Capstone Editions Overdue: The Misadventure of Bob the Book

by Gloria Koster, Pawel Gierlinski (illustrator)

Meet Bob. He's the all-time favorite library book at Wisdom Hill Elementary. But Sebastian is nothing like Bob’s previous enthusiastic borrowers. In fact, Sebastian completely forgets about Bob! Will Bob ever feel the love of a contented fan again, or will he be lost and alone forever? In this harrowing tale told from a book’s point of view, author and librarian Gloria Koster showcases the joy of reading and the importance of taking care of books.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Books About Books, School, Juvenile, Humor, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published August 1, 2024

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Overdue: The Misadventures of Bob the Book is such a fun and memorable story that children (and adults) are sure to love (I certainly did).
Bob is a book, and he loves his job as a school library book until one day he gets taken home by Sebastian, who doesn't care for him very well. Sebastian loses Bob amongst all the clutter in his room, and Bob stays misplaced until Sevastians dad receives a letter from school about returning Bob before school breaks up for summer. When Sebastian finds Bob again (after some bribery from dad to find him), he decides to finally read him, and something amazing happens - he can not put him down. He reads him again and again before returning him to school the next day.
This was such a cute, fun read and teaches children the importance of looking after books, especially borrowed books. I loved Bob's instructions on how to care for him at the end, too.

[Doha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute!! It teaches about borrowing books and the importance of caring for borrowed books. The illustrations were the best and I really enjoyed it and would recommend it.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob the book is checked out of the school library and forgotten at a student’s home. Bold illustrations and graphic novel-style text boxes enhance the all-too-common story of a lost library book. It is reminiscent of characters from The Day the Crayons Came Home by Drew Daywalt, it is a straightforward story that is perfect for teacher librarians to use at the beginning of the school year to teach and review book care.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm obsessed with Bob. This book would be a great tool for a school librarian to teach young students the etiquette and rules for borrowing at the library. I think we can all recall a class favourite from the school library that everyone was bursting to take home. Creative, cute illustrations, and ultimately a good lesson.

[Cari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a highly readable story with an important book care message. Great for elementary school library orientations.
Also very nice is that the images were attractive and professional, not amateurish - which is not typical to books that deliver a message.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[BasilReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute book to teach kids the importance of taking care of books and how to be responsible!

The art style is adorable and the dialogue was cute.

I'll definitely be buying this book for my kids when it comes out.

[Bunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've taught Jeremiah how to properly respect books pretty much his entire life. We don't stand on books, we don't get food or drink on books, we turn the pages geeeentttllllly. We love our books! And we love our library!

I have not, though, taught him the importance of returning a book to a library on time. Which is shameful, considering I currently owe my library $4.20 for overdue books.



Bob the Book is VERY popular. All the kids want to read him, and he LOVES being read. Sebastian has long been waiting to read Bob, and FINALLY it's his turn!

Unfortunately, Sebastian also kind of sort of loses Bob. And he goes unread for a loooooong time.

Seriously, this is the cutest ever. It would be fantastic for a beginning of the year read aloud for school children, to remind them to always treat their library books with the care they deserve.

Love love.

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are definitely a book family. So when I saw this story I knew I had to read it. It was great! This story is told from the library books point of view and what happens to him. He is the favorite book in the library, always being checked out and read. That is until Sebastian comes along. He doesn’t take care of his books and even loses them. Bob, the book, is so upset and worried that he will never be found and won’t be read again. When Sebastian has to find him, then he begins to read. Soon they find their connection and Bob is once again treasured. I love this fun story. My kids loved seeing the adventure the book has to go through. I love that the story teaches children about the importance of taking care of their books. The fun and adorable illustrations are a perfect fit for the story. You will love this adventure.Share it with your family.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is too cute. Readers learn some basic book care rules and the value of seeing the joy of reading. It is a nice update for book care books. The length of the narration is perfect. I loved the illustrations - they were engaging and colorful. As a librarian, I clapped when the narration pointed out poor book care use that was not overtly didactic. But as a librarian, I also cringed when I saw the book being loved and read in situations that make me cringe and groan with anticipation of damage. This book will be good for prompting discussions of book care. Capstone also provides a free download of a poster featuring Bob the Book with book care rules. I highly recommend adding this to your book order. (Reviewed uncorrected proof digitally at Capstone's website.)

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!
•••
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh Bob! What a fun book to read — an absolute adventure for what library books can go through when borrowed. It’s an entirely relatable book for any library lover and avid book reader. It was so comforting to understand how truly loved Bob is by the students in the class and his importance in their life! The illustrations are colorful and express each situation that Bob is found in extremely well. I’m sure this book will become a staple in libraries, especially Children’s rooms. Great information about book care can be found at the end. I can’t wait to buy this book!

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. Bob, the all-time favorite book at the school library, gets overdue! All the kids want to check Bob out, and he gets to go on a lot of adventures with them. But one day Sebastian checks Bob out and this is where the trouble begins.
This book teaches children the importance of how to care for borrowed books, keep food & drinks far away, and do not under any circumstances dog ear books! Read them and enjoy them, then return them and let other kids enjoy them!
This was a cutely written and illustrated book. Perfect for any library.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Lauren M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable children's book chronicling the "misadventures" of a school library book that has been forgotten to be returned!

This makes for a fun story from the book's perspective, as well as offers some help for kiddos in understanding why they should take care of their library books!

I would recommend any and all children's librarians (especially school librarians!) read this to their classes/patrons! Heck, it was even written by a school librarian! Very sweet!

[BiblioBickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute meta-story told by Bob the Book whose title is Overdue: The misadventure of Bob the Book. Nice non-shaming way to introduce / remind students regarding the responsibility of bringing borrowed books back to the library as well as of the joys of reading with a subtle nod to being careful not to spill food on books.

[Hadassah Tannor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Bob, a neglected, misplaced, and overdue library book! This humorous chain of events illustrated through animated comic book-style characters with bubble speech text,
should remind children of the value of books. and seduce them into reading, complying with library rules, and giving a book a second chance. Maroon-colored Bob is shown in his various emotive states, guaranteed to arouse sympathy.

[Colleen Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK AND NEED IT RIGHT NOW! Thank you, Gloria Koster for writing the book that you always needed to read to your students about finding lost library books! This book is told from the overdue library book’s viewpoint, as it is misplaced and overlooked at a boy’s home. I can t wait to share it with my students!

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book with fun illustrations about the importance of treating library books well and remembering to return them on time. For readers 5-9.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Working in the school library and it caught my eye on the desk. Such a cute book to introduce little ones to the library.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overdue: The Misadventure of Bob the Book by Gloria Koster is a picture book from Bob's point of view. Bob is the most wanted book at Wisdom Hill Elementary, but at Sebastian's house, he gets lost in a mess and then put on a shelf for months! Finally Bob is found and Sebastian decides to give the book a try and loves it!

The illustrations were good but could have been better. I laughed out loud a few times on my own and can't wait to read this one to my own kiddos!

This book is a good reminder for kids to appreciate and take care of books and also to read them! I also liked the idea of the Book Care Tips page at the back of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the Advanced Reading Copy!

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Overdue: The Misadventure of Bob the Book" by Gloria Koster is a children's picture book told from the point of view of Bob the book. Kids love Bob, but at Sebastian's house, he isn't treated with care and isn't even read. He gets lost in a mess. At the end of the school year, the librarian sends a notice home about the missing book. Sebastian finds it and finally reads it over - and over and over.

This book reminds kids to take care of books and, most importantly, read them! It's a good message for all of us. There's a Book Care Tips page at the end of the book.

Pawel Gierlinski is the illustrator of this book. The cartoon-like pictures are great. Bob, the book is shown to have a personality

Thank you to Netgalley, Capstone Editions, and the author, Gloria Koster, for providing this e-book ARC so that I could give you my honest review.

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when you're the most popular book in the library? Unfortunately for Bob, he is misplaced and nobody is reading him! Thank goodness, once they get the notice that the book is overdue and must go back, Sebastian pulls out all the stops and finds Bob.
What a great book! Sebastian reads Bob again and again before giving him back. Once he's safely back with his friends at the library, they talk about what can happen when people don't take good care of their library books. Such a cute story and great information about libraries and book care.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

[Bookish2theMax · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun and cute picture book about bob the book and the adventure he goes on when a boy takes him out of the school library. This book was very well written with very good pictures. This will teach kids about responsibility and give them a love of reading. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any librarian working with young children needs this book. Bob makes for a sympathetic character as he gets misplaced on a kitchen shelf with all the cookbooks and sits there for months. Only after an overdue notice is sent does the boy and his family start to look for the book. Surprisingly, after the book is found, the boy takes the time to read the book and makes a startling discovery. Not only does the book convey the importance of taking care of one's library books (with tips for book care included at the end) but it also highlights the joy that can be found in reading. Adorable, lively illustrations fit well with the text. The use of textboxes makes the book seem almost like a comic book. This book is bound to get a lot of use from teachers and librarians but kids are bound to like it too. Recommended.

[Cailleach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob the book has been abandoned by his most recent borrower from the school library. Will he ever make it back to his rightful place in circulation?

Overdue: The Misadventure of Bob the Book addresses the responsibility each student has to take care of their books in an impactful way. With beautiful illustrations, a fascinating story, and a formatting style reminiscent of a graphic novel, it has all the ingredients to draw students in and allow them to digest the themes presented. This would be an absolutely amazing story to bookend a year with students, as the lessons could serve easily as both a beginning of year explanation of how to take care of books and an end of year reminder to look for lost items and return them.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC used to write this review!

[Megyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overdue is a book about the most popular book in the school library. When someone takes him home and he gets lost, Bob is so sad. No one is looking through his pages. When he is finally found, he creates a new connection with a kid.

This book was really cute! It teaches kids how to care for library books and books in general. It shows kids the importance of reading and taking care of books. The illustrations were cute and eye catching. I think a lot of kids will enjoy this book.

Thanks so much to netgalley and Capstone for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Overdue: The Misadventure of Bob the Book" is a delightful picture book that captures the essence of library love and the significance of treating books with care. Authored by Gloria Koster, a librarian herself, and brought to life with enchanting illustrations by Pawel Gierlinski, this book is a gem for any bookworm and a valuable resource for educators aiming to instill good book-handling habits in children.

The story revolves around Bob, a cherished library book at Wisdom Hill Elementary, whose fate takes a downturn when Sebastian, unlike Bob's previous enthusiastic borrowers, forgets all about him. As Bob's anxiety grows about being abandoned forever, readers are taken on a poignant journey from the perspective of a book, highlighting the emotional bond books can form with their readers.

Gloria Koster's narrative skillfully weaves together themes of friendship, neglect, and the joy of reading, making Bob's predicament relatable to young readers. Through Bob's experiences, children learn about the importance of valuing books and treating them with respect. The inclusion of "Bob's Book Rules" on the last page provides practical guidelines for young readers on how to care for books, turning this charming story into an educational tool.

One of the book's standout features is Pawel Gierlinski's stunning illustrations, which complement the narrative perfectly. From vibrant library scenes to expressive depictions of Bob's emotions, the illustrations capture the essence of each moment, enhancing the overall reading experience.

"Overdue: The Misadventure of Bob the Book" is not just a story; it's a lesson wrapped in a heartwarming tale. It's a reminder to children about the magic of books and the responsibility that comes with borrowing them. With its engaging storyline, relatable characters, and valuable life lessons, this book is an excellent addition to any school library or classroom.

Recommended for children aged 7-10, "Overdue: The Misadventure of Bob the Book" is sure to captivate young minds and spark important conversations about the care and appreciation of books. Whether read aloud in a classroom or enjoyed at home, this book is destined to become a beloved favorite among young readers for years to come.

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

What our beloved books go through for us. They love us much.

We see the life of a grade school library book and how loved and adored he is until one clueless kid takes him home and he ends up on the family book shelf. He becomes an overdue book.

Books do love being read. The book ends well with the kid falling in love with the book and reading it over and over like we do with all good books.

The artwork is digital. It's colorful and bright. Reading looks a delight.

I was not the reading powerhouse as a child that I am now. I did enjoy reading, I just procrastinated back then. I didn't have overdue books, but I would get books and return them unread at times. I don't think I had the mental focus back then. It's a shame, it would have helped me now if I had been. Everything is about writing skills in my life. OH well. I've made up for it as an adult and I help raise the average book read per person.

I tried to challenge my niece and nephew to read against me. I'd give them 20$ each if they could read more than me and neither of them even wanted to try. Sob, sob.

Any child who loves the library or reading will adore this story.

[Gumby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent, instructive story about taking care of your books and being a responsible school library user, but as a librarian, I find the ending somewhat undercuts the lesson. The kid's book was 9 months overdue (!!!), during which time it had been lost and neglected. When the boy finally finds and returns the book, the librarian is appropriately gracious about it, but then she lets him check the book right back out and keep it at home for summer vacation! Dude--the whole class was waiting for that book. There was a whole part about how everyone wanted that book so bad. In real life, the ending should've gone like this:

"Hi, I brought my book back. Sorry it's 9 months late."

"Thank you for bringing it back. Let's keep better track of our books from now on, OK?"

"OK. Can I borrow it again right now?"

"Sorry, lots of other kids have been waiting to borrow this one, so we need to give them all a turn with it."

"But, but. Can I--"

'I SAID NOOOOOO! BEGONE, SMALL ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

[Teresa Chang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This joyful read narrated from Bob's point-of-view, takes us for a misadventure with his ups and downs from being an all-time-favorite book in Wisdom Hill Elementary to being buried and forgotten by his newest borrower, Sebastian. Bob has to endure a series of mistreatments which makes "his spine tingle and pages flutter".

Can Sebastian redeem his negligence and finally become a responsible and caring reader to Bob?

The heartfelt love towards reading and books beams from page to page and the very special " Book Care Tips" at the end speaks volumes to all librarians and book lovers so emphatically!

"Overdue: The Misadventure of Bob the Book" is a love letter and tribute to bibliophiles, as well as a gentle reminder to children the importance of taking good care of a book.

With whimsical and lively illustrations, Bob is sending out a strong and much-needed message of how books should be treasured and enjoyed in loving hands!

[Megan Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admittedly, we are a family who really needed to learn from Sebastian's mistakes and see Bob's helpful reminder- many a library book have been "shelved" in strange places in our home and followed up with embarrassing notes home from the school librarian!

This sweet tale was a hit for us! We enjoyed following along on Bob's adventures and also empathized with his plight (especially coming in second place to a television show or iPad). Now, if we could only channel and stick to Mr. Forest's approach approach to the problem, there would be fewer Bobs in our house.

Through a whimsical and delightful tone, the author develops Bob into a lovable and realistic character whose message is not only clear but adorably conveyed. The illustrations match the spirit of the story and give Bob the "dimension" that he deserves! I could see Bob finding a permanent place in elementary library curriculum and winning the hearts of readers, young and not-so-young, everywhere.

[Katherine McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute picture book with examples and easy to follow instructions about taking care of library books. (Books in general, really)

Bob is a very popular library book. We see him go from house to house as different children check him out. They all take very good care of him…that is until Sebastian checks him out.

Sebastian lets his little sister eat near the book, and his brother use it with toys. In the end, he didn’t even remember to read the book and it ends up getting “lost” when their dad moves it into the kitchen on a shelf.

Months pass and Sebastian has a note sent home to please return the book. Finally Bob is found! Sebastian ends up reading it multiple times and then returns it. He ends up telling the librarian that it’s his favorite and she lets him take it home for the summer.

Overall, a cute idea and a good idea for kids to see what happens when they lose track of library books!