What do you think?
Rate this book
Lottie Paris
Lottie Paris and the Best Place
The charming and spirited Lottie Paris is back—and she loves the library!
Lottie Paris has a favorite place. The library! She loves to go there and read about space. She knows there are rules at the library, but sometimes they are not so easy to follow.
The library is Carl’s favorite place, too. And he loves to read about dinosaurs. When Lottie and Carl meet, they become fast friends. Now Lottie reads about dinosaurs, and Carl loves space!
After joyously introducing Lottie Paris in Lottie Paris Lives Here , Angela Johnson and Scott Fischer have created a brand-new world for Lottie to dream in—alongside a brand-new friend.
Lottie Paris has a favorite place. The library! She loves to go there and read about space. She knows there are rules at the library, but sometimes they are not so easy to follow.
The library is Carl’s favorite place, too. And he loves to read about dinosaurs. When Lottie and Carl meet, they become fast friends. Now Lottie reads about dinosaurs, and Carl loves space!
After joyously introducing Lottie Paris in Lottie Paris Lives Here , Angela Johnson and Scott Fischer have created a brand-new world for Lottie to dream in—alongside a brand-new friend.
32 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2013
2 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Angela Johnson
130 books268 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Angela Johnson is the author of the Coretta Scott King Honor picture book When I Am Old with You; as well as A Sweet Smell of Roses, illustrated by Eric Velasquez; Just Like Josh Gibson, illustrated by Beth Peck; and I Dream of Trains, which was also illustrated by Loren Long. She has won three Coretta Scott King Awards, one each for her novels Heaven, Toning the Sweep, and The First Part Last. In recognition of her outstanding talent, Angela was named a 2003 MacArthur Fellow. She lives in Kent, Ohio.
Angela Johnson is the author of the Coretta Scott King Honor picture book When I Am Old with You; as well as A Sweet Smell of Roses, illustrated by Eric Velasquez; Just Like Josh Gibson, illustrated by Beth Peck; and I Dream of Trains, which was also illustrated by Loren Long. She has won three Coretta Scott King Awards, one each for her novels Heaven, Toning the Sweep, and The First Part Last. In recognition of her outstanding talent, Angela was named a 2003 MacArthur Fellow. She lives in Kent, Ohio.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 19, 2013
First, I love love love the illustrations in this book and hoped the story, which is a great length for reading aloud, would lend itself well to pre-school library tours, but alas - I don't think it will. (I plan to test this out)
Secondly, I appreciated that Lottie Paris's race wasn't remarked on, that her father took her to the library, that she loves space, and that Carl's ride to the library was his hipster sister. So refreshingly modern!
Lastly, I defy you to show me a children's librarian who would frown on bubble-blowing in the library.
Secondly, I appreciated that Lottie Paris's race wasn't remarked on, that her father took her to the library, that she loves space, and that Carl's ride to the library was his hipster sister. So refreshingly modern!
Lastly, I defy you to show me a children's librarian who would frown on bubble-blowing in the library.
March 5, 2013
Love this book! Illustrations are fantastic. Lottie Paris is an adorable African-American girl who loves space...and the library! We're first introduced to her interest in space as she prepares to visit the library, and then meet other characters by way of their interests as well. Eventually all meet up at "the best place" which is the library! This would be great for a class visit and with older prek or school age kids. Characters are really hip looking, school age kids.
December 9, 2013
Adorable, and refreshing to have a black girl into space. Great into to library rules, too.
September 11, 2017
Nice to show students that we read different things but we come together at the library
May 28, 2015
Parents need to know that Lottie Paris and the Best Place is the second in a picture book series that began with Lottie Paris Lives Here. This one is all about how much the exuberant, imaginative Lottie loves the library, and features her new friend Carl. It's a great book for early readers -- both boys and girls -- and introduces kids to library etiquette with a light, humorous touch.
Educational value
As an early reader book, it easily takes children through some of the more important rules of going to the library and how to carefully maintain borrowed books.
Positive messages
Lottie Paris and the Best Place describes the fun as well as the responsibilities of patronizing the library. It shows children how the library can help them explore their interests and be place where they can share their adventures with friends.
Positive role models
Main character Lottie is a positive example of a child with a great imagination and love of reading. Her personality is bright, vibrant, and shows readers how fun the library can be.
Violence & scariness
Not applicable
Language
Not applicable
This is from commonsensemedia.org
Booklist February 1, 2013 (Vol. 109, No. 11)
Preschool-Kindergarten. Lottie, an exuberant African American preschooler, returns in a second zestful picture book. Lottie likes to wake beneath the stars and, in a sure nod to Madeleine L’Engle, the swiftly tilting planets that adorn her ceiling. Her favorite activity, however, is visiting the best place in the world—the library—where she knows she shouldn’t yell or color in the books, and where she “follows the rules, mostly.” Carl, a dinosaur devotee, also remembers not to blow bubbles in the library or spill food on books—sometimes. When these two enthusiastic readers meet in the children’s book room, an instant friendship forms. The bright gouache paintings, swirling with texture and patterns, depict a child’s perspective in which Lottie’s Papa Pete and other adults remain obscured while Lottie and Carl’s parallel play (or in this case, parallel dreaming) builds their friendship. A delightful book for sharing before a trip to the library, during library storytime, or simply to activate a preschooler’s imagination.
Horn Book Guide Fall 2013
Lottie (Lottie Paris Lives Here) and Carl meet in the children's book room at the library, which they each respectively consider their "best place." Lottie's passion is planets and stars while Carl's interest is in dinosaurs, but it's their love of reading that cements the friendship. Energetic mixed-media illustrations complement the exuberant characters' zest for the library.
Kirkus Reviews February 1, 2013
Librarians get out your order pads; this picture-book homage to libraries is a charmer. Lottie Paris' dad takes her to the library, where she looks for books on planets and stars. Carl's sister drives him to the library, where he finds dinosaur books. For both, the library is "the best place in the world." Lottie Paris knows the rules: no dogs, no yelling, no coloring on the pages. Carl knows not to blow bubbles in front of the librarian, not to eat yogurt or to read books under the table while pretending people's feet are dinosaur snacks. Naturally, Lottie Paris and Carl meet when they are looking for their favorite books and discover that not only is the library the best place to find books, it's also the best place to be friends. The mixed-media illustrations (gouache, linocuts, stamping and airbrush) inject exuberance into the simple storyline. Carl is redheaded and freckle-faced, and Lottie Paris is African-American with a brown Afro. The scenes extend off the pages, drawing attention to the details that embellish the text. Bound to be a favorite for storytimes, classroom sharing and pre-library visits. After all, libraries are the best place.(Picture book. 5-8)
School Library Journal March 1, 2013
K-Gr 2-Lottie Paris is back after her debut in Lottie Paris Lives Here (S & S, 2011). She's still the same lively, imaginative child, this time decked out in large purple boots. Waking up one morning in her canopy bed decorated with stars and planets and spaceships, "she imagines herself floating among them." And, on a full spread, she smiles dreamily. Soon, Papa Pete is walking her to the library. As in the earlier book, adults are present, but just barely. Their legs, or hands, or shoulders are seen, but never their faces. The focus is clearly on Lottie and her soon-to-be-new-friend Carl. She is excited to be in the "best place," but she still knows (mostly) that you can't yell, let your dog inside, or draw in the books. Meanwhile, Carl is waking up, happy to be among the dinosaurs decorating his bed sheets and room. Soon, his big sister, Eva, is driving him to the library, his "best place," as well. Carl also knows (mostly) a few rules about the library: don't blow bubbles, keep your yogurt away from the books, and don't crawl under tables pretending that adults' feet are dinosaur snacks. It's inevitable that Lottie Paris and Carl will meet as they stroll down the aisles that hold their favorite subjects: astronomy and dinosaurs. Together they relax on the big furniture, lost in their books and thoughts. This is a sweet story about friendship, libraries, books, and dreams. Fischer's stylized, yet realistic illustrations are rendered in gouache using different applications. They capture the children's spirit in their charming and sometimes goofy expressions. A fine choice.-Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Educational value
As an early reader book, it easily takes children through some of the more important rules of going to the library and how to carefully maintain borrowed books.
Positive messages
Lottie Paris and the Best Place describes the fun as well as the responsibilities of patronizing the library. It shows children how the library can help them explore their interests and be place where they can share their adventures with friends.
Positive role models
Main character Lottie is a positive example of a child with a great imagination and love of reading. Her personality is bright, vibrant, and shows readers how fun the library can be.
Violence & scariness
Not applicable
Language
Not applicable
This is from commonsensemedia.org
Booklist February 1, 2013 (Vol. 109, No. 11)
Preschool-Kindergarten. Lottie, an exuberant African American preschooler, returns in a second zestful picture book. Lottie likes to wake beneath the stars and, in a sure nod to Madeleine L’Engle, the swiftly tilting planets that adorn her ceiling. Her favorite activity, however, is visiting the best place in the world—the library—where she knows she shouldn’t yell or color in the books, and where she “follows the rules, mostly.” Carl, a dinosaur devotee, also remembers not to blow bubbles in the library or spill food on books—sometimes. When these two enthusiastic readers meet in the children’s book room, an instant friendship forms. The bright gouache paintings, swirling with texture and patterns, depict a child’s perspective in which Lottie’s Papa Pete and other adults remain obscured while Lottie and Carl’s parallel play (or in this case, parallel dreaming) builds their friendship. A delightful book for sharing before a trip to the library, during library storytime, or simply to activate a preschooler’s imagination.
Horn Book Guide Fall 2013
Lottie (Lottie Paris Lives Here) and Carl meet in the children's book room at the library, which they each respectively consider their "best place." Lottie's passion is planets and stars while Carl's interest is in dinosaurs, but it's their love of reading that cements the friendship. Energetic mixed-media illustrations complement the exuberant characters' zest for the library.
Kirkus Reviews February 1, 2013
Librarians get out your order pads; this picture-book homage to libraries is a charmer. Lottie Paris' dad takes her to the library, where she looks for books on planets and stars. Carl's sister drives him to the library, where he finds dinosaur books. For both, the library is "the best place in the world." Lottie Paris knows the rules: no dogs, no yelling, no coloring on the pages. Carl knows not to blow bubbles in front of the librarian, not to eat yogurt or to read books under the table while pretending people's feet are dinosaur snacks. Naturally, Lottie Paris and Carl meet when they are looking for their favorite books and discover that not only is the library the best place to find books, it's also the best place to be friends. The mixed-media illustrations (gouache, linocuts, stamping and airbrush) inject exuberance into the simple storyline. Carl is redheaded and freckle-faced, and Lottie Paris is African-American with a brown Afro. The scenes extend off the pages, drawing attention to the details that embellish the text. Bound to be a favorite for storytimes, classroom sharing and pre-library visits. After all, libraries are the best place.(Picture book. 5-8)
School Library Journal March 1, 2013
K-Gr 2-Lottie Paris is back after her debut in Lottie Paris Lives Here (S & S, 2011). She's still the same lively, imaginative child, this time decked out in large purple boots. Waking up one morning in her canopy bed decorated with stars and planets and spaceships, "she imagines herself floating among them." And, on a full spread, she smiles dreamily. Soon, Papa Pete is walking her to the library. As in the earlier book, adults are present, but just barely. Their legs, or hands, or shoulders are seen, but never their faces. The focus is clearly on Lottie and her soon-to-be-new-friend Carl. She is excited to be in the "best place," but she still knows (mostly) that you can't yell, let your dog inside, or draw in the books. Meanwhile, Carl is waking up, happy to be among the dinosaurs decorating his bed sheets and room. Soon, his big sister, Eva, is driving him to the library, his "best place," as well. Carl also knows (mostly) a few rules about the library: don't blow bubbles, keep your yogurt away from the books, and don't crawl under tables pretending that adults' feet are dinosaur snacks. It's inevitable that Lottie Paris and Carl will meet as they stroll down the aisles that hold their favorite subjects: astronomy and dinosaurs. Together they relax on the big furniture, lost in their books and thoughts. This is a sweet story about friendship, libraries, books, and dreams. Fischer's stylized, yet realistic illustrations are rendered in gouache using different applications. They capture the children's spirit in their charming and sometimes goofy expressions. A fine choice.-Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2022
This is the second book in a series, and I definitely felt like I was dropped into the middle of something without a full introduction to the character. I liked the diverse and modern approach, but the carefulness with avoiding stereotypes for Lottie and her new friend did not apply to the library itself, which the author portrays as a restrictive place that isn't kid-friendly.
I know that people's contexts vary, but it was jarring to read so many library-related books for storytime prep that assumed that libraries would stifle children. Most modern libraries specifically cater to children's interests and needs, and the portrayal here is either out-of-date or reflects a particularly bad library system.
I know that people's contexts vary, but it was jarring to read so many library-related books for storytime prep that assumed that libraries would stifle children. Most modern libraries specifically cater to children's interests and needs, and the portrayal here is either out-of-date or reflects a particularly bad library system.
April 24, 2023
The two main characters meet cute.
Meet cute, that is, for a picture book. They meet cutely at the library.
Clever introductions make it easy to get a sense of how Lottie and Carl are different.
Angela Johnson has chosen to confine her story to the surface of life, which the kids wander away from due to their cute imaginations.
Personally, I prefer characters and stories that have more depth to them (according to my standards). Nonetheless, I'll give this title FIVE STARS, because any picture book that makes it seem more wonderful to go to the local library... can help make reading seem cool to today's children.
Meet cute, that is, for a picture book. They meet cutely at the library.
Clever introductions make it easy to get a sense of how Lottie and Carl are different.
Angela Johnson has chosen to confine her story to the surface of life, which the kids wander away from due to their cute imaginations.
Personally, I prefer characters and stories that have more depth to them (according to my standards). Nonetheless, I'll give this title FIVE STARS, because any picture book that makes it seem more wonderful to go to the local library... can help make reading seem cool to today's children.
March 17, 2019
Cute pictures. The protagonist is adorable, and I certainly appreciate the library love. However! What an awful, prohibitive library this book depicts! No bubbles, no coloring, no dogs!?! This does not reflect my library, and if I did a read aloud with this book, I'd have to provide sooo much additional context about these and other restrictions. Yes, bubbles! I end my story times with bubbles! Yes, you can color! Would you like a coloring sheet and some crayons? That service dog is most definitely allowed in this library! Etc.
January 8, 2020
I felt like I was walking into something already in progress, there was something missing in this story for me. It's like it assumed I knew something about the title character, Lottie Paris, already, but in truth I'm only seeing her for the first time. Same with the boy, Carl, that she meets at the library. I like the concept of two kids loving the library, meeting each other there and becoming friends, but the story came across in a somewhat abstract way for me that didn't really work.
February 1, 2018
I thought it was a wonderfully Illustrated book. It was a very good book and simple to read to my preschooler. I liked how it had a lot to do with the characters in the book loving books and their library visits. Being my daughter loves the library and books. my daughter really enjoyed this and I would recommend.
September 3, 2018
Lottie Paris loves the library. She obeys most of the rules most of the time. Carl's favourite place is the library, too. He obeys some of the rules some of the time. Despite their differences, the two young strangers become friends. Wonderful illustrations, and a story that shows young readers how great the library is.
December 22, 2017
Plenty of good stuff to see here. Lottie Paris loves space stuff and books. She's a really interesting girl. Her dad takes her to the library where she breaks some rules (one of them a bad one) and meets another cool boy, whose into dinosaur. A friendship is born from their common love of books.
March 31, 2019
3/31/2019 ~ Lottie, a perky Black girl, loves books about space (yay for breaking gender stereotypes). I will be adding this to my elementary library. I'm always looking for playful books that just happen to have characters of color. An added benefit is there are some basic book care guidelines. :)
September 5, 2020
Cute book about how great the library is and how it is for everyone.
October 6, 2021
Cute book about libraries and friends.
February 14, 2022
Nice, but missing some of the original spark. Not enough story and seemed to be pandering to librarians.
January 16, 2026
Cute, but maybe I've read so many "the library is a magical place" picture books that this just doesn't stand out to me.
May 30, 2013
The library is Lottie's best place in the world. The library is Carl's best place too. They both share the things you shouldn't do in the library or with library books. For example: not to blow bubbles in front of the librarian, yogurt doesn't go with books, you should not yell, dogs are not allowed and you can't color inside or outside the lines.
Lottie and Carl realizes that the library is now their best place in the world to be with friends. Cute story! Enjoyed the illustrations by Scott M. Fischer.
Lottie and Carl realizes that the library is now their best place in the world to be with friends. Cute story! Enjoyed the illustrations by Scott M. Fischer.
December 20, 2013
Absolutely amazing! The illustrations by Mr. Fischer captures the reader's imagination. I don't know if I want to look at the pages first or read the text first. The drawings were made different angles with beautiful, vibrant colors. I also like that a grown-up and older sibling are present but their faces are never shown. Their presences are duly noted and they do reprimand the Lottie and Paris for their transgressions on the care of books. The story concludes with the birth of a new friendship that started at the library. Yes!
Read
October 16, 2013Johnson is a masterful author and her spunky character, Lottie Paris, reminds me of Ramona, Olivia, and Clementine. This story focuses on what the library means to Lottie and her new friend, Carl, whom she meets at the library. I'm excited to see a book that truly relates to what libraries mean to young children--it's a place for materials as well as important connections. I'll be adding this one to my personal and professional libraries for sure.
March 19, 2013
Of course I love a picture book (or any book) that honors libraries as the BEST place to be! Loved the illustrations and Lottie and Carl's enthusiasm about going to the library, and their eventual friendship. But at our library, blowing bubbles, reading under a table and pretending everyone's feet are dinosaur snacks is totally acceptable ;)
May 13, 2013
Of course a librarian is going to enjoy reading a book that starts off with a little girl who heads to her favorite place and it's the library! "The library is Lottie's best place in the world." And she meets up with a boy named Carl who thinks "The library is his best place too." Very fun and colorful. Can't wait to share it at storytime.
November 15, 2013
This is so adorable! It's about two kids who absolutely love the library. Lottie Paris loves space and everything to do with space, especially books about space. She goes to the library every day. Carl loves dinosaurs and always goes to the library to find more books about dinosaurs. Might make good story time book for older kids.
January 28, 2014
I really liked this one. I found it by accident at the library, and I am glad that I checked it out. I liked that two children who loved the library came together in the book, because I know that loving the libraries is great, but sharing it with someone who loves it just as much as you do makes it even better!
March 21, 2013
Really sweet book with great illustrations. Shows an interracial friendship. Interesting mixed media art with swirly backgrounds. I wish the boy would have gotten in as much trouble as the girl though.
May 2, 2013
A cute story about two friends that love the library. The author slyly sneaks in "library rules", and utilizes an african american protagonist, that does normal every day kid things. A must for any library collection.
June 7, 2013
Lottie Paris dreams about space and stars while Carl surrounds himself with dinosaurs. Their library is the best place to get more books on their favorite things as long as they follow some simple rules. It's also a place to meet new friends. Reviewer 5.
June 30, 2013
This is a cute story about two kids (Paris loves space and Carl loves dinosaurs) who meet up and become friends at the library. They're both a little naughty at the library, but the librarian smiles and shakes her head when they meet, knowing they will become friends.
November 24, 2013
How can I not like a book about libraries? Lottie Paris is in her best place which is at the library. She meets Carl and between the two of them, the story reminds readers of rules that you should remember when there.
July 23, 2014
The best place is..... the library!!! YES! Can't wait to share this book with the kindies before our first trip to the library this year. Includes some important reminders about how to take care of library books. Adorably perfect.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews