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So You Want To Build a Library
There is no better place in the world than a library. Especially a library that kids create! A million stories high? Sure. Bathtubs? Absolutely. A full-service sundae bar? Of course. Everything is possible in this library--just like in books!
Author Lindsay Leslie puts the reader in charge as the architect of a fantastical library in this imaginative picture book celebrating libraries and the joys of reading.
Author Lindsay Leslie puts the reader in charge as the architect of a fantastical library in this imaginative picture book celebrating libraries and the joys of reading.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 15, 2021
2 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Leslie
7 books44 followersA diary keeper, a journalism major, a public relations executive, now a children’s author—Lindsay Leslie has always operated in a world of written words. She likes to bring her unique outlook on life, quirky humor, and play with words to the page in picture books. Lindsay is the award-winning author of GUS HEARTS THE BUS, SO YOU WANT TO BUILD A LIBRARY, DUSK EXPLORERS (an SCBWI Crystal Kite Award winner, Kirkus starred review, Bank Street Best Book of 2021 with Outstanding Merit, and Amazon Editors’ Pick), NOVA THE STAR EATER, and THIS BOOK IS SPINELESS (Booklist starred review). Lindsay lives in Austin, Texas, with her sci-fi/horror novelist husband, Ryan Leslie, two kiddos, and two fur-beasts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
August 16, 2021
This is a children's book that I read to my twin boys. The picture of this book was so cute, and I have to say my boys laughed so much while I was reading this book. I loved the idea about a kids wanting to built a library. I just hate water and ice cream near books, but that is just the book lover in me coming out. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Capstone Editions) or author (Lindsay Leslie) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
April 24, 2021
I’ve loved libraries for as long as I can remember. They provide access to books that you’re allowed to take home with you for free (!), whose pages allow you to explore infinite worlds, learn and escape from reality for a while. Any building whose primary purpose is to help facilitate reading is already a magical place, so what could possibly make it better? If a child had the opportunity to build the library of their dreams.
One young reader shows us how they would go about creating the “most MIRACULOUS library ever!” From the location to the types of books that would fill the shelves and the inclusion of pretty much everything you’d need so you’ll never have to leave, including a sundae bar and trampolines, this book encourages you to let your imagination go wild.
I loved the dragons and pie-baking snail but my favourite illustrations included the roller-skating sloth, who seemed to be having the time of their life.
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Thank you so much to NetGalley and Capstone Editions, an imprint of Capstone, for the opportunity to read this book.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
One young reader shows us how they would go about creating the “most MIRACULOUS library ever!” From the location to the types of books that would fill the shelves and the inclusion of pretty much everything you’d need so you’ll never have to leave, including a sundae bar and trampolines, this book encourages you to let your imagination go wild.
I loved the dragons and pie-baking snail but my favourite illustrations included the roller-skating sloth, who seemed to be having the time of their life.
[image error]
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Capstone Editions, an imprint of Capstone, for the opportunity to read this book.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
March 2, 2021
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
So you want to build a library is a fantastic book for young book lovers to honour their love and passion for books and reading. This book would make a fantastic addition to any young book lovers shelves and is a fantastic book for world book day too.
The illustrations are bright and interesting and the ideas mentioned are full of fun, imagination and creativity as to what you could put in your library.
So you want to build a library is a fantastic book for young book lovers to honour their love and passion for books and reading. This book would make a fantastic addition to any young book lovers shelves and is a fantastic book for world book day too.
The illustrations are bright and interesting and the ideas mentioned are full of fun, imagination and creativity as to what you could put in your library.
February 16, 2021
A good story about a little girl who dreams of what she will keep in her library. Nothing stops her imagination and it shows in her wild fantasies. A good story for really young readers.
The illustrations are pretty cute.
Thank you, NetGalley and Capstone Editions, for the Advanced Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
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The illustrations are pretty cute.
Thank you, NetGalley and Capstone Editions, for the Advanced Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Follow me on Instagram: RoshReviews
July 18, 2021
Okay. No questions here. This is my storybook. Like MY STORYBOOK. Like how Ross Gellar shouts "MY SANDWICH" at the top of his lungs and he gets referred to the psychiatrist. Well, things aren't that dramatic in real life but this is my storybook and I will love this storybook forever.
The concept is so close to my heart. As I am in the process of building a library since the beginning of the year, this storybook talks to me.
I love the little girl and how she loves books. And the way she plans to build the best library on her own is quite something I can relate to.
The illustrations and the colorful pages are everything!
Thank you, author/artist and the publisher, for the advance reading copy.
The concept is so close to my heart. As I am in the process of building a library since the beginning of the year, this storybook talks to me.
I love the little girl and how she loves books. And the way she plans to build the best library on her own is quite something I can relate to.
The illustrations and the colorful pages are everything!
Thank you, author/artist and the publisher, for the advance reading copy.
June 18, 2021
Leslie offers a fun, fantastical look at all the wonderful things that make up a library . . . plus giants and dragons. The illustrations by Aviel Basil are bright and whimsical.
This one should keep the readers (and listeners) busy imagining what their own dream libraries would be like.
Look for this book in August. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the sneak preview.
This one should keep the readers (and listeners) busy imagining what their own dream libraries would be like.
Look for this book in August. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the sneak preview.
June 5, 2021
This is an adorable story of a little girl who loves to read and wants to build a library. She does everything in order to build a library, including the services of giants. She then puts chairs, playground, bathtubs, ladders etc. I really appreciate the author's imagination. The illustrations were gorgeous and playful! It was a fun book and enjoyable book! Highly recommend!
February 23, 2021
Who doesn't want to build a library? Especially with a dining room table and little brother?
Love all the pictures and colors. Lots of creative ideas. Great read.
Love all the pictures and colors. Lots of creative ideas. Great read.
May 26, 2021
What a wonderful celebration of libraries and reading. As a library kid, I would have loved this book. I looked forward to going to the library in school and our town. This picture book has the reader come along to build a library and think about what you need to include.
February 19, 2021
Debated between 4 and 5 stars. This book is for children. As a young reader, I loved the thought of having my own library. My brother didn't really like the idea of checking out books to borrow them. I wish I had envisioned writing a book as creative as this one!
Easy to read. Adorable. Beautiful and interesting pictures. Very creative.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher (Capstone Editions) and the author Lindsay Leslie for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.
Easy to read. Adorable. Beautiful and interesting pictures. Very creative.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher (Capstone Editions) and the author Lindsay Leslie for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2021
4.2 Stars
The first word that comes to mind is aww! This is a cute little book about a girl who wants to build the best, biggest, and a most wonderful library. It’s full of imagination and fun with giants, dragons, teeny faeries, and whatnot.
There are books for everyone, stacked so high that you’ll need tall ladders. There’s unlimited ice cream to eat, a playground to play in, and just about anything a kid would want.
The illustrations are lively, cheerful, and warm. There’s really isn’t a story per se. It’s more of an ode (of sorts) to booklovers and libraries. Still, it’s a delightful book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Capstone Editions and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#SoYouWantToBuildaLibrary #NetGalley
The first word that comes to mind is aww! This is a cute little book about a girl who wants to build the best, biggest, and a most wonderful library. It’s full of imagination and fun with giants, dragons, teeny faeries, and whatnot.
There are books for everyone, stacked so high that you’ll need tall ladders. There’s unlimited ice cream to eat, a playground to play in, and just about anything a kid would want.
The illustrations are lively, cheerful, and warm. There’s really isn’t a story per se. It’s more of an ode (of sorts) to booklovers and libraries. Still, it’s a delightful book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Capstone Editions and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#SoYouWantToBuildaLibrary #NetGalley
February 16, 2021
Thanks to Netgally for giving me a copy of this adorable book to review.
My kids adored it is the kind of picture book that invites kids to read and the illustrations are just incredible 😍
My kids adored it is the kind of picture book that invites kids to read and the illustrations are just incredible 😍
April 29, 2022
Very appropriate as our team is part of opening a library right now!
August 6, 2021
I received this book from Netgalley/publisher in exchange of an honest review.
How can I, as a bookworm, resist this adorable and fun sounding book? That’s right, I cannot! I just had to get this one!
In this book we meet a little girl who is a giant bookworm and decides to build a big, magical, fun, library! I loved seeing her get the idea and then try to make it reality. From grabbing things left and right (doesn’t matter if anyone was using it given that she took the dining table mid meal 😛 ) to finding the perfect spot to build it, to getting help from friends and fantasy/imaginary creatures. Yep, everyone is here to help this girl out! I loved seeing knights, giants, animals, and more help out to make this girl’s dreams come true. They know that they can also benefit from a fun library! I have to say, given everything, that the library looked a bit unstable, though from the inside it was perfect.
Because the library itself? BOY, I want to go there! Sundaes (though not in the way I know them), ladders (I love that as you can reach books easily then, though in this one it looks like it could also lead to adventures), books books and more books, and anything else you may want to find in a library. That is definitely a library for me!
The art was also such a delight and I really liked the style!
All in all, this is the perfect book for us bookworms who love going to libraries! This one is a dream come true.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
How can I, as a bookworm, resist this adorable and fun sounding book? That’s right, I cannot! I just had to get this one!
In this book we meet a little girl who is a giant bookworm and decides to build a big, magical, fun, library! I loved seeing her get the idea and then try to make it reality. From grabbing things left and right (doesn’t matter if anyone was using it given that she took the dining table mid meal 😛 ) to finding the perfect spot to build it, to getting help from friends and fantasy/imaginary creatures. Yep, everyone is here to help this girl out! I loved seeing knights, giants, animals, and more help out to make this girl’s dreams come true. They know that they can also benefit from a fun library! I have to say, given everything, that the library looked a bit unstable, though from the inside it was perfect.
Because the library itself? BOY, I want to go there! Sundaes (though not in the way I know them), ladders (I love that as you can reach books easily then, though in this one it looks like it could also lead to adventures), books books and more books, and anything else you may want to find in a library. That is definitely a library for me!
The art was also such a delight and I really liked the style!
All in all, this is the perfect book for us bookworms who love going to libraries! This one is a dream come true.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
childrens-books
January 10, 2022Every book - and library - is made better by dragons.
Well, obviously.
And don't forget about TEENY TINY NOOKS for teeny tiny fairies with their teeny tiny books.
Oh my goodness gracious, be still my heart! THIS BOOK.
Who hasn't dreamed of building their own library and filling it with floofy chairs, water slides, a bathtub, dragons, fairies and much, much more?! I, for one, am waiting for my own personal library to curl up in with my giant, dragon and fairy friends. *taps foot impatiently*
Anyways, this is super cute and a lovely book for kids!
Thank you Netgalley for the review copy.
Well, obviously.
And don't forget about TEENY TINY NOOKS for teeny tiny fairies with their teeny tiny books.
Oh my goodness gracious, be still my heart! THIS BOOK.
Who hasn't dreamed of building their own library and filling it with floofy chairs, water slides, a bathtub, dragons, fairies and much, much more?! I, for one, am waiting for my own personal library to curl up in with my giant, dragon and fairy friends. *taps foot impatiently*
Anyways, this is super cute and a lovely book for kids!
Thank you Netgalley for the review copy.
February 16, 2021
This is a cute and fun book for budding bibliophiles about creating a library of your very own. The illustrations are great and very engaging making this is a great read about for little ones.
Many thanks to Capstone Editions and NetGalley for the advance copy.
Many thanks to Capstone Editions and NetGalley for the advance copy.
August 15, 2021
Oh wow!
This was a fun and beautiful book!
I got this after seeing many bookstagrammers post about it, and it is so damn good, and the illustrations are so immaculate and perfect!
A perfect read for little kids (and grown ups)!
This was a fun and beautiful book!
I got this after seeing many bookstagrammers post about it, and it is so damn good, and the illustrations are so immaculate and perfect!
A perfect read for little kids (and grown ups)!
July 29, 2021
Author Lindsay Leslie provides copious license to the wings of her imagination in this utterly compelling and captivating picture book for children. Even though the cover of this Capstone Edition declares that the book is for children, there is no semblance of doubting the pleasures that it gives to all and sundry. To a great extent this is facilitated by the exemplarily brilliant illustrations, courtesy, Aviel Basil.
So how does one build a library? This question forms the quintessential theme behind the book. From the physical materials to real estate infrastructure, the author lets her imagination run wild and the result is a fulfilling laugh riot! And as Leslie warns her readers in no uncertain terms, there has to be dragons in the library. There is no compromising this indispensable requirement. The simple reason being, “every book – and library – is made better by dragons.” However, the dragons need to be appropriately trained.
My mind keeps traveling back to the illustrations. Set out in splashes of bold yellow, adorned with a bewitching tone of dark blue, punctuated by refreshing red and interspersed with judicious dollops of green, every illustration is a joy to behold!
(So You Want to Build a Library by Lindsay Leslie is published by Capstone and will be available beginning 15th August, 2021)
Thank you Net Galley for an Advance Reviewer Copy.
So how does one build a library? This question forms the quintessential theme behind the book. From the physical materials to real estate infrastructure, the author lets her imagination run wild and the result is a fulfilling laugh riot! And as Leslie warns her readers in no uncertain terms, there has to be dragons in the library. There is no compromising this indispensable requirement. The simple reason being, “every book – and library – is made better by dragons.” However, the dragons need to be appropriately trained.
My mind keeps traveling back to the illustrations. Set out in splashes of bold yellow, adorned with a bewitching tone of dark blue, punctuated by refreshing red and interspersed with judicious dollops of green, every illustration is a joy to behold!
(So You Want to Build a Library by Lindsay Leslie is published by Capstone and will be available beginning 15th August, 2021)
Thank you Net Galley for an Advance Reviewer Copy.
February 16, 2021
In this picture book, a child's dream library is built to even include dragons and a waterslide...neither of which seems safe around books! But if you can build your own library (with the help of a giant), why not add all of your favorite things?
I like that this book promotes the love of libraries and reading. I just didn't feel that the book was anything that stood out from the rest. Furthermore, some of the additions to the library seem as though they would detract from reading, such as the playground. In a world where screen time is the new playtime, I'm all for promoting reading, though.
I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone Editions.
I like that this book promotes the love of libraries and reading. I just didn't feel that the book was anything that stood out from the rest. Furthermore, some of the additions to the library seem as though they would detract from reading, such as the playground. In a world where screen time is the new playtime, I'm all for promoting reading, though.
I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone Editions.
February 16, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Wow! This book was absolutely beautiful!
I was attracted to this straight away because of the title, I mean who doesn’t want to build a library.
This book really keyed into the imagination of young children, the (beautiful) illustrations showed how children build their own worlds using found objects. What might seem to be a pile of random objects from an adult perspective is a rich and wonderful world in the eyes of a child.
I also love that the book was talking to the reader directly, making it feel very personable, I feel like this will hook children’s interests.
I can’t wait to share this book with my class. 😊
June 16, 2021
Wow. This book is beautiful.
The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, and I love how vibrant and colourful all of the pictures are!
I love that the library in the story combines all of a readers favourite things — reading in the bath, fairies, giants, playgrounds, unlimited ice scream scoops…
If I was a kid, I’d definitely want to visit this library… if only they made such a thing for adults.
Ultimately, a fantastic and beautifully designed children’s book, that I can’t wait to recommend to everybody.
The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, and I love how vibrant and colourful all of the pictures are!
I love that the library in the story combines all of a readers favourite things — reading in the bath, fairies, giants, playgrounds, unlimited ice scream scoops…
If I was a kid, I’d definitely want to visit this library… if only they made such a thing for adults.
Ultimately, a fantastic and beautifully designed children’s book, that I can’t wait to recommend to everybody.
August 14, 2021
Rating: 4/5
Why you may be asking, did I just read a picture book?
I have no clue. But! I very much enjoyed it! It's a simple book all about building your dream library (which is something I personally think about often) and it's also very inclusive which I loved seeing!
I don't really know how to rate or review picture books since I never read them, but if you are interested in this one I would definitely recommend picking it up!
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Why you may be asking, did I just read a picture book?
I have no clue. But! I very much enjoyed it! It's a simple book all about building your dream library (which is something I personally think about often) and it's also very inclusive which I loved seeing!
I don't really know how to rate or review picture books since I never read them, but if you are interested in this one I would definitely recommend picking it up!
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
August 9, 2022
Where will you put your library? What will be in your library? Tell me.
One imaginative young person utilizes their grown-up's, giants, mythological beings and animals to create their perfect library. From sundae bars to spacious window seats, water slides to conveyor belts, reading nooks and storytime to ladders, who wouldn't want to visit this library?!
The cartoonish illustrations offer a cute take on this idea, fully letting a child's imagination take flight!
What will you imagine and then how will you make it happen?
One imaginative young person utilizes their grown-up's, giants, mythological beings and animals to create their perfect library. From sundae bars to spacious window seats, water slides to conveyor belts, reading nooks and storytime to ladders, who wouldn't want to visit this library?!
The cartoonish illustrations offer a cute take on this idea, fully letting a child's imagination take flight!
What will you imagine and then how will you make it happen?
March 3, 2021
Suuuppper cute book! I have a house full of book lovers and library goers, so this was perfect for us! All of my kids were engaged and even sharing their own ideas for how they would build a library and why they would put in it! The only thing I wished was different was the character is a girl, and my 2 youngest who LOVE library days are boys. I know the assumption is that more readers are girls, but having a boy in there somewhere would have been cool too.
March 17, 2021
3/5 stars!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is cute and I loved how it perpetuates the idea for young children to enjoy reading and to have fun with books and the stories they are reading or have read. The illustrations are cute and the colors are so vibrant and appealing to look at as well.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is cute and I loved how it perpetuates the idea for young children to enjoy reading and to have fun with books and the stories they are reading or have read. The illustrations are cute and the colors are so vibrant and appealing to look at as well.
August 12, 2021
This picture book is an ode to book lovers and libraries and perfect for kids who can't get enough of reading. Ever wanted to build your own library? Well, the protagonist of So You Want To Build a Library has a few ideas of how it should be done. And let me just say I wouldn't mind a water slide and an ice cream sundae booth in my library, either! Such a fun and cute read that I can imagine bookish kids absolutely adoring.
February 24, 2021
If you love books when you were very young, you probably enjoyed going to the library and getting more books. Maybe even dreamed of having your own library to organize and share your books with others.
What does it take to build a library? This colorful illustrated book on the love books and reading will stir up the imagination of your child. A enjoyable book to read!
A special thank you to Capstone and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
What does it take to build a library? This colorful illustrated book on the love books and reading will stir up the imagination of your child. A enjoyable book to read!
A special thank you to Capstone and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
March 11, 2021
Received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Absolutely adorable book about creating an original library with so much fun stuff! I really love the artwork and its style, the colors also help it pop. All the fairytale characters were sweet and loveable. A great book promoting imagination and libraries!
Absolutely adorable book about creating an original library with so much fun stuff! I really love the artwork and its style, the colors also help it pop. All the fairytale characters were sweet and loveable. A great book promoting imagination and libraries!
April 22, 2021
So You Want to Build a Library is a super cute book with inventive, fantastical illustrations and ideas. The creativity in this picture book is wonderful and very entertaining for young book lovers. Perfect to get those imagination gears turning!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy.
February 21, 2021
This beautiful book has fantastical ideas letting your imagination soar with plans for building your own magical library. This gorgeous book would be a wonderful addition to any home library, both children’s and adult’s. I adore stories about libraries and books. It is such a fun connection to reading.
It would have been nice to see just a few pages with ideas for kids to take their book collection (digital as well) and create their own home library without having to have TONS of stuff. Maybe creating things for the space rather than finding them.
I highly recommend this book. Great gift for a lover of books! Amazing illustrations!!!
Thank you so much Capstone, Lindsay Leslie and NetGalley for providing me an ARC version of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Illustrations by (Aviel Basil)
#SoYouWantToBuildaLibrary #NetGalley
It would have been nice to see just a few pages with ideas for kids to take their book collection (digital as well) and create their own home library without having to have TONS of stuff. Maybe creating things for the space rather than finding them.
I highly recommend this book. Great gift for a lover of books! Amazing illustrations!!!
Thank you so much Capstone, Lindsay Leslie and NetGalley for providing me an ARC version of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Illustrations by (Aviel Basil)
#SoYouWantToBuildaLibrary #NetGalley
Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews