Once again I have been lured from the paths of Middle Grade fiction (or adult) into the world of picture books! I saw this while looking at fellow Book-Elf M.G. King's books, and simply had to have it.
Title: Librarian on the Roof!
Author: M. G. King Illustrator: Stephen Gilpin
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Co., 2010; 32 pages
Publisher's Summary:
When RoseAleta Laurell begins her new job at the Dr. Eugene Clark Library in Lockhart, Texas, she is surprised that the children of the town think the library is for adults. She vows to raise the money for a children's section and spends a week living and working on the library roof, even surviving a dangerous storm. With the help of the entire town, RoseAleta raises over $39,000 from within the community and across the country.
Today if you look through the front window of the Eugene Clark Library, you will see shelves stacked full with children's books and tables and chairs just the right size. You will see artwork on the walls, and a row of busy computers. Best of all, you will always find crowds of children who love to read and learn inside the walls of the oldest library in Texas.
My Review:
As I said above, when I saw this book I just had to have it. RoseAleta Laurell is a librarian after my own heart, and one the Ninja Librarian would be proud to call a colleague! The story is pretty simple, and fully summed up above, and it's as delightful as it sounds. It is non-fiction, but reads like a flight of the author's imagination, and is charmingly told and wonderfully illustrated. I very much enjoyed Stephen Gilpin's illustrations, and thought they complemented the story perfectly.
There is a full page (for the adults) at the beginning which tells the true story of RoseAleta Laurell's efforts to revive the library in Lockhart, Texas in 2000.
Recommendation:
I first recommend this for every librarian I know, because it's just wonderful. But I'll also recommend for anyone, adult or child, who loves books or loves their library.
Full Disclosure: I bought Librarian on the Roof! with my own money and of my own volition, and received nothing from the writer or publisher in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed are my own and those of no one else. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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And...taking care of business!
Don't miss the Goodreads BookElves Anthology Giveaway!
Also: Check out Read Tuesday next week! Hundreds of great deals of books--it's Black Friday for Books!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Unpacking the new books:
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| Open the big heavy box! |
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| Remove many layers of paper packing. |
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| Ooo! Books! Pretty! |
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| {Big Smile} |
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| Fully restocked supply shelf! Ready to take orders! Special pre-order price is good until Dec. 10! |
Hi, I love books about librarians who make a difference. Thank for sharing. I hope you visit the new Book Musing Mondays and link up with us. ;)
ReplyDeleteI have a soft spot in my heart for librarians--I have worked at the library for 13 years now!
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DeleteAnd your site is lovely--I may link some things up to it!
I saw this book awhile back and I too want it. What a wonderful thing she did!
ReplyDeleteComing over from the #KidLitBlogHop
http://readingauthors.blogspot.com/
Isn't it just? Imagine kids thinking the library is just for adults! (We tend to have more the other problem--adults who think libraries are for kids).
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
You know, I've heard of this book and just now ordered it from my library :) Looking forward to reading it and spreading the word to MY librarians! And congrats on that beautiful new shipment!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI took mine down to the library to share. I think I'll donate it and have them add it to our collection, if the children's librarian is interested.
Yay for fantastic librarian books. This sounds like a keeper. Your book looks fantastic, Rebecca. Congratulations on Halitor's release and for adding this post to the #KidLitBlogHop! :0)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine!
DeleteHey, I shared the Advent Book calendar on FB and at least one friend is doing with her daughter :)
That is awesome! Speaking of which, we need to open today's book. :)
DeleteI will try again. I left a message last week, but it did not take, I see. I reviewed this book awhile back only to find that this librarian was the current director of my local library by that time. I was blown away. RoseAleta Laurel has recently retired but made a HUGE difference for our small town library as well. We have two wonderful awards and some great grant monies and just some wonderful new programming. We loved her for the 4 years we had her. Glad this book was written about what an amazing woman she is!!
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