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Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia
Luis loves to read, but soon his house in Colombia is so full of books there's barely room for the family. What to do? Then he comes up with the perfect solution—a traveling library! He buys two donkeys—Alfa and Beto—and travels with them throughout the land, bringing books and reading to the children in faraway villages. Beautiful!
Complete with an author's note about the real man on whom this story is based.
Complete with an author's note about the real man on whom this story is based.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published June 8, 2010
18 people are currently reading
1053 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
February 3, 2025
The very last line of the book, part of the author's note, sums this up quite nicely: "A small corner of the world is enriched." Man, book, and probably burro too, have all left an indelible mark, reaching those who otherwise may not have experienced the many new people and places that books allow us to meet and know.
January 6, 2013
Nice, brightly-illustrated account of bibliophile Luis' efforts to shared his beloved and overflowing book collection with those too remote to reach the library. I'm sure his undertaking was more complicated (financially and practically) than is presented here, but this is right for small children.
I read this in Spanish, but that edition doesn't seem to exist on goodreads.
I read this in Spanish, but that edition doesn't seem to exist on goodreads.
August 27, 2010
Adorable and inspiring. I want to donate books!
This is a wonderful true story. Luis Soriana and his burros are still acting as a library to areas that would otherwise not have access to books. This is a modern story. According to the author’s note at the end of the book, this man and his burros started delivering books starting in 2000 when he had 70 books; he now has over 4,800 books to share.
This is an inspiring account. Yes, one person can make a difference, and can turn a “problem” into a wonderful solution. Perhaps “only” 300 people are benefiting, but their lives are vastly improved.
I enjoyed this simple little tale. It’s funny and sweet. I could have done without the bandits page but I guess that part is probably realistic and also shows what Luis is willing to go through to get the books to people who will appreciate them.
The illustrations won me over. They’re so charming. Young children will enjoy looking at all the details, including the hilariously placed butterflies on almost every page. The burros are so huggable! The bright colors and art style make these pictures special.
5 stars for the man and his project, and a solid 4 stars for the book.
This is a wonderful true story. Luis Soriana and his burros are still acting as a library to areas that would otherwise not have access to books. This is a modern story. According to the author’s note at the end of the book, this man and his burros started delivering books starting in 2000 when he had 70 books; he now has over 4,800 books to share.
This is an inspiring account. Yes, one person can make a difference, and can turn a “problem” into a wonderful solution. Perhaps “only” 300 people are benefiting, but their lives are vastly improved.
I enjoyed this simple little tale. It’s funny and sweet. I could have done without the bandits page but I guess that part is probably realistic and also shows what Luis is willing to go through to get the books to people who will appreciate them.
The illustrations won me over. They’re so charming. Young children will enjoy looking at all the details, including the hilariously placed butterflies on almost every page. The burros are so huggable! The bright colors and art style make these pictures special.
5 stars for the man and his project, and a solid 4 stars for the book.
September 29, 2010
Loved this story! It's the true story of a wonderful Columbian man who lives in the countryside in a house full of books, books and more books! One day, he decides (with a little help from his wife, who is getting a bit tired of all those books everywhere, haha!) that he should share his love of stories with children across the countryside who don't have access to books in their everyday lives. So, he loads crates of books onto burros and has a traveling Biblioburro :-) The story is told with the charm of a fable and the illustrations, while not initially my cup of tea, really do evoke a sense of atmosphere. This is a great regional variation on the bookmobile idea and it's even better because it's a TRUE story. Yay, Luis Soriana! You rock!!! I love the message that one person really can make a difference.
April 1, 2020
Jeanette Winter, whose non-fiction picture-books about extraordinary people from around the world include such titles as
The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq
and
Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa
, turns to the tale of book-lover and volunteer librarian Luis Soriano in Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia. A true reader and book collector (and a primary school teacher), Luis longed to share the blessing of his personal library with the people of the isolated villages in his region of Colombia: people who didn't have access to books. And so he purchased two burros, Alfa and Beto, loaded up his volumes, and set out to bring the printed word to his fellow citizens.
This tale of a mobile library and librarian in Colombia reminded me of other, similar stories, from Down Cut Shin Creek: The Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky , which relates the history of the pioneer mobile library services offered in the Appalachian region during the Great Depression, to My Librarian Is a Camel: How Books Are Brought to Children Around the World , which profiles traveling libraries in thirteen countries. I enjoyed Winter's simple narrative, and her colorful acrylic and ink illustrations, but I did find myself wishing for a little more. I wanted to know more about Luis, and the communities he served: other than the brief episode with the bandit, what other challenges did Luis face? The afterword mentions donations having greatly swelled Luis's library - how does he transport the additional books, or does he have to pick and choose?
Leaving that aside, this was still an engaging story, simply told and suitable for younger readers - a story that might, potentially, make them appreciate some of the blessings (like books!) that they themselves enjoy.
This tale of a mobile library and librarian in Colombia reminded me of other, similar stories, from Down Cut Shin Creek: The Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky , which relates the history of the pioneer mobile library services offered in the Appalachian region during the Great Depression, to My Librarian Is a Camel: How Books Are Brought to Children Around the World , which profiles traveling libraries in thirteen countries. I enjoyed Winter's simple narrative, and her colorful acrylic and ink illustrations, but I did find myself wishing for a little more. I wanted to know more about Luis, and the communities he served: other than the brief episode with the bandit, what other challenges did Luis face? The afterword mentions donations having greatly swelled Luis's library - how does he transport the additional books, or does he have to pick and choose?
Leaving that aside, this was still an engaging story, simply told and suitable for younger readers - a story that might, potentially, make them appreciate some of the blessings (like books!) that they themselves enjoy.
October 5, 2013
Biblioburro is a true story about a man names Luis, a school teacher who loves to read, and his two burros, Alfa and Beto. The story takes place in rural Colombia, where Luis has collected so many books that he decides to share them with people who live in faraway villages. Luis takes his books on his two burros and travels to the countryside every weekend to share his love of reading with the children of El Tormento, by reading to them and letting them borrow his books. This story expresses the importance of education and how reading can be empowering.
The colorful illustrations give life to Luis' story and help explain the simple text on each page. After my first read, I thought this book was appropriate for 1st and second graders as the pictures and illustrations are level appropriate and are visually appealing for that age.
However, after reading it a second time I did struggle with one of the illustrations. It shows a bandit with a gun trying to rob Luis on his journey. The positive side of this illustration is that later on in the book, another illustration shows the bandit reading a book under a tree. So, the illustrator and author do try to show the power education can have on violence and crime. Still, I would have a hard time using this book in class, so if I did, it would have to be with a 3rd grade class or higher and under the premise that we would discuss the theme the illustrator is trying to create. In any case, use this book with caution in the classroom.
Awards:
Americas Award Commended Title
Booklinks Lasting Connections
CCBC Choices (Cooperative Children's Book Council)
Monarch Award Master List (IL)
NCTE Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts
The colorful illustrations give life to Luis' story and help explain the simple text on each page. After my first read, I thought this book was appropriate for 1st and second graders as the pictures and illustrations are level appropriate and are visually appealing for that age.
However, after reading it a second time I did struggle with one of the illustrations. It shows a bandit with a gun trying to rob Luis on his journey. The positive side of this illustration is that later on in the book, another illustration shows the bandit reading a book under a tree. So, the illustrator and author do try to show the power education can have on violence and crime. Still, I would have a hard time using this book in class, so if I did, it would have to be with a 3rd grade class or higher and under the premise that we would discuss the theme the illustrator is trying to create. In any case, use this book with caution in the classroom.
Awards:
Americas Award Commended Title
Booklinks Lasting Connections
CCBC Choices (Cooperative Children's Book Council)
Monarch Award Master List (IL)
NCTE Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts
November 9, 2017
A true story of a man with "too many books" who decided to donate them to children who didn't have any. The pictures are brilliantly colored and so beautiful it will captivate all the students. This man lives in the jungles of Columbia and is wife is growing tired of all the books everywhere so he gets the idea to travel to the hills and share them with children who have no access to books. His "biblioburro" is essentially a bookmobile on a donkey. To this day he has donated over 4,000 books to children.
This story is a great way to help children realize how fortunate they are to have such easy access to books. It is also a great multicultural book to give them a small window into how people live their lives in Columbia. This story also can be a bridge into teaching students about the importance of donating and helping others in need. This man sacrificed many, many hours traveling on his donkey for no reward other than just helping children get access to books. It's a cute, short and sweet story with vibrant pictures of a giving man who is selfless enough to sacrifice his time for the joy of children. I would love to read this in my classroom and then start a donation of old books that children have at home to give to children in need.
This story is a great way to help children realize how fortunate they are to have such easy access to books. It is also a great multicultural book to give them a small window into how people live their lives in Columbia. This story also can be a bridge into teaching students about the importance of donating and helping others in need. This man sacrificed many, many hours traveling on his donkey for no reward other than just helping children get access to books. It's a cute, short and sweet story with vibrant pictures of a giving man who is selfless enough to sacrifice his time for the joy of children. I would love to read this in my classroom and then start a donation of old books that children have at home to give to children in need.
September 30, 2025
This book is based on a true story of a man who loves to read! He insists on sharing his love of reading throughout Columbia, but how? This is an excellent read for children ages 4-8! I would use this as a book to show young children how much others appreciate the ability to have access to books. This may help the student put their life in perspective versus those who have much less.
March 20, 2015
1. Twin Text: Five Little Monkeys Reading in Bed by Eileen Christleow Copyright 2014
2. Rationale: Biblioburro is a precious story from the remote villages of Colombia. It tells the true tale of a man named Luis who loves reading and wants to share his love of books with others. He decides to load his two trusty donkeys with books and ride them deep into the jungle to bring books to those who have none. He reads a story to the children first (a true interactive read aloud complete with masks), then everyone gets to pick a book. The story goes that “…the children read borrowed books deep into their night.” The twin text of Five Little Monkeys Reading in Bed is also a story of a love of books. Mother monkey is quiet frustrated when her five monkey children won’t go to sleep. Instead they, too, want to stay up and read deep into the night just like Luis and the children in Colombia.
3. Text Structure: The text structure is a combination of chronological sequence and problem and solution. The story is told as it unfolded the first time. From the idea’s inception to when Luis brought books to the first village. The problems of rivers and bandits are interwoven, but solved relatively quickly as the story is written for K-2nd graders.
4. Strategy Application: I would use the text to text, text to self strategy as I introduced these two books to my students. Both have strong and visible connections between the real life children who would rather read than sleep, and the five little monkeys who would rather read as well. These texts would be a great first leap into making connections with young audiences. Both books are brightly illustrated and have fun story lines. Each are highly engaging and fun.
2. Rationale: Biblioburro is a precious story from the remote villages of Colombia. It tells the true tale of a man named Luis who loves reading and wants to share his love of books with others. He decides to load his two trusty donkeys with books and ride them deep into the jungle to bring books to those who have none. He reads a story to the children first (a true interactive read aloud complete with masks), then everyone gets to pick a book. The story goes that “…the children read borrowed books deep into their night.” The twin text of Five Little Monkeys Reading in Bed is also a story of a love of books. Mother monkey is quiet frustrated when her five monkey children won’t go to sleep. Instead they, too, want to stay up and read deep into the night just like Luis and the children in Colombia.
3. Text Structure: The text structure is a combination of chronological sequence and problem and solution. The story is told as it unfolded the first time. From the idea’s inception to when Luis brought books to the first village. The problems of rivers and bandits are interwoven, but solved relatively quickly as the story is written for K-2nd graders.
4. Strategy Application: I would use the text to text, text to self strategy as I introduced these two books to my students. Both have strong and visible connections between the real life children who would rather read than sleep, and the five little monkeys who would rather read as well. These texts would be a great first leap into making connections with young audiences. Both books are brightly illustrated and have fun story lines. Each are highly engaging and fun.
November 28, 2011
Bright Colors, wild animals, and cartoon drawings visually attract young children to this amazing story set in Columbia. Not only is this book an incredible tale, but it is one that is based on a true story. The tale is of a Columbian school teacher that loved to read. One day he realized that he had so many books that he decided to give them to other people. He traveled with two burros (mules) to deliver his extra books to children high up in the mountains of Columbia. Monica Brown uses vivid detail that is strong but also simple enough for children to read and understand. An example of this is when Brown writes, " "Deep in the jungles of Colombia, there lives a man who loves books. His name is Luis. As soon as he reads one book, he brings home another. Soon the house is filled with books. His wife, Diana, grumbles." The language is so strong, but is clean and simple for children. The story is so much fun and it is great for children to read and begin to understand other people's cultures and lifestyles. This book is so much fun for children to read and is a great way to learn about different cultures other than their own.
July 25, 2010
Have you seen this adorable new book (Simon and Schuster)?
Luis is a man who lives in the jungles of Columbia. He is a man who LOVES books, and his home is filled with them. When his wife gets upset about all the books, Luis gets an idea.
Along with the help of his two sturdy burros: Alfa and Beto, they start a 'blibloburro bookmobile' of sorts,. Together Luis and his two burros transport the books to people in the the hills of Columbia who have none. Each weekend when they make the trip, Luis reads the children a story and then the children get to select a book.
Biblioburro, is a delight for children and adults, and of course book lovers. It is based on a true story. The burro bookmobile began in 2000 with about 70 books and has grown to almost 4,800, mostly due to donations.
The book is complete with vivid, colorful illustrations in folkart style that are sure to please.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - 5/5 stars
Luis is a man who lives in the jungles of Columbia. He is a man who LOVES books, and his home is filled with them. When his wife gets upset about all the books, Luis gets an idea.
Along with the help of his two sturdy burros: Alfa and Beto, they start a 'blibloburro bookmobile' of sorts,. Together Luis and his two burros transport the books to people in the the hills of Columbia who have none. Each weekend when they make the trip, Luis reads the children a story and then the children get to select a book.
Biblioburro, is a delight for children and adults, and of course book lovers. It is based on a true story. The burro bookmobile began in 2000 with about 70 books and has grown to almost 4,800, mostly due to donations.
The book is complete with vivid, colorful illustrations in folkart style that are sure to please.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - 5/5 stars
July 6, 2011
Biblioburro: A True Story from Columbia is a mostly nonfiction picture book whose target audience is chilren ages 4-8. The author tells the true story of Luis Soriano, a teacher from Columbia. After realizing how wealthy he was in regards to books, Luis decided to load them up on two burros and take them to children in the mountains who had no libraries and few books.
The text and font are easy to read and the illustrations are cheery, colorful, and match the tone and story. Children will enjoy hearing the story of Luis and his biblioburros and parents and librarians can enjoy introducing the genre of nonfiction to even the littlest readers.
The text and font are easy to read and the illustrations are cheery, colorful, and match the tone and story. Children will enjoy hearing the story of Luis and his biblioburros and parents and librarians can enjoy introducing the genre of nonfiction to even the littlest readers.
April 30, 2017
I love this true story of a man in Colombia who wants to share his books with others in the remote area where he lives. Not only does he deliver them, but he tells stories to the children as well. It reminds me of Kathi Appelt's Down Cut Shin Creek: the Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky and Nancy Smiler Levinson's Clara and the Bookwagon. It's hard to imagine a country where libraries are scarce. I don't know what I'd do without books! Highly recommended, especially in combination with Appelt's and Levinson's books, as well as Margriet Ruurs' My Librarian is a Camel.
August 10, 2010
"Deep in the jungles of Columbia, there lives a man who loves books."
And so begins the wonderful true story of a man named Luis who comes up with a brilliant idea to share his books with those who have none.
4 stars for the story and 5 stars for the gorgeously bright and vivid illustrations! Loved the random butterflies perching on their heads and shoulders and the adorably drawn burros. <3
And so begins the wonderful true story of a man named Luis who comes up with a brilliant idea to share his books with those who have none.
4 stars for the story and 5 stars for the gorgeously bright and vivid illustrations! Loved the random butterflies perching on their heads and shoulders and the adorably drawn burros. <3
April 15, 2018
A story geared for younger children about a man that delivers books to villages scattered in the mountains of Colombia.
Ages: 3 - 8
#geography #southamerica #colombia
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
Ages: 3 - 8
#geography #southamerica #colombia
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
April 4, 2012
Luis Soriana, an avid reader and schoolteacher, wanted to share his love of reading with people and children living in isolated areas in northern Colombia so he bought two burros and changed the lives of many. Most of the homes in this areas were without books and Luis greatly enhanced their lives with books.
Based on the true story.
Based on the true story.
July 5, 2012
This is a very colorful storybook about a Colombian man who shares his book collection with neighboring villages by heading the world's first donkey-back library!
Vegan parents note: Since this story features animals as beasts of burden, as well as Luis buying the two donkeys he uses for his library, there may be a bit of discomfort for vegan families in this one.
Vegan parents note: Since this story features animals as beasts of burden, as well as Luis buying the two donkeys he uses for his library, there may be a bit of discomfort for vegan families in this one.
August 8, 2012
Beautifully illustrated story of the mobile burro/donkey library in Colombia. At one point a thief demands of Luis "give me your silver" which I assumed to be a mistake in translation of "plata" in Spanish which does not mean "silver" but actually means "money" in this context.
November 18, 2016
A heart-warming true story.
October 1, 2018
I love the real life story behind it, but this paints the motive as starting because there are too many books, and what to do with all the books. I relate.
August 28, 2025
I loved the story is Luis the biblioburro. He is a legend and I'm glad this book shares his story. What I liked was the simple language used to share the story and the bright illustrations. the reason I'm giving it 3 stars is because there is a particular scene that I don't feel was handled with care. There is a scene in which a robber asks for his silver with the use of a gun. While this might have actually happened to Luis I am not sure if it was needed to be shared. It doesn't move the story forward. Also many people view Colombia and Latin America as a dangerous place so to put this in the book felt like the wrong focus for the book. I prefer the book "Waiting for the Biblioburro" by Monica Brown.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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September 14, 2024I have read this all week for "lessons" in the library. It is amazing. It makes the students think, wwow, some kids do not have books available all the time as we do. Wow, a mind bender for the kids...
April 24, 2023
Winters’ writing and illustrations are impeccable. Biblioburro is no exception! This narrative describes how one man turned his large book collection into a traveling library. Highly recommended.
February 29, 2024
A brightly illustrated story about the power of readers.
March 25, 2019
I have no children to share it with and I am not a teacher, still, I loved Biblioburro so much I had to buy it. Bright cheerful artwork, a just-the-right-length story, and a happy books-before-bed ending.
February 22, 2019
Clever story of a man who brings books to the children of his part of Columbia. Based on the real-life traveling librarian, Luis Soriano. (Please preview before reading-2 pages w/robbery.)
October 19, 2012
Grade/interest level: K-2
Reading level:
Genre: Multicultural, Non-fiction
Main Characters: Luis Soriano
Setting: Colombia
POV: 3rd pov
Biblioburro: A True Story From Colombia is the true story about a man who hopped onto a donkey and brought the joys of reading to the children of Colombia. Luis Soriano loved books. He collects so many books that he no longer has room to keep them in his house. Since his home is overflowing with books, he decides to share these books with people and children in other villages. Luis takes his two donkeys and creates a traveling library bringing delivering the gift of reading to the children of Colombia.
I would teach this story to my class because of its potential to show students the power of reading and books. This story also incorporates Spanish terms such as burro (donkey). The illustrations are also very colorful and eye catching.
Reading level:
Genre: Multicultural, Non-fiction
Main Characters: Luis Soriano
Setting: Colombia
POV: 3rd pov
Biblioburro: A True Story From Colombia is the true story about a man who hopped onto a donkey and brought the joys of reading to the children of Colombia. Luis Soriano loved books. He collects so many books that he no longer has room to keep them in his house. Since his home is overflowing with books, he decides to share these books with people and children in other villages. Luis takes his two donkeys and creates a traveling library bringing delivering the gift of reading to the children of Colombia.
I would teach this story to my class because of its potential to show students the power of reading and books. This story also incorporates Spanish terms such as burro (donkey). The illustrations are also very colorful and eye catching.
September 26, 2013
This story is based on Luis Soriana and the impact he makes in his corner of the world: La Gloria, a remote town in northern Colombia. Luis wanted to share books with kids and families who didn't have any in their home and had limited access due to their living in remote villages, so he rounded up two burros and loaded some books on their back in a quest to connect people and books.
What I love about this book is that it presents a different type of library access in a read aloud story supported by vibrant acrylic and pen and ink illustrations. A note following the story gives readers more information about thisamazing man.
Yay for great library reads, especially representing countries outside our own as the experience can often times be quite different than in America. Grades 1-3.
What I love about this book is that it presents a different type of library access in a read aloud story supported by vibrant acrylic and pen and ink illustrations. A note following the story gives readers more information about thisamazing man.
Yay for great library reads, especially representing countries outside our own as the experience can often times be quite different than in America. Grades 1-3.
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April 26, 20141. Text to self – This book offered a reminder to me as to how beautiful and dynamic South America is. The illustrations here take a look at the jungles of Colombia and the cultures within them. Someday, I would really like to travel to a South American country to visit an area such as Colombia.
2. Remembering: What type of animals did Luis purchase?
Understanding: Describe what happened in the story before Luis started his Biblio-burro.
Applying: How is Luis’ library similar to a library that you’ve visited?
Analyzing: How would you compare Colombia to your hometown?
Evaluating: What choice would you have made if you were in Luis’ situation?
Creating: What changes would you make to Luis’ journey if you had the option?
3. (2011, June 1). School Library Journal. http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#
2. Remembering: What type of animals did Luis purchase?
Understanding: Describe what happened in the story before Luis started his Biblio-burro.
Applying: How is Luis’ library similar to a library that you’ve visited?
Analyzing: How would you compare Colombia to your hometown?
Evaluating: What choice would you have made if you were in Luis’ situation?
Creating: What changes would you make to Luis’ journey if you had the option?
3. (2011, June 1). School Library Journal. http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#
December 11, 2017
This book truly inspires the young reader to cherish books. Luis, a man from Columbia has acquired a tremendous amount of books throughout his life from his love of reading. He decides that he does not need all of these books the way that those who do not have as much of them do. He takes two mules, and travels with the books to a village to bring books to children. This becomes a tradition he keeps doing for a long time. He becomes his own traveling library. This book is great for children aged 5-9, and has beautiful, vibrant illustrations. The same author also wrote, "Waiting For Biblioburro" which is a second book about the same topic. The best part about this book is that it is based on a true story, and the last page of the book talks about the man behind the character. Children can travel through the Columbian plains in this book, and even learn some Spanish words along the way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews