to see the lions? Branch and rural libraries deserve homage, too.
How many kids in NYC actually get to see the lions? Branch and rural libraries deserve homage, too.
May 14, 2019
I love books that celebrate the love of reading. In The Night Library, a young boy rediscovers his love of reading with the help of the NYC library lions Fortitude and Patience and a night time visit to the NYC library. Raul Colon perfectly captures the dream like quality of the fantasy narrative. The book celebrates the power of relationships created around the sharing of books. Good book to add to a classroom collection -- a great read aloud to celebrate the importance of reading.
May 11, 2019
The New York Public Library lions Patience and Fortitude come to life and introduce a young boy to the magic of books. Beautifully complemented with Raúl Colón's dreamy mixed-media illustrations.
April 27, 2019
A dream of a book...fresh, exciting, nostalgic, invigorating. A perfect inspiration of lilting words and illustrations. A gift for all ages. Might as well buy in multiples. You’ll keep the first copy.
April 9, 2019
I'm a librarian so I may be a little bias, but this book was touching and wonderful and imaginative and tender. A young boy receives the gift of a book for his birthday from his parents and he responds less than enthused. That night a lion take him away on an adventure to the New York Public Library and we discover how the boy's love of reading fell away, however by the end of the evening it's renewed once more. Pleasant echoes of The Polar Express...
My favorite line is when the adult books are flying off the shelves and they skitter and jump away from the boy, to which the lion says, "Adult books can be difficult to grasp...Let's go to the children's section."
Read this and recommend it as well!
My favorite line is when the adult books are flying off the shelves and they skitter and jump away from the boy, to which the lion says, "Adult books can be difficult to grasp...Let's go to the children's section."
Read this and recommend it as well!
August 30, 2019
There is not a librarian in the US who is not at least somewhat familiar with Patience and Fortitude, who protect the New York public library. This author has taken his love of libraries, and the iconic cats and created a wonderful story about a child remembering his love of books and his time with his grandfather. This was a lovely story with equally lovely illustrations.
September 15, 2018
A lot of books coming out about the NYPL, but this is by far the most stunning- visually, and such a strong story to support it. Loved it.
April 2, 2019
A tender story about a boy who stopped loving to read when he lost his grandfather and how a pair of literary lions helps him rediscover the magic of books. Gorgeous illustrations.
May 6, 2019
Actual rating 3.5 stars
The New York Library’s lions, Patience and Fortitude, remind a young boy of the joy of storybooks and what a gift his grandfather gave him in reading.
I liked the premise of the book. Nearly every child falls away from reading at some time in their life. For me, it was during the stressful times of high school and college when the only reading I had time for was required reading. I’m blessed that my mom laid a solid foundation of books, stories, and libraries. It was easy for me to find my way back to the magic that lies between book covers. And that love of reading and books? It sprouted my career as a librarian.
However (you knew that was coming, didn’t you?), while the premise was good, the execution was flawed. The artwork in this book is unique and encourages your mind to probe the drawings in search of an image. As such, the artist needed to be given more pages to showcase the magic of the stories the young boy shared with his grandfather. And, this also would have allowed the author to use more words to convey the passion of books, the importance of family, and the impact of childhood reading. It was a good book that could have been great with a few more pages.
On the note of “a few more pages”: is there some publishing “law” that says picture books can only be 30-32 pages?? It seems most I pick-up fall within this page range and it is a shame. Stories like this just need a little bit more to become classics that children will someday read to their children.
The New York Library’s lions, Patience and Fortitude, remind a young boy of the joy of storybooks and what a gift his grandfather gave him in reading.
I liked the premise of the book. Nearly every child falls away from reading at some time in their life. For me, it was during the stressful times of high school and college when the only reading I had time for was required reading. I’m blessed that my mom laid a solid foundation of books, stories, and libraries. It was easy for me to find my way back to the magic that lies between book covers. And that love of reading and books? It sprouted my career as a librarian.
However (you knew that was coming, didn’t you?), while the premise was good, the execution was flawed. The artwork in this book is unique and encourages your mind to probe the drawings in search of an image. As such, the artist needed to be given more pages to showcase the magic of the stories the young boy shared with his grandfather. And, this also would have allowed the author to use more words to convey the passion of books, the importance of family, and the impact of childhood reading. It was a good book that could have been great with a few more pages.
On the note of “a few more pages”: is there some publishing “law” that says picture books can only be 30-32 pages?? It seems most I pick-up fall within this page range and it is a shame. Stories like this just need a little bit more to become classics that children will someday read to their children.
April 2, 2019
So great and magical! The illustrations are gorgeous and quietly grand, full of warmth and wonder. The words are graceful and satisfying. The story is well-paced and delightful. I will happily read this again and again!
July 18, 2019
This book brought tears to my eyes even after all these years. My grandfather read to me too and was the one who would read my favorites again and again.
A boy is disappointed in his birthday gift of a book. However, a magical visit during the night from NYPL's lions reminds him of the wonderful times reading with his grandfather.
There is a sweet Author's Note too.
A boy is disappointed in his birthday gift of a book. However, a magical visit during the night from NYPL's lions reminds him of the wonderful times reading with his grandfather.
There is a sweet Author's Note too.
June 12, 2023
It’s a whimsical story with a sweet sentiment and beautiful illustrations.
August 24, 2023
Thought I was going to read about a book slump, but it ended up being about grief.
May 20, 2023
Is there anything better than a magical adventure in a library with flying books? I think not.
A classic whimsical adventure showcasing the magic and power of reading and the pure joy it can bring to life
Perfect to be read aloud together or for readers 5+
3.5 stars
A classic whimsical adventure showcasing the magic and power of reading and the pure joy it can bring to life
Perfect to be read aloud together or for readers 5+
3.5 stars
March 27, 2019
The art in this was gorgeous, and there was a very touching message about nostalgia and learning to love the painful memories related to loss once more.
April 15, 2019
I love picture books about the lions guarding the New York Public Library. This is my new favorite. The Author's Note made me cry.
April 3, 2019
I love this book! So glad I wrote it up for our library.
May 2, 2019
The art in this was gorgeous, and there was a very touching message about nostalgia and learning to love the painful memories related to loss once more.
~Shay
~Shay
April 16, 2019
A lovely and touching story with wonderful illustrations.
April 21, 2019
As a lover of All Things Library, this book serves as an excellent reminder of the magic of books, how books can transcend the life of a child, and how important it is to instill a love of reading from a young age. A boy is disappointed when he receives a book for his birthday present, but remembers his love of reading after a visit from Patience and Fortitude, the two lions who stand guard outside the New York Public Library.
June 1, 2020
It was magical trip through the New York city public library akin to magical trip like the Polar Express, books fly (adult books tend to hard to grasp literally for kids!) and play stories. I like also to form a good reader there must be positive feelings associated with reading.
April 20, 2019
Beautiful dreamy illustrations, but clunky story and text.
May 7, 2019
Beautifully illustrated to help entice a child to read by introducing them to the New York Public Library and the joys and memories of reading.
May 1, 2019
A boy is disappointed in his birthday present from his parents--just a book! But then, adventure beckons. He hears the purring of a lion outside who seems friendly and urges him, "Climb on." Riding a lion through the streets at night to an unknown destination, what could be more exciting? They end up at the New York Public Library which seems an unlikely place for adventures, but the boy experiences crucial revelations about his loss of interest in books following the passing of his grandfather. His love of books is rekindled as he encounters the vision of them reading together, along with the very books his grandfather had once read to him. As he revisits them and the memories they hold, he finds even more books he wants to explore. He stays til another lion (they are a pair, who guard the NYPL) says he has to get back home before dawn. The next morning he decides it must all have been a dream--but then he has another think coming!
Zeltser's marvel of a book is greatly enhanced by Raul Colon's gorgeous illustrations. This may be aimed at preschoolers, but adults will appreciate playful references such as:
"I reached for a book, but it jumped out of my hand. I laughed as another skittered away from me.
'Adult books can be hard to grasp,' said the lion. 'Let's go to the children's section.' "
I also appreciated the Author's Note at the end. Very interesting to learn about the "literary lions" guarding the NYPL, including their names, Patience and Fortitude. Key virtues for surviving hard times, indeed. Makes me want to go there and read between the lions!
May 25, 2019
I've read a couple of other books featuring the two statuary lions outside the New York Public Library, but felt disappointed by them. This one worked much better for me, and I expect that a lot of youngsters will relate to the idea of falling out of love with reading. Although his parents should know better, a young boy's birthday present from them is a book that they propose to read together. As he's turning eight, he's preoccupied by other interests and no longer has much affection for reading. Fortitude, one of the lions from the library, pays him a visit and carries him to the library. There, they meet up with Patience and he watches in amazement as several books in the children's section form various shapes that bring back happy memories. One of my favorite parts of this book was when he first arrives at the library and notices that the books are moving, but they are hard for him to grab onto. The same thing often happens to young readers who find it hard to make the transition from the books they enjoyed as children to the weightier, more adult tomes. As always, illustrator Raul Colon's unique artwork brings the story to life. This one might be ideal to share with the many reluctant or dormant readers out there as a reminder that they, too, once enjoyed reading. As I often tell my own students, if we help our students associate positive memories with reading or connect them to relationships, then we are well on our way to building readers. It makes me terribly sad when I meet folks who haven't read a book for pleasure since the fourth grade.
May 21, 2019
A young boy is given, to his obvious displeasure, a book for his birthday. That night he is visited by a lion who takes him on an adventure to the NYPL through the reading room, past the adult books, which "can be difficult to grasp” to the children’s library where the books play out their favorite stories. The books present an image of the boy’s grandfather, who has passed, made out of the memories of stories his grandfather shared with him.
The written word was man’s first achievement of immortality, but for me, the memories of sharing the written words with a loved one far outweigh what they say. It is a joy that can be passed down generation to generation and as the young boy in this story found out, can even transcend the sadness of grief.
This story floats on the artwork, a kind of dreamlike state of muted colors that only reinforces the idea that this book should be shared.
The written word was man’s first achievement of immortality, but for me, the memories of sharing the written words with a loved one far outweigh what they say. It is a joy that can be passed down generation to generation and as the young boy in this story found out, can even transcend the sadness of grief.
This story floats on the artwork, a kind of dreamlike state of muted colors that only reinforces the idea that this book should be shared.
July 26, 2019
This exquisite book, with its sepia-toned illustrations, takes us and its protagonist on a short journey to one of the most iconic libraries in the world. It enchants with its bittersweet message about a young boy remembering how much he loved books from the readings of his late grandfather. Through the intercession of the two stone lions guarding the New York City library on 41st Street, the nameless child rediscovers the old books he loved and considers taking out new ones.
The depictions of Patience and Fortitude render them as majestic but approachable guides and guardians. It’s a gorgeous picture book and is enhanced by the paisley blue and purple endpapers that frame its pages. This is a terrific book if you can find it.
The depictions of Patience and Fortitude render them as majestic but approachable guides and guardians. It’s a gorgeous picture book and is enhanced by the paisley blue and purple endpapers that frame its pages. This is a terrific book if you can find it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews