The Library Book

by Gabby Dawnay, Ian Morris (Illustrator)

A sweet storybook recounts how a boy who doesn’t like reading is finally won over during a visit to the library. Zach would much rather watch TV than flip through a boring book. But thanks to his friend’s stubborn efforts to show him the magic and excitement of reading, Jack finally goes to the library and finds a book he can’t put down. Featuring simple, rhyming text by Gabby Dawnay and dynamic pen- and-ink drawings by illustrator Ian Morris, this story is an ode to the joys of reading and a love letter to books and libraries. Illustrated in color throughout

Genres: Picture Books, Books About Books, Childrens, Juvenile

32 pages, Hardcover

Published August 31, 2021

Reviews

[Kaethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the play on Green Eggs and Ham, but I really, really hate authors perpetuating the "shhh" stereotype, and the insistence on whispers. Plus, it doesn't rhyme with "rush." [The other "shhh" is fine, and funny]

The art is whimsical, dynamic, colorful, and I love it, although one spread was a wee bit hard to read for my aging eyes. And there are custom endpapers. A note on the artist's materials, process, and/or inspiration is always welcome, but especially when the jacket copy leaves so much space.

Library copy

[wasteland baby]

reaching my 100-book goal with a picture book.... in character for 2025 wastefriend buddy!! i have done this one at storytime like 8 times already and it's freaking great. being a children's librarian rules <3

[Franko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful.

[Alexa (Alexa Loves Books)]

A love letter to books that describes some of the best things about them, in a format that reminded me greatly of my years as a very early reader. I enjoyed flipping through this one, and would happily give copies to the younger readers in my life.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story is simple, but feels like an ongoing true story for many kids. Illustrations are beautiful and creative.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the style of "Green Eggs and Ham," but with kids on a library visit. One kid tries to entreat their friend, a reluctant reader, with all sorts of stories. One of those fun additions to the "books about books!" category. The rhymes were delightful, and the illustration style is imagination-stirring and feels like it's in a warm, traditional vein that looks hand drawn rather than digital.

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the Blake-ite illustrations, but the text is really tedious.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

CUUUUUUUUTE read-aloud book that I'm sure every librarian loves. Though I still do not like the stereotyped librarian shhhh-ing everyone, it is needed for the rhythm and the the rhyme of the text so I'm okay with it.

[Jodi Wray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book celebrating how wonderful libraries and books are! Zach doesn't want to read, he wants to watch TV. Can his friend persuade him to read a book instead? Join them as they go on a journey to discover books, libraries and the magic and fun that awaits inside a book,
A fantastic book with amazing illustrations.

[Elaine Fultz, Teacher Librarian, MLS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zach is convinced, reluctantly, that books are worthwhile. In this rhyming text the glories of books are celebrated. Unfortunate inclusion of shushing. Come on people. But a fun read aloud with the theme reading about reading or books about books.

[Marcie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok i guess.

[Bluebelle-the-Inquisitive (Catherine) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author: Gabby Dawnay
Illustrator: Ian Morris
Age Recommendation: All ages (starting Pre-School)
Topic/ Theme: Libraries, Books, Reading
Setting: Non descript library

First up this is adorable and I love it. Ian Morris has done brilliant work bringing worlds to life and advocating reading, the many adventures that can be had between the pages. This tells a story that is so well known to librarians, parents and caregivers, the story of the reluctant reader. How do you get a reluctant reader to read? In this case, the reluctant reader is Zach, he's introduced to the wonderful world of reading by his friend Ro. Through their imagination, we see pirates, princesses and astronauts among other things. There are wonderful pieces of detail like the elderly lady on the early pages reading a penguin classic, the librarian vaguely resembling Miss Frizzle, the pirate flag featuring a skull and crossbones reading and an alien baking cookies. I can see it is a brilliant book for storytime, I can see activities in it and the words would be pleasing when read out loud.

I do have a bone to pick with it though. I'm a trained librarian with experience in both high schools and public libraries, my mother works in a primary school library. Libraries are not silent places. The shushing librarian is essentially a myth these days, especially around children. We allow and encourage vibrant activity, anything to encourage and foster that love of reading that is so important to education and life. That slight issue makes this a 4.5-star book though I am rounding up. It's bright and happy and well written with a joyous message. I recommend it to readers of all ages, particularly book lovers and their younglings.

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Library Book is a book about books, namely library books and how enjoyable they can be. When a class field trip to the library results in one child (Zach) uninterested in reading, a classmate (Ro) lauds the different genres and topics, undeterred by his negative attitude. Ultimately, Ro hits on something that sparks Zach's interest and he changes his tune.

Ideal for younger readers who are beginning to verbalize reading preferences cognize their love of literature, The Library Book encourages the notion that there is a book for everyone. What strikes me is that all selections are presented as valid – there is no judgement or hierarchy of books, genres, formats, any of that. If you want a classic or a picture book or a graphic novel. If you want history or sports or magic. The focus is on choosing what's right for you. The Library Book validates young children's tastes and empowers them to make choices about their reading matter

A note about representation: Ro presents as Black, Zach presents as white.

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh dear. Don't like that this is called "The Library Book" because of how grossly stereo-typing libraries are depicted within this title ~~~ from beginning ("Don't forget to whisper.") to a final pages (refrain: "Don't forget to whisper" -- AGAIN, as if once stated is not enough of a stereo-type). Mundane lines "Here's the trick. You get to BORROW the books you pick." Duh. The rhyming text, mostly smooth but some lines forced, is mostly a list of what you find in a book or library.

The reason for sharing this title, however, lies solely in it's Quentin Blake-ish style, engaging illustrations detailing all those topics listed in the text. Illustrating: monster head-popping that will please reluctant readers (Zack in the book); a book-shaped tent for camping out; dragons and dinosaurs and slithering things.

[Solange Guillen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful introduction to the magic of books and libraries, perfectly crafted for the youngest readers. With its gentle rhymes and enchanting illustrations, it captures the wonder of discovering stories and the joy of exploring a library for the first time. 🥰

A charming celebration of books that will inspire even the tiniest bookworms.

“Some Books are long,
Some books are short,
You need to find your favourite sort!
I think you will find a FUNNY story!
A thrilling tale…or something gory?
NO, says Zach,ALL books are boring.
When I read, I end up snoring.”

“Read a book and you will find
That MAGIC grows inside your mind…”

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding the perfect book for you is the secret to falling in love with books. A trip to the library doesn't feel fun when you have yet to discover that joy of reading. In this story, a little girl helps a reluctant reader explore the possibilities of the library. Told with rhyming text and detailed imaginative illustrations, I love how this book patiently celebrates a love of books, genres, and libraries.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this children’s book! Of course, it’s about the library. There’s a reluctant reader, a young boy who just swears he hates reading and won’t do it. Surprised? With a world full of TV, videos, music, and electronic games it can be hard for books to compete. Many libraries are now offering great children’s programs to help children want to read more. This story reminds me of “Sam I am” from Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. The pictures are eye catching and delightfully colorful.

[Rahmadiyanti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buku adalah benda ajaib. Ia dapat membawa kita bertualang ke berbagai sudut dunia, berbagai pengalaman, dan berbagai kejadian.
Tapi, bagaimana meyakinkan seorang anak yang tidak suka buku tentang keajaiban sebuah buku?
Inilah yang dilakukan Ro kepada Zach. Ia mengajak Zach menelusuri keajaiban demi keajaiban sebuah buku. Akankah Zach jadi suka buku? (Ini pertanyaan retoris... :D)

Seru banget mengikuti petualangan Ro dan Zach di antara belantara buku. Ilustrasinya juga seru!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabby Downey and Ian Morris bring us an excellent book about finding the right book for you. I personally love the illustrations that provide visual clues to the genre mentioned on the page.

I will be using this for story time when I introduce/review genres with my elementary students.

Recommended for school libraries in particular.

[Adam Rodgers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short rhyming picture book championing the pleasures of reading and libraries.

Beautifully illustrated by Ian Morris this is a charming story with a positive message. While the rhythm of some of the verses don't quite work Dawnay has written a lovely book that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

[Liz Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess it's important for our friends who don't love books to see themselves in books.. but I just never really like that approach myself.

Still... love the persuasive approach with the list of different kinds of books. A book for everyone!

[Barbara Band · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glorious and vibrant story about a boy who doesn't like reading but discovers the wonders of books in the library. Illustrations burst from the pages and have so much detail to explore. Great for reading aloud as there's a Dr Seuss feel to the words.

[Christa Thrasher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book about a kid who wants nothing to do with reading. His friend does everything she can to convince him to read and it finally works. The illustrations were fun and crazy and colorful!

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

You don’t have to “shhh” in libraries anymore. Other than that, it would get 5 stars.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminds us to never give up on our reluctant readers. A book can eventually capture their minds and hearts.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brightly illustrated rhyming text that's perfect for a library storytime.

[Jeimy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on the concept alone, this is a two-star read, but the illustrations are so absolutely stunning I had to add a star to the rating.

[Cristine Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

We find out the library’s secret in this delightful rhyming tale!

[Nattawut Phetmak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like reading, I love to rhyme.
It draws me in, I'm lost in time.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, but oi with the prolonging of the shh-only-whispering-in-the-library narrative!