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The Library Book
What’s the best way to cure a gloomy day? A trip to the library! Based on the hit song by Tom Chapin and Michael Mark, here is an affectionate, exuberant, uproarious celebration of books, reading, and—SHHH!—libraries!
The rain is pouring, Dad is snoring, and the same old stuff is on TV—boring.
What is there to do today?
Go to the library, of course!
Who will we meet there? Let's find out!
The rain is pouring, Dad is snoring, and the same old stuff is on TV—boring.
What is there to do today?
Go to the library, of course!
Who will we meet there? Let's find out!
Paperback
First published October 3, 2017
4 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
October 14, 2017
I wanted to love this, but two observations: this was originally written as a song, so the poetry and rhyme didn't quite flow well when read aloud. Also, every book she (MC is a POC) encountered in the library was either an animal or white. Where are her mirrors with these "classics"? I wanted to jump into the book, take her hand, and head back to the kid lit section to pull some more modern books with POCs to add to her stack.
January 18, 2018
I think it's important to note that children's librarians would never shush an enthusiastic reader.
November 2, 2017
This book, though cute, very pointedly fits into the “Hey let’s put a black kid on the cover” (but authors of color are still low) trend that publishing is doing right now. I found it odd that while in the library, the girl picks all old school/animal books/books with white characters.. 🤔 Young black readers def read the classics, but they are also drawn to images of blackness in books (mirror books) and this book didn’t even bother to dive into that. So while I’m sure this book will be lauded as fresh & diverse by librarians across the country...meh.
November 19, 2018
This is a fun book! I am not familiar with the song; so I looked it up on the internet and found a cute version by one of the authors of the book on YouTube. Take a look at it. I understand what some of the comments made are saying, but as a librarian, I see the book as a celebration of reading and libraries. Some of the best-loved characters in children’s literature are part of the celebration. Sometimes we get caught up in being PC so that we can’t have fun.
November 27, 2017
The concept and artwork of this book are quite cute and appealing, but as a children's librarian I cannot recommend a book that perpetuates librarian stereotypes. The librarian depicted in this picture book is white, has a cat companion, says "shh", checks out the child's library books, and most bizarrely asks the main character if they are "sure you want all these" books. These are all common stereotypes of what librarians do, none of which are true. Perhaps the authors should have actually visited a library to see what a modern public librarian does before writing this book.
December 14, 2019
Hmm, yeah what others said about the black girl reading only books by white men and annoying librarian stereotypes.
June 15, 2019
Bored one rainy day, the little girl in this picture-book romp heads to the library, exploring many of the classic children's books to be found therein. Eventually, after browsing through what's available, and interacting with the librarian, the girl heads home with her favorite selection:
Winnie-the-Pooh
...
Pairing the children's song by Tom Chapin and Michael Mark with artwork by illustrator Chuck Groenink, The Library Book offers a celebration of one of my absolute favorite places in the world: the library. I have many fond memories of spending my Saturday mornings at this most wonderful of community institutions as a child, so you would think that I would love this picture-book tribute. Unfortunately, although I liked the idea of the book, and appreciated the depiction of an African-American girl as the protagonist, the text itself simply didn't work that well for me. Perhaps if I were familiar with the song beforehand, and had a tune in mind as I read, the whole thing would have held more appeal for me? Difficult to say...
It's interesting to note that a great deal of the criticism I have seen directed at the book online has centered around the girl's choice of reading - too classic, apparently, and too white - or the actions of the librarian, in shushing the heroine. For my part, I mourn the loss of the library as a quiet place, something all too rare in our increasingly busy and crowded world, so the latter didn't bother me at all. If these reviewers are to be believed, librarians no longer insist on quiet, which, if true, is to be lamented. As for the issue of reading selection, although I can't agree that a child must select a book that reflects their immediate circumstances and identity - yes, it's perfectly OK for an African-American child to love Winnie-the-Pooh ! - I did note the lack of diversity in the books mentioned. If illustrator Chuck Groenink wanted to go for the classics, he might have included such titles as The Snowy Day , or Corduroy , both of which feature a young black child. Of course, Groenink is from the Netherlands, so perhaps he didn't grow up familiar with those titles. Leaving that issue aside, I did enjoy the illustrations here, a little bit more than the text, as it happens.
I'm not sure I'd strongly recommend this one. There are better library-centric picture-books out there, ones with a stronger story-line, and ones featuring little black girls. The British Lola at the Library and its sequels spring to mind...
Pairing the children's song by Tom Chapin and Michael Mark with artwork by illustrator Chuck Groenink, The Library Book offers a celebration of one of my absolute favorite places in the world: the library. I have many fond memories of spending my Saturday mornings at this most wonderful of community institutions as a child, so you would think that I would love this picture-book tribute. Unfortunately, although I liked the idea of the book, and appreciated the depiction of an African-American girl as the protagonist, the text itself simply didn't work that well for me. Perhaps if I were familiar with the song beforehand, and had a tune in mind as I read, the whole thing would have held more appeal for me? Difficult to say...
It's interesting to note that a great deal of the criticism I have seen directed at the book online has centered around the girl's choice of reading - too classic, apparently, and too white - or the actions of the librarian, in shushing the heroine. For my part, I mourn the loss of the library as a quiet place, something all too rare in our increasingly busy and crowded world, so the latter didn't bother me at all. If these reviewers are to be believed, librarians no longer insist on quiet, which, if true, is to be lamented. As for the issue of reading selection, although I can't agree that a child must select a book that reflects their immediate circumstances and identity - yes, it's perfectly OK for an African-American child to love Winnie-the-Pooh ! - I did note the lack of diversity in the books mentioned. If illustrator Chuck Groenink wanted to go for the classics, he might have included such titles as The Snowy Day , or Corduroy , both of which feature a young black child. Of course, Groenink is from the Netherlands, so perhaps he didn't grow up familiar with those titles. Leaving that issue aside, I did enjoy the illustrations here, a little bit more than the text, as it happens.
I'm not sure I'd strongly recommend this one. There are better library-centric picture-books out there, ones with a stronger story-line, and ones featuring little black girls. The British Lola at the Library and its sequels spring to mind...
November 28, 2017
On one hand, I love this ode to a library. I loved this song as a kid and had a hard time reading it and not singing it. The idea of going to the library on a rainy day and bringing home an armful of characters to enjoy is fabulous. The charming little girl on the cover tries to bring this picture book up-to-date with its inclusivity. Despite the cover there are a number of dated elements that carried over from the original song: the shushing librarians and ancient classics. That being said, I still found this charming, and would love to see a true update.
February 12, 2020
"The rain is pouring, Dad is snoring, and the same old stuff is on TV - boring.
What is there to do today? Go to the library, of course! Who will we find there?"
And so starts a lovely adventure for a young girl, to find marvelous things at the library, of course!
What is there to do today? Go to the library, of course! Who will we find there?"
And so starts a lovely adventure for a young girl, to find marvelous things at the library, of course!
October 17, 2017
This is so stinking cute! I can't wait to use this in storytime! Also the fact that the character is a black girl with an afro and glassess...she's basically me! This is MY book :D
April 6, 2018
I was prepared to love this because I thought the cover was adorable, however… I like that this features a black girl but all the characters she references are white or animals. I would imagine a black child would have at least one book featuring another black child she liked. I like that this promotes the library, however I don’t think any librarians (these days) would say “Shhhhh….” to a child. The text is awkward and doesn’t flow. It also really relies on favorite literary characters like Winnie the Pooh, Babar, Cinderella, Cat in the Hat and several others. I did have fun reading this though. I had never heard “The Library Song” so I read the book then listened to the song while looking at the book. I also really thoroughly enjoyed the illustrations and the endpapers!
Materials used: pencil and digital illustrations
Typeface used: Base Nine
Materials used: pencil and digital illustrations
Typeface used: Base Nine
February 10, 2020
A fun, rhythmic style read.... perfect for a preschool and older read a loud. I love the illustrations, specifically how the library furniture and shelving appear bigger than life and also how the books' classic characters come to life and join in the adventure of checking out books. The main character is full of delight, spontaneity and curiousity.... every librarians dream!
Find The Library Book at Westminster Public Library today!
And if you are in search of new books to read, try our services, What Do I Read Next. Our library staff are standing by to create a personalized recommendation list for you!
Find The Library Book at Westminster Public Library today!
And if you are in search of new books to read, try our services, What Do I Read Next. Our library staff are standing by to create a personalized recommendation list for you!
January 3, 2018
I really wish I could carry a tune so I could sing this while I share it with the kids.
October 17, 2019
The pictures are adorable, and I loved seeing some of our favorite picture book characters in this story, but the text didn't really flow well for me.
November 1, 2019
SO CUTE! The rhythm of the text was kind-of off for me, but the story itself was just perfect!
June 26, 2019
The whole premise of this book is that when there's nothing else to do, why not go to the library where you'll get really excited about books and then be shushed by the librarian. Not a fan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2023
Text-to-Text Connection: How is the topic, theme, or story elements connected to a different children’s book?
The Library Book, tells the story of a little girl who was excited about going to the library on a rainy Saturday. It was the weekend and her father was home from work but he was too tired to play, so she packed up her books and headed to the library. This book reminded me of the book "Lola At The Library." It is also a book about a little girl who loves to go to the library on Tuesday. Lola and the little girl knew what the library is and the importance of using your imagination to bring the book alive. Bothe little girls love to check out their books and both had their library cards handy. These books can be used to compare and contrast and help students get ready for a trip to the library. I really enjoyed reading this book.
The Library Book, tells the story of a little girl who was excited about going to the library on a rainy Saturday. It was the weekend and her father was home from work but he was too tired to play, so she packed up her books and headed to the library. This book reminded me of the book "Lola At The Library." It is also a book about a little girl who loves to go to the library on Tuesday. Lola and the little girl knew what the library is and the importance of using your imagination to bring the book alive. Bothe little girls love to check out their books and both had their library cards handy. These books can be used to compare and contrast and help students get ready for a trip to the library. I really enjoyed reading this book.
February 21, 2018
This song is a bouncy, fun classic, and this illustration of it is perfect. Sure, the characters are outdated classics, but it's charming, the librarian (while a shusher) doesn't look mean, and the main character's glasses and smile are so, so adorable.
Highly recommend as a sing-along book. I might leave the recorded music behind; it's a bit fast to turn the pages and have a storytime crowd learn the words. It would be great as a group sing, or as a family take-home sing along.
Highly recommend as a sing-along book. I might leave the recorded music behind; it's a bit fast to turn the pages and have a storytime crowd learn the words. It would be great as a group sing, or as a family take-home sing along.
July 14, 2018
This probably makes a better read-aloud if you can sing it but I don't know the song and didn't want to plunk it out on the piano (lyrics and music included inside the front cover) so I had to make the rhythm kind of work for me as it is not straightforward. The pictures are completely adorable, I love the way the old-time characters are reinterpreted. I really wish the librarian was less of a stereotype, but I do understand they are working with 30-year-old lyrics of the song here.
October 5, 2017
Oh, how I love this book about a precious little girl's adventures going to the library. The illustrations for this book are adorable too!
I found the text to be better suited for the story once I heard the song by Tom Chapin. I could then imagine how I might read it aloud. You can also listen to the song here:
https://youtu.be/qjyg-6Sd91A
I found the text to be better suited for the story once I heard the song by Tom Chapin. I could then imagine how I might read it aloud. You can also listen to the song here:
https://youtu.be/qjyg-6Sd91A
February 19, 2018
SUPER CUTE! I'm a sucker for picture books about libraries. Appreciated how it incorporated classic literary characters and was a very rhythmic story. Really beautiful illustrations, and was one of the best library themed picture books I've read in a minute.
October 26, 2019
Cute book with great illustrations (love all the detailed book covers) but the 5 stars is earned because it’s actually a song! Includes the musical notation. Look up the video on YouTube and read/sing along.
October 15, 2024
A lively picture book illustrating the lyrics to Chapin and Mark's Library Song which is the first song on the award winning Moonboat CD. Groenink does a good job capturing a child's love for the magic within the library. A fine supplement to a terrific library song.
October 25, 2017
I grew up with this song; I use this song during storytimes; and now it's a picture book! So Much LOVE.
December 1, 2017
Oh my goodness, this book is wonderfully cute, and just gets cuter as it goes on. Joyful celebration of books and reading!
December 4, 2017
My kinders loved this. We played the song after I read it and we were singing it all day!
February 1, 2018
Very cute! But doesn't this library have an unattended children policy? (I crack myself up.) - Miss Jolyce
February 1, 2019
So enchanting! A must read with beautiful illustrations.
February 19, 2020
Super cute
February 19, 2021
This was a really cute story with amazing illustrations!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews