What do you think?
the Children Who Loved Books
Angus and Lucy Love Books. They have hundreds of them. But when the books are taken away Angus and Lucy's family soon discover that they cannot live without them. A warm and moving celebration of books and the way in which they bring us all together. Product Information: ISBN: 9781912076185 Author: Peter Carnavas Publisher: New Frontier Format: Paperback Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 0.5cm
32 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
July 29, 2013
We all want our kids to love books and reading. Here is a delightful story about a family that loves reading so much, that even though they don't have a TV or a car or even a house (they live in a small old fashioned trailer), they do have books, lots and lots of books, piled here, there and everywhere. But when the day comes that there are so many books they don't fit in the house anymore, the family realizes it is time to do something.
The books had to go. But once they were gone, things change. The table wobbles, there's nothing for Angus to stand on to look out the window, then Mom and Dad and Angus and Lucy notice there is a lot more space between them and they are growing apart. Until...Lucy brings home a library book and the space between everyone grows smaller and smaller as they read the book.
Carnavas says there are two themes in this book. First, the theme that we don't need a lot of material things to be happy. This is very true. The second theme is that books can bring people together and that make you happy. Think about reading to your Kiddos before bedtime. It is a close, somewhat intimate moment between you both. Maybe you talk for a minute about the story or maybe about the day, they may even open up and talk about something that is bothering them. Either way, if you were brought closer together by the daily bedtime story routine. And that can be just the beginning, thanks to books.
And Carnavas reminds us, we don't have to buy and own books to be happy, we can just go to the library like Lucy and Angus and Mom and Dad end up doing.
The boldly colored, whimsical illustrations, also done by Carnavas, are done in watercolor and ink, and are rather fun. Somewhere in almost all of the illustration there is the family's calico cat and roosters.
The Children Who Loved Books is a wonderful, charming homage to books, reading, book lovers and libraries! And it is sure to become a favorite with all like-minded folks, young and old.
The book is recommended for readers of all ages.
This book was purchased for my personal library
This book was originally reviewed at Randomly Reading
The books had to go. But once they were gone, things change. The table wobbles, there's nothing for Angus to stand on to look out the window, then Mom and Dad and Angus and Lucy notice there is a lot more space between them and they are growing apart. Until...Lucy brings home a library book and the space between everyone grows smaller and smaller as they read the book.
Carnavas says there are two themes in this book. First, the theme that we don't need a lot of material things to be happy. This is very true. The second theme is that books can bring people together and that make you happy. Think about reading to your Kiddos before bedtime. It is a close, somewhat intimate moment between you both. Maybe you talk for a minute about the story or maybe about the day, they may even open up and talk about something that is bothering them. Either way, if you were brought closer together by the daily bedtime story routine. And that can be just the beginning, thanks to books.
And Carnavas reminds us, we don't have to buy and own books to be happy, we can just go to the library like Lucy and Angus and Mom and Dad end up doing.
The boldly colored, whimsical illustrations, also done by Carnavas, are done in watercolor and ink, and are rather fun. Somewhere in almost all of the illustration there is the family's calico cat and roosters.
The Children Who Loved Books is a wonderful, charming homage to books, reading, book lovers and libraries! And it is sure to become a favorite with all like-minded folks, young and old.
The book is recommended for readers of all ages.
This book was purchased for my personal library
This book was originally reviewed at Randomly Reading
January 1, 2021
A wonderful story of two lucky kids who grow up with parents who love to read, surrounded by books . . . and how they all learned to appreciate the benefits of owning a library card.
What a delightful treat for readers, and book lovers, of all ages!
What a delightful treat for readers, and book lovers, of all ages!
June 23, 2019
Sin duda es un excelente libro para tener en casa.
Para todos los padres que son lectores y que quieren que sus hijos también lo sean, para los chicos y grandes de la casa, el amor por los libros une, une personas, une historias y une familias, como lo demuestra esta historia. Realmente todos los que usamos Goodreads leemos, sea lo que sea que leamos, pero leemos, y este tipo de libros demuestran el amor y la importancia de la lectura y los libros en general, así que me alegra que sea parte de mi pequeña biblioteca.
Para todos los padres que son lectores y que quieren que sus hijos también lo sean, para los chicos y grandes de la casa, el amor por los libros une, une personas, une historias y une familias, como lo demuestra esta historia. Realmente todos los que usamos Goodreads leemos, sea lo que sea que leamos, pero leemos, y este tipo de libros demuestran el amor y la importancia de la lectura y los libros en general, así que me alegra que sea parte de mi pequeña biblioteca.
July 9, 2018
An ode to books and reading. Though this family owns very little, their family life is rich and fulfilling as long as they can bond over books. Emphasizes minimalism as a lifestyle choice. Also demonstrates the importance of libraries.
March 1, 2026
A heartwarming story about the power of books.
January 30, 2013
A bibliophile's delight!
April 6, 2014
All homes need many books! They connect us! A celebration of reading together, libraries and book love.
October 15, 2022
Biraz hippi bir kitap bu :) Okurken aklıma (çok çok çok hafif bir versiyo ama) Viggo Mortensen’li “Kaptan Fantastik” filmi geliyor.
Mala, mülke, mülkiyete kıymet vermeyen sıradışı bir aile. İki çocuk, bir tavuk, bir kedi ve çok kitap. Çok fazla kitap.
Çok temiz ve tatlı çizgileri var. Hem büyük okurun gözünü dolduruyor hem de küçük okurun/dinleyicinin takibini kolaylaştıracak kadar yalın. Biz bu kitabı çok beğendik. Hikayenin yanı sıra her sayfada kediyi kovaladık. Nerede ne yapıyor, bulmaya çalıştık.
Mesajlarıyla, çizimleriyle çok keyifli bir kitap olmuş. Kapağa dört yaş ve üzeri yazmış ama daha küçükler de mesajı yakalayamasalar da keyifle dinleyip seyredebiliyor.
Mala, mülke, mülkiyete kıymet vermeyen sıradışı bir aile. İki çocuk, bir tavuk, bir kedi ve çok kitap. Çok fazla kitap.
Çok temiz ve tatlı çizgileri var. Hem büyük okurun gözünü dolduruyor hem de küçük okurun/dinleyicinin takibini kolaylaştıracak kadar yalın. Biz bu kitabı çok beğendik. Hikayenin yanı sıra her sayfada kediyi kovaladık. Nerede ne yapıyor, bulmaya çalıştık.
Mesajlarıyla, çizimleriyle çok keyifli bir kitap olmuş. Kapağa dört yaş ve üzeri yazmış ama daha küçükler de mesajı yakalayamasalar da keyifle dinleyip seyredebiliyor.
January 30, 2022
Text to self connection- I was a little disappointed by this book. It was somewhat vague and lacked excitement. The illustration seemed somewhat vague & boring. This book did not captivate my attention and have me wondering what was going to happen next. The monotone of the reader just was also a turn off fo me. While it has a great message. You may not have all that you want or desire, but you may rich and overflowing in other things and sometimes it's the little things that matter most and make the biggest difference in our lives. I recall a time when I had next to nothing but what i did have was the love and support from my family and friends, the people who loved and cared about me the most and for me that was everything. Again a great message but not a book that I would be racing to purchase.
September 17, 2016
„O dzieciach, które kochają książki” to doprawdy piękna i ciepła opowieść o tym, jak wielką moc posiadają książki. Za pomocą niewielu słów przekazuje prawdę o tym, jak bardzo zmieniają one ludzkie życie. Nie tylko w szczególny sposób wypełniając i ocieplając przestrzeń, w której żyjemy, ale przede wszystkim rozwijając naszą wyobraźnię i zacieśniając łączące nas więzi. Książka ta udowadnia, że życie człowieka, który obcuje z literaturą, jest po prostu bogatsze i o wiele szczęśliwsze.
Cała recenzja dostępna jest na moim blogu, zapraszam: http://magicznyswiatksiazki.pl/o-dzie...
Cała recenzja dostępna jest na moim blogu, zapraszam: http://magicznyswiatksiazki.pl/o-dzie...
September 19, 2015
One of my favorite children's books, this easily read and surely enjoyed book has a delightful way of reminding us of the beauty of books and living minimally - with a focus on relationships over things. I love it!
November 11, 2020
Book Title: The Children Who Loved Books
Author/Illustrator: Peter Carnavas
Reading Level: LG
Book Level: 2.3
Based on your evaluation of the ten characteristics related to text difficulty: 1.Genres/Form, 2.Text Structure, 3.Content, 4.Themes and Ideas, 5.Language and Literary Features, 6.Sentence Complexity, 7.Vocabulary, 8.Words, 9.Illustrations and 10.Book and Print Features such as pages, print font, punctuation, reader’s tools.
Book Summary: (1-2 sentences)
Two children have too many books so they get rid of some and find out that now their family is far apart from each other in the house because of the extra space. To remedy this, the daughter brings home one book and from there, they are able to become close to each other and go get more books.
Bookshelf Genre:
___X__Picture Books _____ Historical fiction _____Traditional Literature
_____ Informational Books _____Multicultural Literature _____ Biography
_____Contemporary Realistic Fiction _____ Modern Fantasy _____ Graphic Novels
_____Poetry
Bookshelf Mentor Writing Traits (explain one or two content integration ideas):
Ideas -
Organization – I feel this book can show beginning writers’ good organization because of the simplicity of the actions that occur. It has a dedicated beginning which introduces the setting and a clear problem that will need to be addressed later in the story. It’s the classic beginning, middle and end which brings the story full circle. I could see students using this as an easy, beginning guide to story structure. The sentences are short but the information is compact.
Voice -
Word Choice -This book introduces lots of fun words for the beginning writer. Words such as “clutter, propped, odd, slid, tumbled” make an appearance and have an impact on the sentence in the story. Students could try using these same words in a sentence of their own, understanding that a certain word can “spice” up the writing and make it more appealing to the reader.
Sentence Fluency -
Conventions -
Presentation –
Other Suggestions:
Author/Illustrator: Peter Carnavas
Reading Level: LG
Book Level: 2.3
Based on your evaluation of the ten characteristics related to text difficulty: 1.Genres/Form, 2.Text Structure, 3.Content, 4.Themes and Ideas, 5.Language and Literary Features, 6.Sentence Complexity, 7.Vocabulary, 8.Words, 9.Illustrations and 10.Book and Print Features such as pages, print font, punctuation, reader’s tools.
Book Summary: (1-2 sentences)
Two children have too many books so they get rid of some and find out that now their family is far apart from each other in the house because of the extra space. To remedy this, the daughter brings home one book and from there, they are able to become close to each other and go get more books.
Bookshelf Genre:
___X__Picture Books _____ Historical fiction _____Traditional Literature
_____ Informational Books _____Multicultural Literature _____ Biography
_____Contemporary Realistic Fiction _____ Modern Fantasy _____ Graphic Novels
_____Poetry
Bookshelf Mentor Writing Traits (explain one or two content integration ideas):
Ideas -
Organization – I feel this book can show beginning writers’ good organization because of the simplicity of the actions that occur. It has a dedicated beginning which introduces the setting and a clear problem that will need to be addressed later in the story. It’s the classic beginning, middle and end which brings the story full circle. I could see students using this as an easy, beginning guide to story structure. The sentences are short but the information is compact.
Voice -
Word Choice -This book introduces lots of fun words for the beginning writer. Words such as “clutter, propped, odd, slid, tumbled” make an appearance and have an impact on the sentence in the story. Students could try using these same words in a sentence of their own, understanding that a certain word can “spice” up the writing and make it more appealing to the reader.
Sentence Fluency -
Conventions -
Presentation –
Other Suggestions:
November 19, 2024
“The Children Who Loved Books” written and illustrated by Peter Carnavas (Copyright 2013, Kane Miller division of EDC Publishing) tells the story of two children, Angus and Lucy, who “didn’t have very much.” The truth was that their family didn’t have things like televisions, cars, or even a regular sized house, but they did have hundreds of books. When Angus and Lucy’s father decided that books were taking up too much space in their tiny home, he got rid of them. The distance this created between the family caused things to be different for a while, until Lucy brought a book home from the library. Sitting together that evening, the family listened as Dad read the story to them. They soon realized that the book had brought them close to each other again. The next morning, Dad took his family to the library, where they found all the books they would ever need. This simple story is a gentle reminder that books can take us just about anywhere we want to go, while bringing us together at the same time. This review was originally published as part of my "Picture Book Favorites About Libraries" blog post at www.cindyovercast.com.
June 27, 2022
Oh. My. Goodness. I could read this book a million times over and not get sick of it: as the saying goes, it hit me in "all the feels". The simple book introduces us to Angus and Lucy, two siblings that don't have much in terms of typical "American Dream/Keeping up with the Joneses" stuff, but live in a small home literally filled with books (and with that, overflowing with stories/riches/new worlds). When they have to give them all away, their happy little family grows distant and sad, until Lucy uses the power of borrowing books from the library to bring happiness to her family again.
In a classroom, I would use this book as a segue into checking out books from the school or public library, or I could use it simply as a transition book from kids coming in from recess to the next subject. It's a quick read and fairly short, so it could work to read to the students as they're waiting in the lunch line as well. FIND opportunities to read this sweet book!
In a classroom, I would use this book as a segue into checking out books from the school or public library, or I could use it simply as a transition book from kids coming in from recess to the next subject. It's a quick read and fairly short, so it could work to read to the students as they're waiting in the lunch line as well. FIND opportunities to read this sweet book!
July 15, 2017
Carnavas stara się pisać o rzeczach ważnych - tym razem pokazuje pewną biedną rodzinę, która nie ma wielu rzeczy, ale każdy skrawek ich małej przyczepy zapełniają książki. Jest ich tak wiele, że pewnego dnia rodzina się ich pozbywa, ale wtedy powstaje między nimi wiele pustego miejsca, tak jak na rysunku - cztery postacie w czterech odległych rogach stron. Kiedy pewnego dnia dziewczynka przynosi książkę z biblioteki, rodzina bardzo zbliża się do siebie podczas wspólnego czytania. To wszystko, czego potrzebują.
Historia z happy endem w bibliotece jest bardzo prosta, podkreślają to oszczędne rysunki - ale samej historii, tak jak i rysunkom czegoś barkuje, by była to bardzo dobra historia. Jak większość opowiastek z wydawnicywa Adamada, historie aspirują do czegoś wartościowego, ale w rezultacie są książkami o prostej ciepłej fabule, nic wybietnego, ale przyjemnie się czyta raz za razem.
Historia z happy endem w bibliotece jest bardzo prosta, podkreślają to oszczędne rysunki - ale samej historii, tak jak i rysunkom czegoś barkuje, by była to bardzo dobra historia. Jak większość opowiastek z wydawnicywa Adamada, historie aspirują do czegoś wartościowego, ale w rezultacie są książkami o prostej ciepłej fabule, nic wybietnego, ale przyjemnie się czyta raz za razem.
October 16, 2019
What a special little book! Absolutely loved it. What a great little find. Favourite quote : 'Angus and Lucy didn't have much, but they had all they would ever need'. All the ever needed was books / stories, as these brought their family closer, as they all enjoyed reading, they would all come together as a family to listen and read a story. They didn't have much as a family, but yet they had their imagination from books to help them play and let their ideas run wild. Message linking to you don't have to have all the money in the world to be happy, simply things which you enjoy, such as books can make you as happy as anyone else.
February 3, 2021
Upon finishing this book, Dallin immediately turned to me and said, WE have a lot of books too, Mommy! Is our house going to OVERFLOW with books and EXPLODE? I had to reassure him that while we do have piles and piles and piles of books, our house is not [yet] anywhere near exploding from the tide of books. He was very relieved because he is happily a self-proclaimed child who loves books too. It's always wonderful to see yourself reflected in a story you love, and even more gratifying to see your child find themselves in a story that's all about children who love nothing in the world more than books.
September 17, 2020
I do like the colorful illustrations and the message of the book about books providing joy and bringing families together. However, being technical/picky, the description in Goodreads and on the back of the book that "Then one day, all the books are taken away" is a bit misleading, as the father opts to get rid of the books since they have have gotten to be too much in their caravan. Would have liked to see the library featured more (instead of just one image of it with patrons outside) since it became this magical source for the family!
June 3, 2018
This was a wonderful book . The family has lots of books around their little house. But then books take over and the family needs to get rid of them. BUT it doesn't mean a person needs to stop reading- just go to the library!
I read it to my class to talk about books and libraries. The pictures were great showing lots of books all over. From the story we talked about how books can bring people together.
I read it to my class to talk about books and libraries. The pictures were great showing lots of books all over. From the story we talked about how books can bring people together.
December 27, 2019
Spotted this one while browsing in my local library and, as I love books about books, had to give it a read! It follows a family who live in a caravan and have very little of anything except for books...until one day they decide that the books have to go because they;re taking over. Yet, without books, lots of things around home don't seem quite right...then they discover their local library!
A lovely celebration of reading and libraries.
A lovely celebration of reading and libraries.
January 9, 2020
Another book by Peter Carnavas was recommended on Brightly. When I searched for it at my local library it was not available but this title by Carnavas appeared and grabbed my attention. What a delightful book! A very simple book with a powerful message for children and parents (and libraries)! I will check this out again when my grandchildren come to visit just as great conversation starter about the role books can play in our lives and in our families.
February 7, 2020
What a beautiful book that celebrates the beauty of books and libraries. I can’t believe I’ve never read this book before. I have just read it to my Kindergarten and Grade 1 students (I’m a teacher librarian) for our first library lesson of the year. It is a perfect introduction to the library and the wonder of books. Highly recommended for pre-school and early primary school aged children. A delight.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2020
This one perhaps hits a bit too close to home! I can completely relate to the books "stacked here, and piled there, balanced propped and shoved in all kinds of odd places" - whoops!!
But I wouldn't have it any other way. Granted, I don't live in a caravan like the gorgeous family in this book, but it remains a sobering reminder that is a limit on how many books we need to own. And libraries are a wonderful asset.
But I wouldn't have it any other way. Granted, I don't live in a caravan like the gorgeous family in this book, but it remains a sobering reminder that is a limit on how many books we need to own. And libraries are a wonderful asset.
July 2, 2025
With simple pictures and simple words, this book tells a simple but vital story. Books should be a part of everyone’s lives. They help pass the time, take the reader to other places, and bring people together. This book entertains the very young with the short sentences on each page and the colorful pictures. As a child grows, it is easier to explore the meaning of the book that lies beneath the words and pictures.
April 11, 2018
A family who live in a tiny caravan and have few material possessions except for books. They decide to get rid of ALL their books instead of just the excess and then discover that their home feels too empty. They end up realizing that books bring them together as a family and rather than buy books they borrow them from the library.
February 24, 2019
Book 11 of my Goodreads Challenge 2019
Loved this book about families and books. Dad decides to take all the books away because they are taking over their small home. When this happens the family find there really is nothing for them to do and they all become very sad. I'd be sad too if my books had to go. A lovely little read to share with the whole family.
Loved this book about families and books. Dad decides to take all the books away because they are taking over their small home. When this happens the family find there really is nothing for them to do and they all become very sad. I'd be sad too if my books had to go. A lovely little read to share with the whole family.
May 8, 2020
Oh my how I love this story! I want my children to grow up loving books, and this story is about a family who loves books so much that when they get rid of the ones they have they are unhappy. They are not close. It is a library book that brings them back together and close again. I simply could read this story over and over to my children.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2021
Sometimes in life after read such heavy adult books its good to just read something simple and child like.
This book did that for me. Learn alot in its 32 pages.
I work at Goodwill and someone donated this book. While reading it, it made me realize to take stock around you and appreciate the people and the small things in your life.
More is not always better.
This book did that for me. Learn alot in its 32 pages.
I work at Goodwill and someone donated this book. While reading it, it made me realize to take stock around you and appreciate the people and the small things in your life.
More is not always better.
May 24, 2021
" Os livros tiveram de ir embora.
Mas as coisas não eram mais as mesmas.
Tigelas caíam da mesa.
Ângelo não conseguia alcançar a janela.
E como agora havia mais espaço no seu lar,
Também havia mais espaço entre ele."
#nossoslivros
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Livro sobre livros e pra quem ama estar soterrado em livros!😅🤣🤣🥰 Eu!
Mas as coisas não eram mais as mesmas.
Tigelas caíam da mesa.
Ângelo não conseguia alcançar a janela.
E como agora havia mais espaço no seu lar,
Também havia mais espaço entre ele."
#nossoslivros
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Livro sobre livros e pra quem ama estar soterrado em livros!😅🤣🤣🥰 Eu!
August 22, 2018
A sweet story about exploring a love of books, and the value of books. However, the writing style shifts noticeably just over halfway through, so it almost seems as if a different writer finished the work, which does disrupt the flow of the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews