At The Library

by Heather Alexander, Ipek Konak

What’s it like inside a library? Who is welcome, how do you use one and what is there to do? This beautifully illustrated book introduces children to libraries, big and small, and all of the amazing things these institutions have to offer. From books to puppet shows, from author signings to computer research and from special collections to very important rules, this is a wonderful way for children to learn about libraries and the value of reading, sharing and community. In addition, the unique design of the book allows children to discover a “hidden” image by holding the page up to a bright light.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Nonfiction, School, Books About Books

Hardcover

Published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Panda Incognito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book introduces children to the common environment, services, and terminology of libraries. Every page is beautifully illustrated, and when you hold some of them up to the light, you can see an image come through from the black-and-white page on the other side, answering the first page's interactive question. It's a very creative and well-organized presentation, and this book includes far more information about libraries than most books of this type. The illustrations represent the vast diversity of the people who use the library, and the book's content also represents the diversity of libraries large and small, and the many different services, technologies, and artifacts that they may offer in addition to their book collections.

Sometimes, when I read books about libraries, I'm not sure if the author has stepped inside one in the past twenty years, but this is up-to-date, thorough, and inclusive. I bought this book online to give to a friend's child, and now that I've read it, I kind of wish that I had bought one for myself, too!

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to introduce children to all the wonder of libraries. A child or parent can hold a flashlight ( even a cell-phone flash light) behind a page to see the hidden people or objects mentioned on the page. Library policies, checking out books, bookmobiles and even homemade free libraries are explained and illustrated in a fun way. I purchased this one as a gift for one of my nieces. I have worked as well as volunteered in so many libraries. I am glad that there are children’s books such as these that show how important libraries are.

I would have added a bit more. I would have included a library craft time. Crafts that went along with the story that a librarian read. Perhaps, I would have shown some children who had learned how to cook or bake something for a parent from a recipe in a book that they had borrowed from the library.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Up to date, with the exception of needing to be quiet. While raucous behavior isn't usually encouraged, most local libraries don't require silence.

[Bianca Orellana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This library employee approves!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

AR?

[Dianna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is cute, but there's no story to keep kids interested. It's just random facts about libraries, most of which even little kids will already know if they regularly visit the library. I wish there were more explicit instructions for where to shine the flashlight. We got the idea eventually, but my son was frustrated for the first few pages.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Usbourne Books' Shine-a-Light series! This is, of course, my new favorite... being a librarian and all.

[Amanda Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cool book. You can shine a flashlight behind some of the pages and reveal something cool behind the pages. This book is definitely good for young readers, as it teaches them about the library. I would do this as a read aloud because you need a flashlight for this book, and we can discuss many things throughout this book. This book would be good for Kindergarten or 1st grade.

[Assja Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am bless to come to America at 10 and had the ability to access the public library, which was a walking distance from my grandma’s house….❤️❤️❤️I have so much fond memories of the library growing up read what you want without being forced to ❤️❤️❤️This book reminds me of that and what to look forward to in a bucket list library I haven’t visit.

[Natalie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very nice, interactive, first look at a library. It gives a tidy and fun explanation of the library and what it is there for. A kid of 3 years and up can read this, but a preschooler would enjoy and retain more.

[Melanie Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book on what you can do at the library

[Thomas Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not worth going to the closest to get a flashlight for.

[Dean Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course, my mom/the librarian got me this book! I love shining the light!

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look inside of what goes on at the library and all the resources available to a patron and the community.

[PottWab Regional Library]

A

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

The shine-a-light concept is cool and interesting.

[Rebecca Caufman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book and I liked it until it read the outdated views about the library:
"No loud talking or making noise." and literacy "Nonfiction is information that is true."

[David Haggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Shine a Light" seems a bit gimmicky for At the Library. I did appreciate the brilliant books, cuddly companions, and creepy collections featured at the end.

[Amy Oberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

"At the Library: A Shine-a-Light Book" is a book I am excited to share with young patrons and their caregivers during an upcoming Story Time meeting. Like other books in the "Shine-a-Light" series, listeners/readers find the use of a small flashlight engaging while trying to detect hidden clues on each page. This particular book, specific to the library, underscores recent changes--including the library *NOT* always being a quiet space and the use of "little lending libraries" scattered in front of homes/buildings across communities. An informative and interactive selection, perfect for introducing listeners/readers to nonfiction text.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a shine a light book—each page is set up with a hidden surprise that you find by putting a flashlight behind the page to shine through! The book walks kids through many experiences at the library with lots of fun surprises to find! My nephews love flashlights and this book is so engaging for them!