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Little Libraries, Big Heroes
From an award-winning author and illustrator, the inspiring story of how the Little Free Library organization brings communities together through books, from founder Todd Bol’s first installation to the creation of more than 75,000 mini-libraries around the world.
Todd and his friends love heroes. But in school, Todd doesn’t feel heroic. Reading is hard for him, and he gets scolded for asking too many questions. How will he ever become the kind of hero he admires?
Featuring stunning illustrations that celebrate the diversity of the Little Free Library movement, here is the story of how its founder, Todd Bol, became a literacy superhero. Thanks to Todd and thousands of volunteers—many of whom are kids—millions of books have been enjoyed around the world.
This creative movement inspires a love of reading, strengthens communities, and provides meeting places where new friendships, ideas—and heroes!—spring to life.
Includes an author’s note and bibliography.
Todd and his friends love heroes. But in school, Todd doesn’t feel heroic. Reading is hard for him, and he gets scolded for asking too many questions. How will he ever become the kind of hero he admires?
Featuring stunning illustrations that celebrate the diversity of the Little Free Library movement, here is the story of how its founder, Todd Bol, became a literacy superhero. Thanks to Todd and thousands of volunteers—many of whom are kids—millions of books have been enjoyed around the world.
This creative movement inspires a love of reading, strengthens communities, and provides meeting places where new friendships, ideas—and heroes!—spring to life.
Includes an author’s note and bibliography.
36 pages, Hardcover
First published September 3, 2019
4 people are currently reading
798 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Paul
18 books151 followersMiranda Paul has worked as a teacher, volunteer zookeeper, and freelance writer--among other things. She is passionate about creating stories for young readers that inspire, entertain, and broaden horizons. Miranda is also a thrill-seeker, and one of her bravest moments involved reciting poetry from inside a crocodile pit. (Yikes!)
In addition to being a picture book author, Miranda is a team member of We Need Diverse Books™ and a volunteer for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Learn more at www.mirandapaul.com.
In addition to being a picture book author, Miranda is a team member of We Need Diverse Books™ and a volunteer for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Learn more at www.mirandapaul.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
October 7, 2019
A full 5 stars book for me!
I love Little Free Libraries but I’d never known how they had started. This book educated me.
The story of the founder(s) is so touching and so interesting. I appreciate how the original founder had difficulty reading when young and how when as an adult mourning the death of his mother (who’d always encouraged him) he came up with this idea as a way to share the books his mother loved and as a way to strengthen a feeling of community in his neighborhood.
The story is told in an engaging manner and I loved the included humor. I found it inspirational and it almost brought me to Patricia Polacco style tears at times in the book proper and in the author’s note at the end.
The author’s note, which has a few pages of extras in the back, is equally moving and informative. It includes the sad information that the original creator of these libraries died last year of cancer at age 62. It sounds as though he knew about this book and I am glad that he did and I’m glad that he lived to see the development of thousands of LFLs all over the world in all sorts of settings.
The Little Free Library movement from its inception all the way to the present is a perfect example of how every person at any age can make a large impact on the world, and how we can all do something to help others, and that the idea of “ordinary heroes” vs. extraordinary ones is powerful. That message and the message of how books and reading have great power to open our world and promote empathy for others is also wonderful.
I enjoyed the illustrations. They fit this true story and there is much to look at and their colors are lovely.
Highly recommended for all book lovers and especially those who appreciate Free Little Libraries. I need to get rid of many of my books and I’ve been meaning to post in my NextDoor community to ask the locations of all our little free libraries so I can start dropping off books (easier than bringing thousands to my public library sale) and I might, but my area has a relatively good free public library. I’d love to get some books to areas with Little Free Libraries but that lack a public library or good public library. They have a greater need for free books. And it looks as though the participating registered LFLs can be found at littlefreelibraries.org.
I love Little Free Libraries but I’d never known how they had started. This book educated me.
The story of the founder(s) is so touching and so interesting. I appreciate how the original founder had difficulty reading when young and how when as an adult mourning the death of his mother (who’d always encouraged him) he came up with this idea as a way to share the books his mother loved and as a way to strengthen a feeling of community in his neighborhood.
The story is told in an engaging manner and I loved the included humor. I found it inspirational and it almost brought me to Patricia Polacco style tears at times in the book proper and in the author’s note at the end.
The author’s note, which has a few pages of extras in the back, is equally moving and informative. It includes the sad information that the original creator of these libraries died last year of cancer at age 62. It sounds as though he knew about this book and I am glad that he did and I’m glad that he lived to see the development of thousands of LFLs all over the world in all sorts of settings.
The Little Free Library movement from its inception all the way to the present is a perfect example of how every person at any age can make a large impact on the world, and how we can all do something to help others, and that the idea of “ordinary heroes” vs. extraordinary ones is powerful. That message and the message of how books and reading have great power to open our world and promote empathy for others is also wonderful.
I enjoyed the illustrations. They fit this true story and there is much to look at and their colors are lovely.
Highly recommended for all book lovers and especially those who appreciate Free Little Libraries. I need to get rid of many of my books and I’ve been meaning to post in my NextDoor community to ask the locations of all our little free libraries so I can start dropping off books (easier than bringing thousands to my public library sale) and I might, but my area has a relatively good free public library. I’d love to get some books to areas with Little Free Libraries but that lack a public library or good public library. They have a greater need for free books. And it looks as though the participating registered LFLs can be found at littlefreelibraries.org.
September 25, 2019
A colorful telling of the inception and growth of the Little Free Library movement, from creator, Todd Bill’s childhood love of reading to his desire to share such after his mother, another avid reader, passed away. Starting the expansion with friend, Rick, they began to make more Libraries out of scrap wood and offer them up locally. That gave way to road trip dispersal and finally to a mail order nonprofit that, as of last count, has about 80,000 registered LFL’s worldwide.
Highlighting a few of the more heroic stewards behind their Libraries, it’s a warm fuzzy read with lots of smile factor. More info and resources finish up this inspirational read.
October 22, 2019
I also love libraries and the idea of the Little Free Library (and have been fortunate enough to see some around, though we have yet to build our own) and I enjoyed reading about how the idea began and flourished. I love books that feature "everyday" heroes, and especially books where children are able to be heroes. I love that this shows how libraries can be so very necessary, that bringing books to people can be a heroic act, and that any one, even in difficult circumstances or even if one is a child, is able to make a small act to help others. The author's note at the back goes into further detail but the story itself feels very complete, too. I personally wasn't a big fan of the illustration style, though I do appreciate the sentiment and images depicted. I'm grateful to my GR friends Lisa and Abigail for bringing this to my attention and it gets my recommendation, too!
July 14, 2019
A perfect non-fiction story for a picture book, with stand-out art from John Parra.
September 28, 2019
Author Miranda Paul and illustrator John Parra join forces in this inspiring picture-book examination of the "Little Free Library" movement, from its creation to its worldwide growth and influence. Conceived by Minnesotan Todd Bol, who had struggled with his own reading as a boy, and who, as an adult man, was mourning the death of his mother, the first "Little Free Library" was intended to bring people together, offering a space where readers could exchange books. A small, play-sized wooden "schoolhouse" with books inside, the library was placed in Bol's yard, and soon attracted attention from curious neighbors. Although it took a while for the idea to spread, eventually ordinary people - the heroes of the title - acted to create more such libraries in their own communities, promoting both literacy and community cohesion...
As a long-time admirer of the Little Free Library movement, I was excited to pick up Little Libraries, Big Heroes, especially as I have enjoyed books from both Paul and Parra before. I knew nothing about the founder, Todd Bol, so the story here was enlightening, while the information about the various ways in which ordinary heroes - a theme of the book - used the idea in their own communities, was inspiring. I really love the idea, evident in everything from the title to the text, that regular people can make a difference in the world, and I also appreciated the author's afterword, in which she gives more information, as well as a few ideas for further reading. The artwork, done in acrylic paint on illustration board, was colorful and appealing, with a lovely textured feeling that made me think (oddly) of collage. Recommended to all young book and library lovers, and to anyone seeking children's books about people making a difference in their communities.
As a long-time admirer of the Little Free Library movement, I was excited to pick up Little Libraries, Big Heroes, especially as I have enjoyed books from both Paul and Parra before. I knew nothing about the founder, Todd Bol, so the story here was enlightening, while the information about the various ways in which ordinary heroes - a theme of the book - used the idea in their own communities, was inspiring. I really love the idea, evident in everything from the title to the text, that regular people can make a difference in the world, and I also appreciated the author's afterword, in which she gives more information, as well as a few ideas for further reading. The artwork, done in acrylic paint on illustration board, was colorful and appealing, with a lovely textured feeling that made me think (oddly) of collage. Recommended to all young book and library lovers, and to anyone seeking children's books about people making a difference in their communities.
August 1, 2019
Outstanding book sharing the history and power of Little Free Libraries across the world. Also a great Author's Note at the end. I can't wait to read to my students at school and then take them out to show our LFL we have.
October 3, 2019
How the Little Free Library began and how it’s grown.
March 10, 2021
An exciting book about the power of ideas, how an everyday person can start something big, and the impact of reading!
April 16, 2021
Cute nonfiction picture book about the creation of Little Free Libraries and how they've spread internationally.
January 5, 2020
RATING: 4 STARS
Little Libraries, Big Heroes is about the man who started the free little libraries - the who, what, how, when, where and why of it all. It has cute illustrations to accompany the story.
Little Libraries, Big Heroes is about the man who started the free little libraries - the who, what, how, when, where and why of it all. It has cute illustrations to accompany the story.
February 21, 2021
Author Miranda Paul and award-winning illustrator John Parra tell the story of Todd Bol and Rick Brooks, who created over 2,510 Little Libraries, to bring people together through the little Libraries. of "taking a book, sharing a book"
The story inspires others to contribute to their own community, no matter where you are...
As of 2019, there are over 75,000 registered Little Libraries in 88 countries.
Learn how these two guys created the Little Libraries and find your own voice in the community to bring books to people.
The story inspires others to contribute to their own community, no matter where you are...
As of 2019, there are over 75,000 registered Little Libraries in 88 countries.
Learn how these two guys created the Little Libraries and find your own voice in the community to bring books to people.
October 3, 2019
What a lovely book chronicling the start of the Little Free Libraries movement. Todd Bol and Rick Brooks started a movement of providing books and dreams and stories to everyone, especially where there were none. This book is a beautiful telling of their story. Excellent illustrations as well.
December 4, 2019
Little Libraries, Big Heroes is a fun informational book for grades kindergarten through 5th grade. It is easy for students to relate to. The book paints a beautiful story of Todd Bol, who did not believe he was capable of being a hero; but that did not stop him. Todd’s inspiration illustrates to students that it only takes one person to make a difference. Little Libraries, Big Heroes is an encouraging read for students to never give up. It teaches students that if something does not work out, then try it again.
One learning experience that would be exciting for students is to find and visit a little library around their neighborhood or town. If there is no little library, then students could work together to find the perfect place to put a little library in their town. This could mean taking a class field trip and walking around town, or finding a town map. Individually, students can write a persuasive letter to the town explaining why there should be a little library in town. Students can also use research to support their ideas.
Another learning experience is as a whole class, discuss the attributes of a hero. After, students can break out into groups to collaborate in creating a list of ways they can become heroes in the community. Groups can share out at the end. An exit ticket can be: “Write down one thing you are going to do to take that first step in becoming a hero”.
I considered Little Libraries, Big Heroes as a wow book because it is an inspiring read for elementary students. One word that really stands out when I read this book is, “Ordinary”. I believe this word is essential because it teaches students that any “ordinary” person can become a hero. Often times children believe they need to have a lot of money or they need to be famous to make a difference; but this book demonstrates that all they need to do is have a strong passion to make an influence.
One learning experience that would be exciting for students is to find and visit a little library around their neighborhood or town. If there is no little library, then students could work together to find the perfect place to put a little library in their town. This could mean taking a class field trip and walking around town, or finding a town map. Individually, students can write a persuasive letter to the town explaining why there should be a little library in town. Students can also use research to support their ideas.
Another learning experience is as a whole class, discuss the attributes of a hero. After, students can break out into groups to collaborate in creating a list of ways they can become heroes in the community. Groups can share out at the end. An exit ticket can be: “Write down one thing you are going to do to take that first step in becoming a hero”.
I considered Little Libraries, Big Heroes as a wow book because it is an inspiring read for elementary students. One word that really stands out when I read this book is, “Ordinary”. I believe this word is essential because it teaches students that any “ordinary” person can become a hero. Often times children believe they need to have a lot of money or they need to be famous to make a difference; but this book demonstrates that all they need to do is have a strong passion to make an influence.
December 28, 2019
With cozy and colorful illustrations, Little Libraries, Big Heroes tells the story of Little Free Libraries. It's a topic perfectly fit for a picture book, given that many children are actually ambassadors for multiple LFLs! This book is both a biography and a history, as Todd Bol's childhood and adulthood formed him to be the book- and community-lover that he is today. And even more interesting, perhaps, is the way in which he created the idea for a Little Free Library, and eventually enacted it. Take, for instance, the fact that he had to learn how to woodwork in order to create the first one! Ideas don't just come to life, they require a lot of labor and love.
Overall, this book is just darling and great for children who love reading or have a Little Free Library in their own neighborhood. Perfect for grades 2-4
Review cross-listed here!
Overall, this book is just darling and great for children who love reading or have a Little Free Library in their own neighborhood. Perfect for grades 2-4
Review cross-listed here!
Read
August 15, 2024Yes but. But I see too many that are abandoned. Too many that are hardly ever visited. Stewards have complained to me that people aren't taking books, even though they have listed their LFL on the new mobile app. If you have an LFL that regularly needs books, please send me a PM.
February 6, 2020
Very interesting story of how the Little Free Libraries came to be. I was amazed at how quickly this phenomenon spread across the world.
August 31, 2020
I love this true story! Very encouraging and inspiring. 📚
June 14, 2022
There are very few things that I want more out of life than to be steward of a Little Free Library.
January 12, 2021
Fun look at the inspiration of how the little libraries came to be and how the sensation of establishing a community library grew across America. Fostering the love of reading is something that anyone can help to do by adding a little library to their neighborhood. Inspiring book!
November 30, 2022
I wish people would stop sticking books that need to go in the trash into little free libraries
September 21, 2019
This book is all about inspiration! Inspiration can take place in the life of a very ordinary person, making their life not so ordinary. Enter Todd Bol...an “ordinary” kid who had an encouraging mother who told him “he could do anything.” Todd struggled with reading as he was growing up. But after his mother passed away, as an adult, he wanted to celebrate her love of reading. And thus, the first Little Free Library was born. Be sure to pay attention to the valuable author notes at the back of the book.
November 2, 2019
I have long been intrigued by the idea of the Little Free Libraries (LFL). What an amazing way to get books into the hands of readers. This book highlights the life of LFL founder Todd Bol, and the incredible impact his creation has made. LFL can now be found all over the world, including areas where access to books was previously limited and refugee camps where people had no books of their own. Miranda Paul highlights the power of books and the idea that even young people can help make a difference, and John Parra's illustrations are a perfect complement to the text. This is an outstanding book and I hope it finds itself in the hands of many readers.
Read
August 12, 2019This colorful, exuberant book tells the story of Little Free Library founders Todd Bol and Rick Brooks and how they became everyday heroes by getting their idea for little, free libraries off the ground. There are now more than 75,000 registered Little Free Libraries in 88 countries around the world and it all started with an ordinary Wisconsin guy who wanted to commemorate his book-loving mother.
Pair this with other books that celebrate books and the power of reading to build a community, like WAITING FOR THE BIBLIOBURRO by Monica Brown or PLANTING STORIES: THE LIFE OF LIBRARIAN AND STORYTELLER PURA BELPRE.
Pair this with other books that celebrate books and the power of reading to build a community, like WAITING FOR THE BIBLIOBURRO by Monica Brown or PLANTING STORIES: THE LIFE OF LIBRARIAN AND STORYTELLER PURA BELPRE.
Read
September 27, 2019I've worked in libraries for many years, I've known of "Little Free Libraries" for quite some time, but it took a childrens' picture book to teach me about their start! I'm biased, of course, but I love the concept of Little Free Libaries. And I like the angle of this picture book, how there are everyday, ordinary heroes making important contributions to society...even the smallest gesture makes an impact!
September 20, 2019
Little Libraries, Big Heroes is the engaging biography of Todd Bol, the founder of the Little Free Library movement, but it is also much more. It’s an inspiring account of how ordinary people can spread an extraordinary idea. Miranda Paul’s writing is top notch and John Parra’s illustrations reinforce the magic of this book and Little Free Libraries all around the world.
December 2, 2020
This was interesting but a bit long. As a librarian I knew most of the information but it was nice to see it put out for kids. I especially like how Todd was an “everyday hero” instead of a “super” one. The illustrations are okay, but not in a style I gravitate to, but kids will find them interesting.
January 31, 2022
This one was good but a bit more of a classroom read than a storybook. My 4.5 year old enjoyed it after we set up our little free library, and it would be a great way to get kids interested in libraries and other types of community sharing projects.
July 12, 2021
"You can be the story of change"--Todd H. Bol (1956-2018)
Miranda Paul tells of the life and legacy of Todd Bol, who co-founded Little Free Libraries (LFL) with his friend Rick Brooks. It's about Todd's dream of doing "something big in life."
As a boy, Todd struggled with reading and school due to his dyslexia. His mother June was a former teacher who taught the neighborhood kids to read in their town of Hudson, Wisconsin. June reassured her son, then in the second grade, that he was destined to do great things. But it would take Todd almost four decades to realize these words.
When June Bol passed away in 2001, Todd wished to honor his mother's memory. Remembering June's love of books and teaching neighborhood kids how to read, Todd build the first Little Free Library (LFL) out of an old door in 2009. Resembling a red schoolhouse with a glass door, Todd filled it with books and placed it in front of his Hudson home.
But like many success stories, this one had a slow start, too. Several months later during a neighborhood rummage sale, people started to notice Todd's LFL house and upon asking him questions, realized how books do bring people together. With Rick Brooks assisting Todd in his dream, the two men learned about carpentry and recruited family and friends to help them build 30 additional LFL's to sell. Only one sold, so Todd and Rick went out a road-trip around the Midwest to "bring (their) libraries to the people". The first LFL outside of Hudson was placed on a bike path in Madison, Wisconsin.
But neither Todd Bol nor Rick Brooks were done yet. They realized that in 46 years Andrew Carnegie built 2509 libraries around the world. Both men wished to top Carnegie's record with at least 2510 of their own version, and LFL's motto would become "Take a Book, Share a Book". National media soon caught wind of the Little Free Library as well.
In 2010 alone, Todd and Rick's dream had over 400 of their libraries posted throughout the United States. They achieved their goal of 2510 libraries two years later. Now Little Free Libraries are in over 90 countries and in all seven continents and shows no signs of slowing down. I think that both June and Todd Bol must be smiling somewhere.
Sadly, Todd Bol passed away from cancer in 2018 shortly before this book was published. He was 62 years old. In his memory, LFL boxes were decorated in either a silver or white ribbon. Todd's legacy continues to live on with his wife Susan, their children Allison and Austin, his brother Tony and his friend and co-founder Rick Brooks.
This book tells of two men's extraordinary dream and how both Todd and Rick made a big difference in our world through books and reading. There are plenty of good old books to read and new friends to make. "Little Libraries, Big Heroes" is the place to start and read!!!
Rating: *****
Miranda Paul tells of the life and legacy of Todd Bol, who co-founded Little Free Libraries (LFL) with his friend Rick Brooks. It's about Todd's dream of doing "something big in life."
As a boy, Todd struggled with reading and school due to his dyslexia. His mother June was a former teacher who taught the neighborhood kids to read in their town of Hudson, Wisconsin. June reassured her son, then in the second grade, that he was destined to do great things. But it would take Todd almost four decades to realize these words.
When June Bol passed away in 2001, Todd wished to honor his mother's memory. Remembering June's love of books and teaching neighborhood kids how to read, Todd build the first Little Free Library (LFL) out of an old door in 2009. Resembling a red schoolhouse with a glass door, Todd filled it with books and placed it in front of his Hudson home.
But like many success stories, this one had a slow start, too. Several months later during a neighborhood rummage sale, people started to notice Todd's LFL house and upon asking him questions, realized how books do bring people together. With Rick Brooks assisting Todd in his dream, the two men learned about carpentry and recruited family and friends to help them build 30 additional LFL's to sell. Only one sold, so Todd and Rick went out a road-trip around the Midwest to "bring (their) libraries to the people". The first LFL outside of Hudson was placed on a bike path in Madison, Wisconsin.
But neither Todd Bol nor Rick Brooks were done yet. They realized that in 46 years Andrew Carnegie built 2509 libraries around the world. Both men wished to top Carnegie's record with at least 2510 of their own version, and LFL's motto would become "Take a Book, Share a Book". National media soon caught wind of the Little Free Library as well.
In 2010 alone, Todd and Rick's dream had over 400 of their libraries posted throughout the United States. They achieved their goal of 2510 libraries two years later. Now Little Free Libraries are in over 90 countries and in all seven continents and shows no signs of slowing down. I think that both June and Todd Bol must be smiling somewhere.
Sadly, Todd Bol passed away from cancer in 2018 shortly before this book was published. He was 62 years old. In his memory, LFL boxes were decorated in either a silver or white ribbon. Todd's legacy continues to live on with his wife Susan, their children Allison and Austin, his brother Tony and his friend and co-founder Rick Brooks.
This book tells of two men's extraordinary dream and how both Todd and Rick made a big difference in our world through books and reading. There are plenty of good old books to read and new friends to make. "Little Libraries, Big Heroes" is the place to start and read!!!
Rating: *****
October 29, 2019
Little Libraries, Big Heroes is a children's picture book written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by John Parra. It about a book-sized celebration and history of the Little Free Library movement created and started by Todd Bol.
Todd Herbert Bol was the creator and founder of Little Free Library, a global public bookcase nonprofit organization. In 2009, he used wood from his old garage door to make the first library-on-a-stick as a tribute to his mother, while living in Hudson, Wisconsin.
Paul's text is simplistic and straightforward. The narrative traces a mother's inspiration and traces Bol's big idea back to its emotional source, which offers a path for books to read to the masses for free. Parra shows the two of them talking excitedly, angular figures on pages textured like woodblock prints. They build many of the structures and, when they can't sell them, install them all over the upper Midwest.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. After Todd Bol's librarian mother dies, he creates a small one-room schoolhouse on a stand and fills it with books to share her love of reading with anyone who passed by. However, no one notices until he explains it to his neighbors, after which the little library became the center of their neighborhood. Bol's friend Rick Brooks helps him dream bigger.
All in all, Little Libraries, Big Heroes is a wonderful children's book about the beginnings of the Little Free Libraries and the creator behind them – Todd Bol.
Todd Herbert Bol was the creator and founder of Little Free Library, a global public bookcase nonprofit organization. In 2009, he used wood from his old garage door to make the first library-on-a-stick as a tribute to his mother, while living in Hudson, Wisconsin.
Paul's text is simplistic and straightforward. The narrative traces a mother's inspiration and traces Bol's big idea back to its emotional source, which offers a path for books to read to the masses for free. Parra shows the two of them talking excitedly, angular figures on pages textured like woodblock prints. They build many of the structures and, when they can't sell them, install them all over the upper Midwest.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. After Todd Bol's librarian mother dies, he creates a small one-room schoolhouse on a stand and fills it with books to share her love of reading with anyone who passed by. However, no one notices until he explains it to his neighbors, after which the little library became the center of their neighborhood. Bol's friend Rick Brooks helps him dream bigger.
All in all, Little Libraries, Big Heroes is a wonderful children's book about the beginnings of the Little Free Libraries and the creator behind them – Todd Bol.
December 6, 2019
Oh my gosh I love this so much.
This short little picture book manages to perfectly capture the power and beauty and glory of storytelling, and the worth and strength of ordinary people, in just a few beautifully illustrated pages.
This book is I think officially affiliated with the Little Free Library program, and naturally (since it is a biography/timeline of the creators and the program) focuses on their work specifically, but I never felt like they were being pushy or sales-oriented.
Also, a few details I loved:
-the title is "Little Libraries", not "Little Free Libraries": that implies to me a general support for community literacy efforts everywhere and not just their own
-the inclusion of a few specific and inspiring examples of libraries and stewards that persevered and thrived in difficult circumstances, and then the author's note at the end GAVE US THEIR NAMES!! I feel like that so rarely happens. I love that these people's stories weren't kept in the abstract and instead we have an opportunity to know who they are and even seek out more about them if we wish to
-the emphasis on small efforts making an unimaginably large difference. This is something fundamental that is INCREDIBLY important to me, and to have that linked with the value of storytelling? and the creation and demonstration of empathy?? and how those things are all interconnected??? I cry*
*seriously, I cried quietly through the whole book and I don't regret a second of it
This short little picture book manages to perfectly capture the power and beauty and glory of storytelling, and the worth and strength of ordinary people, in just a few beautifully illustrated pages.
This book is I think officially affiliated with the Little Free Library program, and naturally (since it is a biography/timeline of the creators and the program) focuses on their work specifically, but I never felt like they were being pushy or sales-oriented.
Also, a few details I loved:
-the title is "Little Libraries", not "Little Free Libraries": that implies to me a general support for community literacy efforts everywhere and not just their own
-the inclusion of a few specific and inspiring examples of libraries and stewards that persevered and thrived in difficult circumstances, and then the author's note at the end GAVE US THEIR NAMES!! I feel like that so rarely happens. I love that these people's stories weren't kept in the abstract and instead we have an opportunity to know who they are and even seek out more about them if we wish to
-the emphasis on small efforts making an unimaginably large difference. This is something fundamental that is INCREDIBLY important to me, and to have that linked with the value of storytelling? and the creation and demonstration of empathy?? and how those things are all interconnected??? I cry*
*seriously, I cried quietly through the whole book and I don't regret a second of it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews