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Waiting for the Biblioburro
Ana loves stories. She often makes them up to help her little brother fall asleep. But in her small village there are only a few books and she has read them all. One morning, Ana wakes up to the clip-clop of hooves, and there before her, is the most wonderful a traveling library resting on the backs of two burros‑all the books a little girl could dream of, with enough stories to encourage her to create one of her own.
Inspired by the heroic efforts of real-life librarian Luis Soriano, award-winning picture book creators Monica Brown and John Parra introduce readers to the mobile library that journeys over mountains and through valleys to bring literacy and culture to rural Colombia, and to the children who wait for the BiblioBurro.
A portion of the proceeds from sales of this book was donated to Luis Soriano's BiblioBurro program.
Inspired by the heroic efforts of real-life librarian Luis Soriano, award-winning picture book creators Monica Brown and John Parra introduce readers to the mobile library that journeys over mountains and through valleys to bring literacy and culture to rural Colombia, and to the children who wait for the BiblioBurro.
A portion of the proceeds from sales of this book was donated to Luis Soriano's BiblioBurro program.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published July 12, 2011
About the author
Monica Brown
95 books122 followersMonica Brown, Ph.D. is the author of awardwinning bilingual books for children, including My Name Is Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz/Me llamo Celia: La vida de Celia Cruz (Luna Rising), a recipient of the Américas Award for Children's Literature and a Pura Belpré Honor. Her second picture book, My Name Is Gabriela: The Life of Gabriela Mistral/Me llamo Gabriela: La vida de Gabriela Mistral (Luna Rising) shares the story of the first Latina to win a Nobel Prize.
Monica's books are inspired by her Peruvian-American heritage and desire to share Latino/a stories with children. "I write from a place of deep passion, joy, and commitment to producing the highest possible quality of literature for children. In my biographies, the lives of my subjects are so interesting and transformational that I am simply giving them voice for a young audience. I don't think it is ever too early to introduce children to the concepts of magical realism, social justice, and dreaming big!"
Her other books include Chavela and the Magic Bubble (Clarion), Pelé, King of Soccer/Pelé, el rey del fútbol (Rayo/HarperCollins), My Name is Gabito: The Life of Gabriel Garcia Márquez/Me llamo Gabito: La vida de Gabriel Garcia Márquez (Luna Rising), and the forthcoming Side by Side: The Story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez/Lado a lado, La Historia de Dolores Huerta y César Chávez (Rayo/HarperCollins).
Monica Brown is a Professor of English at Northern Arizona University, specializing in U.S. Latino Literature and Multicultural Literature. She also writes and publishes scholarly work with a Latino/a focus, including Gang Nation: Delinquent Citizenship in Puerto Rican and Chicano and Chicana Literature; and numerous scholarly articles and chapters on Latino/a literature and cultural studies. She is a recipient of the prestigious Rockefeller Fellowship on Chicano Cultural Literacies from the Center for Chicano Studies at the University of California. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Flagstaff, Arizona.
To hear Monica Brown on Arizona NPR radio, click here or here. Find out what Monica Brown has to say about children's books and literacy here and here.
Monica's books are inspired by her Peruvian-American heritage and desire to share Latino/a stories with children. "I write from a place of deep passion, joy, and commitment to producing the highest possible quality of literature for children. In my biographies, the lives of my subjects are so interesting and transformational that I am simply giving them voice for a young audience. I don't think it is ever too early to introduce children to the concepts of magical realism, social justice, and dreaming big!"
Her other books include Chavela and the Magic Bubble (Clarion), Pelé, King of Soccer/Pelé, el rey del fútbol (Rayo/HarperCollins), My Name is Gabito: The Life of Gabriel Garcia Márquez/Me llamo Gabito: La vida de Gabriel Garcia Márquez (Luna Rising), and the forthcoming Side by Side: The Story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez/Lado a lado, La Historia de Dolores Huerta y César Chávez (Rayo/HarperCollins).
Monica Brown is a Professor of English at Northern Arizona University, specializing in U.S. Latino Literature and Multicultural Literature. She also writes and publishes scholarly work with a Latino/a focus, including Gang Nation: Delinquent Citizenship in Puerto Rican and Chicano and Chicana Literature; and numerous scholarly articles and chapters on Latino/a literature and cultural studies. She is a recipient of the prestigious Rockefeller Fellowship on Chicano Cultural Literacies from the Center for Chicano Studies at the University of California. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Flagstaff, Arizona.
To hear Monica Brown on Arizona NPR radio, click here or here. Find out what Monica Brown has to say about children's books and literacy here and here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
May 18, 2025
Why I chose to read this book:
1. while searching for a specific picture book on my local library's website, I noticed this particular book featured as a "book-about-books"; and,
2. ever since reading the picture book That Book Woman by Heather Henson, I've been fascinated to learn about all those courageous people, including Pack Horse Librarians, who have braved the forces of nature and the ignorance of humanity in order to bring the written word to those who cannot get it themselves. To see a picture book about traveling librarians in Colombia using burros just called to my book-lover's heart.
Praises:
1. author Monica Brown included a Glossary of Spanish Terms and an Author's Note detailing how librarians deliver books in other countries. This led me to use a globe to share these places to my Grade 1 charges. What a lively discussion we had!
2. I read this book aloud to a Grade 1 class (6 to 7-year-olds.) Here are their thoughts:
- "I liked how the kids got their books!"
- "I liked how the librarian rode a donkey."
- "I liked that the donkeys were characters and the sound that they made."
- "I liked learning some Spanish words."
- "I liked how Ana wrote a book for the librarian."
- "I liked the colorful pictures!"
Overall Thoughts:
If reading about pack horse librarians fascinates you, I'm sure you would enjoy this book as well.
A wonderful story for all ages!
1. while searching for a specific picture book on my local library's website, I noticed this particular book featured as a "book-about-books"; and,
2. ever since reading the picture book That Book Woman by Heather Henson, I've been fascinated to learn about all those courageous people, including Pack Horse Librarians, who have braved the forces of nature and the ignorance of humanity in order to bring the written word to those who cannot get it themselves. To see a picture book about traveling librarians in Colombia using burros just called to my book-lover's heart.
Praises:
1. author Monica Brown included a Glossary of Spanish Terms and an Author's Note detailing how librarians deliver books in other countries. This led me to use a globe to share these places to my Grade 1 charges. What a lively discussion we had!
2. I read this book aloud to a Grade 1 class (6 to 7-year-olds.) Here are their thoughts:
- "I liked how the kids got their books!"
- "I liked how the librarian rode a donkey."
- "I liked that the donkeys were characters and the sound that they made."
- "I liked learning some Spanish words."
- "I liked how Ana wrote a book for the librarian."
- "I liked the colorful pictures!"
Overall Thoughts:
If reading about pack horse librarians fascinates you, I'm sure you would enjoy this book as well.
A wonderful story for all ages!
October 13, 2021
Not every child has a brick and mortar library down the street. This gorgeous picture book by Monica Brown and John Parra tells the story of a travelling librarian who uses two burros to deliver books to children in the villages of Colombia. His burros are named Alpha and Beto. My work in Youth Services at a US library has given me many opportunities to share books with children. This book reminds me of how blessed we are and of how creative people around the world can be to share books with others. Includes a glossary of Spanish terms used and a short note about the inspiration for the book.
May 26, 2025
In many parts of the world it’s difficult for residents of remote towns and villages to have access to books.
Author Monica Brown’s book is based on a true story about Luis Soriano Bohorquez, a teacher and librarian who delivers books to children living in isolated areas of Colombia. He travels with his two burros named Alfa and Beto who help carry the books.
This is a heartwarming story that children would enjoy reading!
The book jacket contains a quote from Mr. Bohorquez who started the Biblioburro Foundation:
“…..My hope is to instill good values and imagination in children so that they can dream and create a better world.”
Author Monica Brown’s book is based on a true story about Luis Soriano Bohorquez, a teacher and librarian who delivers books to children living in isolated areas of Colombia. He travels with his two burros named Alfa and Beto who help carry the books.
This is a heartwarming story that children would enjoy reading!
The book jacket contains a quote from Mr. Bohorquez who started the Biblioburro Foundation:
“…..My hope is to instill good values and imagination in children so that they can dream and create a better world.”
May 10, 2022
Wonderful story about a man who travels from town to town bringing books to the children. Based on the work of Luis Soriano Bohorquez, a teacher and librarian who delivered books to children in remote villages in Colombia. I think this is a story children from all over the world will take to heart as they see how love of reading transcends borders.
January 5, 2022
Waiting for the Biblioburro (featuring a wonderful, evocative narrative by Monica Brown and John Parra's equally enchanting accompanying illustrations) is the inspiring and thought-provoking story about a librarian in Colombia, who delivers and distributes his library books, not from the distribution desk of a building, not even from a motorised bookmobile, but using two trusted mules, Alfa and Beto (the two first letters of the alphabet). And of course, Waiting for the Bibliloburro is also a sweet and satisfying tale about a little girl named Ana, who loves stories (los cuentos) and patiently waits for the biblioburro to return, bearing gifts of books, new ideas, new cuentos, new tales she can read for herself and then tell, recount them to her family, but in particular to her little brother.
Considering that so many of us (both children and adults, and especially in North America and Western Europe) seem to take books and the ready availability of books, of libraries very much for granted, Waiting for the Biblioburro is a good story to demonstrate that even today, in many parts of the world, books are not only considered special and precious, they are often expensive and much difficult to obtain, both for purchasing and for borrowing. Many, if not most of us simply order our books at the local library and then go and pick them up a few days, sometimes even just a few hours later (but for children like Ana, there are no libraries, no books readily available, and these children must depend on brave and resourceful librarians to personally deliver precious library books on horseback, astride mules, on foot etc.). Waiting for the Biblioburro feels both authentic and realistic (the liberal use of Spanish throughout the text increases that perception of authenticity, and also provides some basic Spanish language instruction in a fun and unobtrusive way). The reader empathises with Ana, feeling and appreciating her longing for books and more and more books (I almost feel as though I am Ana, patiently waiting for the biblioburro to return). And of course, one also empathises with the librarian (his love for books, learning and teaching, for delivering the joy of reading, the gift of education to the children, to the people of Ana's village, is almost palpable, a warm, pleasant, and simply wonderful security blanket like sensation). Now I do not think that on their own, John Parra's folk art type illustrations would be personal favourites (and I have to agree with my GR friend Cheryl that the oversized heads are definitely more than a bit off-putting). However, in conjunction with and to Monica Brown's presented narrative, the illustrations actually and totally provide the perfect complement to the text, both mirroring the latter and also providing a warm and authentic palette, tableau of Colombian culture, life and traditions.
Considering that so many of us (both children and adults, and especially in North America and Western Europe) seem to take books and the ready availability of books, of libraries very much for granted, Waiting for the Biblioburro is a good story to demonstrate that even today, in many parts of the world, books are not only considered special and precious, they are often expensive and much difficult to obtain, both for purchasing and for borrowing. Many, if not most of us simply order our books at the local library and then go and pick them up a few days, sometimes even just a few hours later (but for children like Ana, there are no libraries, no books readily available, and these children must depend on brave and resourceful librarians to personally deliver precious library books on horseback, astride mules, on foot etc.). Waiting for the Biblioburro feels both authentic and realistic (the liberal use of Spanish throughout the text increases that perception of authenticity, and also provides some basic Spanish language instruction in a fun and unobtrusive way). The reader empathises with Ana, feeling and appreciating her longing for books and more and more books (I almost feel as though I am Ana, patiently waiting for the biblioburro to return). And of course, one also empathises with the librarian (his love for books, learning and teaching, for delivering the joy of reading, the gift of education to the children, to the people of Ana's village, is almost palpable, a warm, pleasant, and simply wonderful security blanket like sensation). Now I do not think that on their own, John Parra's folk art type illustrations would be personal favourites (and I have to agree with my GR friend Cheryl that the oversized heads are definitely more than a bit off-putting). However, in conjunction with and to Monica Brown's presented narrative, the illustrations actually and totally provide the perfect complement to the text, both mirroring the latter and also providing a warm and authentic palette, tableau of Colombian culture, life and traditions.
February 27, 2019
This book is ADORABLE. I’m quitting my job and buying two burros and becoming a traveling librarian.
October 26, 2021
Loved this! Such a warm, vibrant story full of the joy and love of books... reading them, writing them, waiting for them with eager anticipation. Just wonderful how the little girl is inspired to tell her own stories, and write her own book... loved the ending, the way stories blossom out into the world. I've always adored the idea of bookmobiles and traveling libraries and this story about real-life teacher and librarian Luis Soriano Bohorquez, of Columbia, (and his two sweet burros, Alfa and Beto) really touched me. Highly recommend to book lovers, writers, and anyone interested in multicultural stories and bilingual books.
February 10, 2012
The children of Ana's village (in Colombia?)have lost their only teacher, and Ana reads her one book over and over again. When that pales she makes up stories to tell her little brother. But she longs to be able to read more books. One day a man comes to the village with two burros laden with books: The Biblioburro[s]. Since I grew up in a town with no library, where a Bookmobile came once a month, I can feel Ana's joy at the wealth of books for her to read. The delightful story is inspired by a Colombian librarian named Luis Soriano Bohorquez, according to an Author's note. The author is Peruvian-American, the author of _My Name Is Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz/Me llamo Celia: La vida de Celia Cruz_,a Pura Belpré Honor Book. Her picture book Side by Side: The Story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez/Lado a lado: La historia de Dolores Huerta y Cesar Chavez) was an NAACP Image Award nominee and Tejas Star Book Award finalist. According to her website (http://www.monicabrown.net/about/inde... "Monica's books are inspired by her Peruvian-American heritage and desire to share Latino/a stories with children. 'I write from a place of deep passion, joy, and commitment to producing the highest possible quality of literature for children. In my biographies, the lives of my subjects are so interesting and transformational that I am simply giving them voice for a young audience. I don't think it is ever too early to introduce children to the concepts of magical realism, social justice, and dreaming big!'"
Children will learn a few Spanish words from this book, as defined by a glossary at the end.
But the folk art-like acrylic-on-board illustrations are just as delightful: rich pastel greens and pinks and blues in stylized patterns may remind the reader of not only the painters of Mexican mural artists the books of Virginia Lee Burton, especially _The Little House_. The artist, John Parras, grew up in California, but "his Hispanic roots and heritage have provided a rich cultural palette of inspiring imagery and customs," according to his website (www.johnparraart.com/Bio.htm) Some of the visual influences seen in his work are also pop art designs, cultural symbols, surrealist compositions, regional cuisine, music, and dance costumes. The Lexile measure is AD880, probably because of the Spanish words, so read aloud to young children.
Children will learn a few Spanish words from this book, as defined by a glossary at the end.
But the folk art-like acrylic-on-board illustrations are just as delightful: rich pastel greens and pinks and blues in stylized patterns may remind the reader of not only the painters of Mexican mural artists the books of Virginia Lee Burton, especially _The Little House_. The artist, John Parras, grew up in California, but "his Hispanic roots and heritage have provided a rich cultural palette of inspiring imagery and customs," according to his website (www.johnparraart.com/Bio.htm) Some of the visual influences seen in his work are also pop art designs, cultural symbols, surrealist compositions, regional cuisine, music, and dance costumes. The Lexile measure is AD880, probably because of the Spanish words, so read aloud to young children.
May 11, 2019
Monica Brown, whose many picture-book biographies of celebrated Latin American authors include
My Name Is Gabito/Mi Llamo Gabito: The Life of Gabriel Garcia Marquez/La Vida De Gabriel Garcia Marquez
and
Me Llamo Gabriela/my Name Is Gabriela: La Vida de Gabriela Mistral / The Life of Gabriela Mistral
, turns here to another kind of literary hero: the librarian. Told from the perspective of Ana, a fictional Colombian girl who loves reading (and telling!) stories, but who has access to only one book - given to her by the local teacher, who went away, and was never replaced - Waiting for the Biblioburro is a tribute to Luis Soriano Bohórquez, a real-life teacher and book-lover who became an itinerant librarian, loading up his burros, Alfa and Beto, and bringing the precious gift of reading to the isolated country villages and towns of his country...
Waiting for the Biblioburro was chosen as one of our March selections, over in The Picture-Book Club to which I belong, where our theme this month is "Libraries," and I'm so glad that it was! Having already read Jeanette Winter's Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia , which profiles the same figure, I might otherwise have passed it by, which would have been a shame, since I enjoyed Brown's book even more than Winter's. By focusing on Ana, the author here really brings home the enormously positive impact that Luis Soriano Bohórquez and his biblioburros had on rural Colombian children. The artwork, done in acrylic, in a folk-motif style, really appealed to me - they were just gorgeous! Highly recommended to all young bibliophiles and library-lovers, as well as to anyone who complains about the services available to them from their local library.
Waiting for the Biblioburro was chosen as one of our March selections, over in The Picture-Book Club to which I belong, where our theme this month is "Libraries," and I'm so glad that it was! Having already read Jeanette Winter's Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia , which profiles the same figure, I might otherwise have passed it by, which would have been a shame, since I enjoyed Brown's book even more than Winter's. By focusing on Ana, the author here really brings home the enormously positive impact that Luis Soriano Bohórquez and his biblioburros had on rural Colombian children. The artwork, done in acrylic, in a folk-motif style, really appealed to me - they were just gorgeous! Highly recommended to all young bibliophiles and library-lovers, as well as to anyone who complains about the services available to them from their local library.
March 9, 2012
Oh, I just loved this book.
The only thing I wasn’t wild about were the way people’s faces were painted. However, the loved everything else about the illustrations. The scenery, the colors, the folk art feel, and how all the pictures contributed mightily to making this story so engaging.
I’ve read other books about traveling libraries but this is the only one I can think of where the biblioburro’s patrons are encouraged to write as well as read.
The story is lovely. I like the real feeling of suspense. I love Ana and the librarian. I enjoyed the Spanish words that were included, including the days of the week as Ana waits impatiently for the biblioburro’s return. I like how the librarian reads to the children before they borrow books, rather than just showing up, dislodging books, and leaving.
What Ana makes and how it is used nearly brought me to tears.
There is also an interesting author's note and a glossary of Spanish terms in the back of the book.
I’ve not been in the mood to read picture books lately but this book reminded me of why I so often think they make for wonderful reading.
Given the subject matter and other aspects of the book, this would make a good group read aloud, but it could also be perfect for a one to one or family read aloud, and it’s a fine book for independent readers reading to themselves. It’s an excellent book that shows the joys of books and reading, and is a reminder to kids who have libraries and books they own that some kids are not quite as fortunate.
The only thing I wasn’t wild about were the way people’s faces were painted. However, the loved everything else about the illustrations. The scenery, the colors, the folk art feel, and how all the pictures contributed mightily to making this story so engaging.
I’ve read other books about traveling libraries but this is the only one I can think of where the biblioburro’s patrons are encouraged to write as well as read.
The story is lovely. I like the real feeling of suspense. I love Ana and the librarian. I enjoyed the Spanish words that were included, including the days of the week as Ana waits impatiently for the biblioburro’s return. I like how the librarian reads to the children before they borrow books, rather than just showing up, dislodging books, and leaving.
What Ana makes and how it is used nearly brought me to tears.
There is also an interesting author's note and a glossary of Spanish terms in the back of the book.
I’ve not been in the mood to read picture books lately but this book reminded me of why I so often think they make for wonderful reading.
Given the subject matter and other aspects of the book, this would make a good group read aloud, but it could also be perfect for a one to one or family read aloud, and it’s a fine book for independent readers reading to themselves. It’s an excellent book that shows the joys of books and reading, and is a reminder to kids who have libraries and books they own that some kids are not quite as fortunate.
November 28, 2016
Gorgeous illustrations with text in both English and Spanish.
March 7, 2012
We recently read Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia by Jeanette Winter and learned about Señor Luis Soriano Bohorquez's efforts to bring books to children in Columbia. So when we saw this book was about the same subject, but from a child's perspective, I was eager to read it. The narrative is very engaging and the illustrations are colorful. I loved how Spanish words are incorporated into the story and help children learn a few words of the language through the context of the story. We really enjoyed reading this story together.
This story was selected as one of the books for the March 2012 - Library reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
This story was selected as one of the books for the March 2012 - Library reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
September 20, 2011
Another wonderful story about Luis, his traveling library and his burros Alfa and Beto. I first learned the true story of Luis after reading Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia and while that book focused mainly on Luis and how the Biblioburro came to be, this book tells the story of a little girl named Ana who loves to read and the first time Luis visits her village.
Beautifully written and features an author's note on other traveling libraries around the world, the real Luis, as well as a glossary of the Spanish words used in the story.
Beautifully written and features an author's note on other traveling libraries around the world, the real Luis, as well as a glossary of the Spanish words used in the story.
February 22, 2021
This is a sweet children’s picture book about a little girl in Columbia who loves reading and learning and her experience with a librarian who travels to their village bringing books in a travelling library.
February 10, 2024
4 stars for promoting literacy and reading. Even if children and students will not pick this up on their own, this story about bookmobile that travel to remote places , is a great story for caregivers and teachers to share with them, especially if you are looking for a story about a South American country.
January 5, 2022
"I love her wanting to read!"
October 10, 2016
“Waiting for the Biblioburro” is an engaging story about a young girl, Ana, and her love of books despite having limited access to them. When a librarian goes above and beyond to bring books to children in the villages, we see how devoted Ana is to storytelling and how rich it makes her imagination. As I was reading about how much Ana loved reading I actually got teary-eyed! Author Monica Brown’s 2011 picture book is based on the real-life librarian, Luis Soriano Bohorquez, who really used two burros to bring books to children in rural Columbia. The author’s story telling has a wonderful rhythm that will draw students in for a read-aloud. There are Spanish words sprinkled throughout the text that add to the setting of the story as well as engage Spanish speaking students.
The pictures from the award winning illustrator, John Parra, also add to the feel of the setting as well as convey the differences between Ana’s real world and her imagination. Students listening or reading the book have enough details in the pictures to make inferences about the location of the story. There are details for the listeners to draw on for a discussion about the need for a traveling library and how the children in the story live and go to school. Ana and the librarian demonstrate patience and determination and this book would be a great starting point for a discussion of these character traits.
“Waiting for the Biblioburro” has a Lexile of 880L and is targeted for grades K through 3rd. Besides character traits, the story would be useful for Social Studies lessons on needs and wants and comparing and contrasting our lives with children of other countries. In the story Ana decides to write her own book for the librarian. Her example gives your students the steps they need to write their own story. Monica Brown has a web page with this and other books she has written and curriculum guides for them. www.monicabrown.net There is even a short video clip showing Luis Soriano Bohorquez delivering books on his burros and a short interview. Check it out!
The pictures from the award winning illustrator, John Parra, also add to the feel of the setting as well as convey the differences between Ana’s real world and her imagination. Students listening or reading the book have enough details in the pictures to make inferences about the location of the story. There are details for the listeners to draw on for a discussion about the need for a traveling library and how the children in the story live and go to school. Ana and the librarian demonstrate patience and determination and this book would be a great starting point for a discussion of these character traits.
“Waiting for the Biblioburro” has a Lexile of 880L and is targeted for grades K through 3rd. Besides character traits, the story would be useful for Social Studies lessons on needs and wants and comparing and contrasting our lives with children of other countries. In the story Ana decides to write her own book for the librarian. Her example gives your students the steps they need to write their own story. Monica Brown has a web page with this and other books she has written and curriculum guides for them. www.monicabrown.net There is even a short video clip showing Luis Soriano Bohorquez delivering books on his burros and a short interview. Check it out!
March 11, 2012
Great story of Ana, a young girl in a remote village who loves cuentos (stories) and the librarian who travels with his two burros, Alfa and Beto, to deliver libros (books) to Ana and the other children. Not only does he bring books, but he spends time teaching the children. Ana is inspired to write a story and give to him that he can then share with other children in other villages. This is based on a real man, Luis Soriano Bohorquez. The author's note gives some additional information about him as well as the other dedicated librarians around the world that help children get books in remote areas where there aren't traditional libraries.
My children and I enjoyed the Spanish words peppered throughout the story. We really liked the illustrations which complemented the text and had a South American feel to them.
I think it is always a good thing to be (gently) reminded how fortunate we are. We have libraries all around us. We have a home filled with good books. We have libraries at our schools. Access to books is never a problem for us...we have more books at our fingertips than we can read in a lifetime. What a blessing! And we have a great (not perfect, but great!) education system so we know how to read. My children are fortunate enough to be in a dual immersion program that is teaching them not just to read in English, but in Spanish as well. Literacy and education are great blessings that we at times take for granted but that not all children or adults (especially girls/women) have worldwide. Thank goodness for people like this librarian that help make books accessible.
My children and I enjoyed the Spanish words peppered throughout the story. We really liked the illustrations which complemented the text and had a South American feel to them.
I think it is always a good thing to be (gently) reminded how fortunate we are. We have libraries all around us. We have a home filled with good books. We have libraries at our schools. Access to books is never a problem for us...we have more books at our fingertips than we can read in a lifetime. What a blessing! And we have a great (not perfect, but great!) education system so we know how to read. My children are fortunate enough to be in a dual immersion program that is teaching them not just to read in English, but in Spanish as well. Literacy and education are great blessings that we at times take for granted but that not all children or adults (especially girls/women) have worldwide. Thank goodness for people like this librarian that help make books accessible.
September 26, 2011
“Waiting for the Biblioburro” by Monica Brown details the story of Ana, a little girl who loves to read but only has one book. One day a man visits the countryside where Ana lives. With him, he brings two burros (donkeys) that carried books. The man reads to the children who live in the rural town and then lets them pick out their own books to borrow for a few weeks. Ana loves reading the books and even suggests to the traveling librarian that someone write a story about his library, and he tells her that she would be perfect for the job. Ana waits impatiently for the librarian to finally return. And when he finally does she gives him the cuento she wrote for him, and he reads it to all of the children. Brown’s story, although slightly predictable, does an excellent job of integrating Spanish phrases into the tale, while still being comprehensive for English-speaking students. This book could be used with first through third graders as an introduction into Spanish vocabulary. For example, the book’s illustrations show the names of the days of the week in Spanish. Teachers could also use this book in order to teach the history of traveling libraries, which are discussed in more depth in the author’s note. Additionally, the illustrations by John Parra are worthy of the Caldecott Award. The pictures are done with acrylics and have a cultural feel that fit the book’s Latin American roots. Furthermore, Parra does an excellent job depicting the setting and showing the passing of time, while also being the perfect complement to Brown’s words.
November 28, 2011
Inspired by a true story, this picture book shows the power of books and reading. Ana is a small girl who lives in Colombia and adores books. Her village is very remote though, so there is no library to go to. Ana has just one book, given to her by her teacher, and she has read it over and over again. Ana makes up her own stories that she tells her little brother at bedtime. Then one day a man with two burros comes to their village. The burros carry a library of books and he invites all of the children to select books to keep until he returns. As she waits for the librarian to return, Ana creates her own book about him, his burros and his books.
Brown has created a book that is gentle and beautifully written. Ana’s life is shown as loving and filled with blessings. It will contrast vividly for American children with their own lifestyle. Brown also focuses clearly on books and the power of reading and stories. The story here is told clearly and warmly with sprinklings of Spanish throughout.
Parra’s illustrations have a lovely folk art feel to them. Done in acrylics on board, they have a texture adds another dimension to the book. The colors are bright, the storytelling portions filled with wild and amazing creatures, and the entire work makes a complete and unified package.
The entire book sings, revealing a different culture and the power of words (and librarians.) Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Brown has created a book that is gentle and beautifully written. Ana’s life is shown as loving and filled with blessings. It will contrast vividly for American children with their own lifestyle. Brown also focuses clearly on books and the power of reading and stories. The story here is told clearly and warmly with sprinklings of Spanish throughout.
Parra’s illustrations have a lovely folk art feel to them. Done in acrylics on board, they have a texture adds another dimension to the book. The colors are bright, the storytelling portions filled with wild and amazing creatures, and the entire work makes a complete and unified package.
The entire book sings, revealing a different culture and the power of words (and librarians.) Appropriate for ages 4-6.
November 15, 2016
A girl in an isolated town only has one book to read. She received this book from her school teacher, who has moved away, and now the children in the village have no teacher. One day a man arrives with his two donkeys carrying books. He reads stories to the children and loans them books until the next time he comes by. The girl writes her own story about the man with the mobile library and gifts it to him when he comes back.
My opinion of this book may be more negative than it would be in other circumstances, but I must confess that I was quite put off by finding an obvious typo in the very first sentence of the translation. There seem to be no more typos in the translation, but it feels quite clunky, using sometimes too many words to translate concepts that are easily translatable by a native speaker.
I also start to object to the overload of stories about awfully poor Latino children in rural environments. While this is something with which a few Latino children may identify, the truth nowadays is that many Latino children in the US have been born in the US or have come here too young to remember where they come from. I have difficulty in seeing how those children could relate to this story.
In general, I would say that the book is much better than other translations one could find ten or even five years ago, but it’s not something that I would be overjoyed to have randomly found.
My opinion of this book may be more negative than it would be in other circumstances, but I must confess that I was quite put off by finding an obvious typo in the very first sentence of the translation. There seem to be no more typos in the translation, but it feels quite clunky, using sometimes too many words to translate concepts that are easily translatable by a native speaker.
I also start to object to the overload of stories about awfully poor Latino children in rural environments. While this is something with which a few Latino children may identify, the truth nowadays is that many Latino children in the US have been born in the US or have come here too young to remember where they come from. I have difficulty in seeing how those children could relate to this story.
In general, I would say that the book is much better than other translations one could find ten or even five years ago, but it’s not something that I would be overjoyed to have randomly found.
April 26, 2014
(Primary) Waiting for the Biblioburro by Monica Brown
1. Text to world would be a good category for this book. Students can discuss how the way Ana is able to borrow books through the biblioburro in Columbia, is different and similar to the way they borrow books in the United States . This can also allow the reader to reflect upon how this book relates to themselves and the world in which they live.
2. Remembering: How does Ana get books to read living in such a small village?
Understanding: How would you describe how the biblioburro works?
Applying: How is a biblioburro similar to our library?
Analyzing: What was the most exciting part of this story for Ana?
Evaluating: Would it be better if we checked out library books from a biblioburro or our library?
Creating: What do you think will happen with the little boy at the end of the story who is waiting for the biblioburro? How do you think he will feel?
3. (2011, May 2). Publishers Weekly. http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#
1. Text to world would be a good category for this book. Students can discuss how the way Ana is able to borrow books through the biblioburro in Columbia, is different and similar to the way they borrow books in the United States . This can also allow the reader to reflect upon how this book relates to themselves and the world in which they live.
2. Remembering: How does Ana get books to read living in such a small village?
Understanding: How would you describe how the biblioburro works?
Applying: How is a biblioburro similar to our library?
Analyzing: What was the most exciting part of this story for Ana?
Evaluating: Would it be better if we checked out library books from a biblioburro or our library?
Creating: What do you think will happen with the little boy at the end of the story who is waiting for the biblioburro? How do you think he will feel?
3. (2011, May 2). Publishers Weekly. http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#
November 23, 2011
Ana only has one book. She has read it so many times that she knows it word for word. She wishes she had another book, but, since her teacher has left, she knows this will never happen.
Then one morning, she wakes to hear the sound of a man on a burro. He carries a sign: Biblioburro. He brings books for the children and promises to return in a few weeks to trade these for new ones.
This book is based on the story of a teacher and librarian who traveled to rural villages in Columbia.
The text is clear and the story of Ana is touching. The illustrations seem childlike, primitive.
“The man says, ‘I am a librarian, a bibliotecario and these are my burros, Alfa and Beto. Welcome to the Biblioburro, my biblioteca.’
‘But, senor,’ Ana says, ‘I thought libraries were only in big cities and buildings.’
‘Not this one,’ says the librarian. ‘This is a moving library.’
Then he spreads out his books and invites the children to join him under a tree.’
Then one morning, she wakes to hear the sound of a man on a burro. He carries a sign: Biblioburro. He brings books for the children and promises to return in a few weeks to trade these for new ones.
This book is based on the story of a teacher and librarian who traveled to rural villages in Columbia.
The text is clear and the story of Ana is touching. The illustrations seem childlike, primitive.
“The man says, ‘I am a librarian, a bibliotecario and these are my burros, Alfa and Beto. Welcome to the Biblioburro, my biblioteca.’
‘But, senor,’ Ana says, ‘I thought libraries were only in big cities and buildings.’
‘Not this one,’ says the librarian. ‘This is a moving library.’
Then he spreads out his books and invites the children to join him under a tree.’
September 2, 2011
Ana loves to read but has only one book, given to her by her teacher. But the teacher no longer comes to Ana's village. Though Ana makes up her own stories to tell to her younger brother, she longs for other books to read. One day the Biblioburro comes to her village: Luis the librarian and his two burros, Alpha and Beta, who carry books. Parra's illustrations evoke the magical realism that infuses Latin American culture as Ana's imaginings come to life on the page. Spanish words are interspersed throughout the text, adding more cultural flavor. Libros! Books! Ana's narrative stays true to a child's perspective, especially in her impatience for the biblioburro to return. Based on the true story of Luis Soriano Bohorquez of Columbia.
April 9, 2018
A little girl loves books, but the only one she has to read is the only one her family owns; and that one she has memorized. Then one day, a man with two donkeys comes to her village carrying piles of books. This is a story that shows how fortunate we are, here in America, to have so many books at our disposal.
Ages: 4 - 8
#geography #southamerica #columbia
**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: 4 - 8
#geography #southamerica #columbia
**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.
January 26, 2017
This is a fascinating book about a young girl who lives in a remote village where she doesn't have access to school or books. She has one book that she reads over and over again. All of that changes when she and her neighbors get a visit from a man leading two burros carrying library books on their backs. Based on the story of a real-life librarian, Luis Soriano Bohorquez, this book tells the story of a traveling library providing books to people who live in rural Colombia. This book is written in English and Spanish.
June 21, 2013
bookaday #24. Lovely book about something my students take for granted, especially during the school year, access to library books. For someone who has a healthy?? fear of the book emergency, I can't imagine not having access to as many books as I want. I have seen some of Colombia's remote rural areas many years ago as an exchange student, many thanks to Luis Soriano Bohorquez, on whom this story is based, for his service to the children of Colombia.
March 17, 2012
A lovely story about a library that travels via burro. Recommended for public and school libraries.
I have to admit that I liked Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia better. Monica Brown's story is very well done and I also recommend it!
I have to admit that I liked Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia better. Monica Brown's story is very well done and I also recommend it!
July 31, 2017
This has been one of my favorite books to read-aloud in class (I had 3rd graders). It ties in my love of world news/geography (world news because it's the story of a real person, still alive, and geography because the students got to hear about Colombia). The students loved it, my Spanish speaking students could help me with the pronunciation, and the pictures are great.
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