The Lost Library

by Jess McGeachin

A magical tale of friendship, the joy of reading and the power of the imagination.

When Oliver finds a lost library book in his new bedroom, he decides to return it. But how do you find a mysterious hidden library? With the help of a new friend, of course . . .

Published by Puffin Australia, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Books About Books, Fantasy, Dragons, Adventure, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2020

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love picture books that illustrate the joys of reading and getting lost in a book. As a librarian, I may even be a little biased towards those that feature libraries and librarians. The Lost Library follows young Oliver and Rosie as they go on a world wind adventure after finding a book that is supposed to be returned to the "lost library." Neither of the children know what adventures await them when they make the decision to return the book to their local library. Full of magic and adventure, The Lost Library is sure to capture the hearts of all young readers reminding them of all of the great things that await them within the pages of a book. The illustrations were fun and I loved the contrasting use of warm and cool colors. I would definitely recommend this one to families. It'll prove to be a fun read aloud and may even stir up some memories of the film The Pagemaster for older readers.

[April (Aprilius Maximus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ F R O M A M E L I E S B O O K S H E L F ~

representation: Black main character.

[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]

★★★★★

This was so fun and I was surprised at how much it held Amelie's attention considering it was on the longer side and didn't rhyme, but she loved looking at the illustrations! I also adored the story, I think it's so cute and perfect for little booklovers!

Thank you so much to Penguin Random House for the review copy!

[Brooklyn Tayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of The Lost Library from Penguin Random House Australia in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.
The Lost Library is honestly the most sweet story! It’s completely endearing and altogether enchanting, filled with curiosity and a completely fun adventure, with a heartfelt friendship too!
And….
It has a bookshelf dragon too!
I’ll tell you a fun little fact – at work this week we had Princes, Princesses and Dragons for Storytime – though I’d decided I’d bring The Lost Library as books set in Libraries are always exciting! However, as I was having a read of the book prior to the session and discovered that there’s a gorgeously sweet illustration of a dragon who may initially appear to be a bookshelf (seriously though, my 27 year old self was squealing so excitedly and I think all books set in Libraries or Bookstores need a bookshelf dragon, seriously!).
The Lost Library is also wonderfully bookish too, an adventure upon an adventure and I absolutely loved how much of a fun journey this was! The illustrations are completely picturesque and just are completely sweet! I love how the bookshelf dragon is a literal bookshelf dragon, with curious Oliver clambering over it in order to exit the titular lost Library, with Sophie lulling the dragon to sleep by reading it a story:
‘If there’s one thing everyone loves, its being read to.’
There’s something for everyone of all ages to appreciate within this beautiful book, honestly I recommend it not only for the little ones, but for Parents and Grandparents and Educators to all enjoy too!

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mysterious, magical tale that talks of the power of books and the joy of getting lost in them. It also shows the experience is even better when shared with someone else.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book to read to a younger audience! With a great storyline and beautiful illustrations, this was such a fun adventure that takes place in what you would believe to be an ordinary library that holds the secret to so much more! Highly recommended and suitable for young readers as young as 4 years old! Thoroughly enjoyed this one! Special thanks to Penguin Random House for sending an advance copy of this book.

[Kimberly Pridgen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up for my kids at the library thinking they may would enjoy it. they didn't seem interested when they saw it. I read it before turning it back it and loved it! it's a great illustration of what it's like to read. I may....be buying a copy to keep for me 🙈

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute story but it is more fun trying to find the dragon on each page!

[Suzze Tiernan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations, but the words seemed disjointed at times.

[I _teach_muggles · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finding a book in a cupboard at the home he has just moved into, Oliver decides to take it back to where it belongs. But where is The Lost Library? Accompanied by new neighbour Rosie, the two head out in search. Returning the book to the local library has unintended consequences though and the children find themselves on a magical adventure filled with books, stormy seas and a dragon…

I completely love this idea for a story that celebrates the wonders that can be found in a book and the power of childhood imagination. Jess McGeachin tells an enchanting fantasy adventure story with lovely messages on friendship, enjoying adventures together and how the answers to most problems can be found in a book.

The Lost Library is a completely magical place which I would love to visit myself. Various things appear as the children pass books on different topics and the scenery changes with them. A pirate flag appears as they walk through the ‘P’ aisle, a toucan and tennis equipment appears in aisle ’T’ and the children find themselves sailing the seas as they wander/row through the S’s. As challenges crop up, a book is always on hand to offer the advice and skills needed. I am a firm believer that there is a book out there for every child and a book for any situation and ‘The Lost Library’ generously provides when needed. Rosie finds the perfect book when the children face a rather perilous situation with a dragon and a book is on hand when Oliver needs to learn the necessary sailing skills to safely navigate stormy seas.

The illustrations are beautiful, featuring soft colours that bring alive Oliver and Rosie’s adventure. A particular favourite is a bookshelf dragon that doubles up as both a dragon and a bookshelf. Oliver and Rosie are of different ethnicities which is great to see.

Recommended for 4+.

[Tarsila Krüse · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Library is exactly what every book lover wishes they could find.

Upon stumbling into a stray fluttering book that belonged to The Lost Library Oliver wishes to return it and alongside his neighbour Rosie they discover a magical place that lies beyond the edge of our real world.

This picturebook is a lovely adventurous tale reminiscing of Indiana Jones or National Treasure as the friends track though the unknown territory of this secret place and ultimately reaffirming the transformative power of books and friendship.

The play in the colour palette with a brighter set for ‘reality’ and more muted and subdued illustrations for the ‘lost Library’ is very interesting and easily transports the reader between the two universes. The book aims to have ab antique appeal, reinforcing the idea of a secret long lost place (and it even includes a little map of The Lost Library)

A super fun read for young book lovers who also dream of going into their own bookish adventures. Recommended ages 3-8

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great picture book with a "library" adventure! I love books like this that share how fun books can be to read. I also enjoyed seeing at the end of the book, Ms. Hardback, the librarian, left a note for the reader asking if they can find a dragon on each page. Love that! Makes it even more fun to go back and reread the book again and again and see if you can spot the dragons hiding about. A must-have for all libraries!!

[Kait Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is straight up adorable! It reminded me a lot of the movie “The Pagemaster”, which was one of my favorite movies growing up. I love getting wrapped up in a great story. I also love the idea of a ghost book haunting you since I work at a local bookstore called The Haunted Book Shop. All around great book! Highly recommend to little readers and future bookworms.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oliver has moved to a new place. He discovers a library book in his closet and sees that it needs to be returned to "the Lost Library." He meets a new friend who helps him return the book. Readers travel along as they are transported to this library and explore it. A new friendship develops as the two find their way. The illustrations are lovely and enhance the story.

[Bethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely story about a found book leading to a new friend and a magical library. The power of picture books - there is one about almost anything you need or want! Truth: everyone loves being read aloud to - one of the first things I learned in library school, confirming what I already knew as an elementary school teacher.

[Laura (Librarian) Masters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is that really a fluttering book in his bedroom? Why yes it is! Oliver knows he needs to return it to the rightful place/owner, and so begins a journey to a place he never could have imagined. What great big adventures he can have with his friend Rosie!

*Great for showing the magic of libraries, the power of books, and friendship.

[Shauna Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a lovely book, Oliver made a new friend and went on a fantastic adventure.
I would love to find a lost library and get lost in it, imagine the books you could find, what a great idea!

[yanissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! It beautifully explores the wonders of libraries and it takes the reader on a wild journey through the shelves. There's also even an easter egg at the end of the book where you go on a scavenger hunt to find dragons in each page so it prompts you to read it AGAIN! Smart.

[Terry Fahy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A potential notable for 2021 CBCA Book of the Year Awards? What a sweet book. All the magic and mystery that surrounds libraries, reading, creativity and imagination.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written and illustrated.
Can you find the hidden dragons? 🐲🐉

[Stefanie Foard · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I read a digital ARC of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a bookshelf dragon!

I read a digital ARC of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Lara Bate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of two children who visit the library and find "the lost library".

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story about books. Mr 6 enjoyed it miss 2 also liked it esp the dragon

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable and whimsical. One of the best, simple picture books I’ve read.

[Shari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story, and I enjoyed finding the dragons on each page - but I wish the little note to look for them had been at the beginning, rather than the end where most readers will miss it!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

1

[Elsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Less hokey than your average ode to the library, and the hidden dragons are a fun touch.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book about the adventures in a library.

[Alan Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice read to young ones.