Leilong the Library Bus

by Helen Wang

A library-loving picture book in which an enthusiastic dinosaur absorbed in storytime threatens to flatten the library—until the children decide to take the books outdoorsThe children are late for storytime at the library. Ever helpful, Lei the enthusiastic dinosaur can get them there one time! Lei's small head is the only part of him that fits so he must listen through the window. But he gets so excited by the story, he starts to shake the building. Lei's love of stories risks destroying the library until the children decide to take the books outdoors. This library-loving picture book reminds us how it feels to be transported by story. And what first seems a problem for Lei the dinosaur becomes a triumph.

Genres: Picture Books, Dinosaurs, Storytime, Childrens, Books About Books, Animals, Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Winner of the 2017 Marsh Award for Children's Literature in Translation (for "Bronze and Sunflower" by CAO Wenxuan)

Blogs:
Chinese Books for Young Readers
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Chinese Money Matters
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Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a children's book that my daughter and I read to my twin boys, and I have to say all of us really loved this book. This is a cute book that also has a library in it. I think this book will make kids want to go to the library. I love the dinosaur in this book, and I also love the dinosaur library. Great book with very cute pictures. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Gecko Press) or author (Julia Liu) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refused entry to library because no library card?!? Banned for getting excited and participating in storytime?!? This exclusivity doesn't happen on my watch. Thankfully library administrators see that inclusion is the way to go and a rather novel solution is offered.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Storytime at the library is a favorite part of the week for Leilong's friends, and they want to share it with their brontosaurus friend. But even though he's excited about entering the library and following all the rules the children share with him about library behavior, he is just too big to go inside. Plus, as various librarians keep telling him, he needs a library card. While his friends go inside and listen to the storyteller, Leilong remains outside, but he still manages to hear the story and get caught up in what happens to Grandma during "Little Red Riding Hood." When he fears for her life or the life of the storyteller, he roars in concern and causes problems in the building. Banned from the library, the dinosaur leaves, but all the children inside decide to join him. The manager of the library has second thoughts about what's happening and realizes that this might present an opportunity for outreach. Thus, Leilong becomes the world's largest mobile library, bringing books all over the neighborhood, and sitting quietly during storytime, especially when the read aloud is a book about dinosaurs. Youngsters will love the facial expressions and colors of this picture book while older readers may wince a little bit at how concerned the librarians seemed to be about those library cards instead of what really should have mattered. The ending seemed to be a bit abrupt for my taste, and I longed for more development as to the change in the manager's mind about Leilong.

[Figgy]

Review to come.

There are some lovely messages in this book, and what's more it's about dinosaurs AND about books.

But there's something niggling at me about it, something that's sitting weirdly in my mind.

[Anna Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is SO lovely!! It’s the perfect bookish dinosaur delight, with gorgeous, intricate illustrations and lots of charming, humorous moments. I wish I’d had this when I was growing up! 🦕 📖

[Jj · Rating 1 out of 5]

Great as far as illustrations are concerned, I have to say that much.

But I can't abide the story. Leilong is first excluded on basis of not being a cardholder, then because of his size, and finally exploited for free labor, working as the living embodiment of a library bookmobile.

As one reviewer said in a well-phrased comment, these are not at all the kind of ideas we want to communicate to kids and everyone else about libraries. The hurdles to access which are thrown up and the trickery involved in making unpaid labor look like an accommodation to the worker are all too familiar and unwelcome.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

The artwork is amazing, but I can't say I was too thrilled with the fact that the librarians/library managers were making things difficult for Leilong, excluding him because he doesn't have a library card or that he was bigger and louder than the children, for example. The implication that the library is exclusive to just those who have cards or can be perfectly quiet doesn't sit right with me at all.

[Cris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leilong the Library Bus

This is a cute book encouraging reading. The illustrations are adorable and the concept of learning through reading is fantastic!!

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leilong the dinosaur wants to come inside the library with the children to listen at story time, but the librarian says he is too big. Leilong tries to peek his head in through the window to listen, but he shakes the entire library like an earthquake. The librarian might be able to find a solution so that Leilong can enjoy the books with the children.

This is such a cute book! I thought Leilong was completely adorable. He is so goofy and clumsy, and he really is sorry when he accidentally bumps into something or knocks things down. His one wish is to find books about dinosaurs. He is completely meek and mild when the children are riding on his back. It's so cute!

I love the attractive illustrations in this book! The cartoony art style sweeps you away into this imaginative world where children ride dinosaurs through the streets.

I like that this book has positive messages that books should be available to everyone, no matter how big or small. Leilong has such a thirst for knowledge, and that is what fuels the story!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Jeska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Telling a delightful story about a dinosaur that just wants to go to the library too, the simple color palette nicely offsets detailed illustrations to create pages young readers will likely return to again and again.

[MookNana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story does the library no favors. The library can't accommodate Leilong and doesn't even bother to try. The library manager and storyteller are both waspish and unkind. No library turns patrons away from visiting because they don't have a card, so I wouldn't be happy about putting that idea in kids' heads. When Leilong finds his own sad way to try to be included, they run him out for a small, innocent mistake.

The "reconciliation" is not that they find a way to welcome him or serve him, but they make him into a glorified Bookmobile. So not only does he get treated badly, but he never gets an apology and gets put to work. Again, this does not make the library sound like a wonderful place to go. This is not the message I want for our students.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfi...

LEILONG THE LIBRARY BUS is the story of a dinosaur and his friends who are going to the library. They are so excited that they travel too quickly and get stopped by a police officer who reminds them to slow down. Once they arrive, Leilong is denied entry because he is too big and does not have a library card. The kids promise to bring him dinosaur books, and they head up to storytime. Leilong pokes his head in and gets into the story - a little too much, and his growls shake the library and makes the books fall down. The librarian comes and tells him he has to leave as he doesn't have a library card.

When Leilong leaves, the children leave with him. With the empty library, the librarians reconsider and decide to make Leilong a library bus that will carry books to everyone.

What I loved: This was an overall cute story, and I loved the clever dinosaur living among people and loving reading. The love and fun of books certainly comes across in their excitement to get to the library and to enjoy storytime (Little Red Riding Hood). There is a lot of whimsy in the story with an imaginative take on what life could be like with a dinosaur for a pet. The length of the story will work for a wide range of ages from preschool and up.

What left me wanting more: I found the plot a bit challenging with fierce librarians and sudden changes of heart that also put Leilong to work (instead of opening the library up to everyone or finding a way for Leilong to join in on the current library). I would have liked a bit more for the later parts and less of the build-up in getting to the library to re-focus the story. The illustrations are sketch-like and felt difficult to focus on in places, but it is a style that will appeal to some readers.

Final verdict: LEILONG THE LIBRARY BUS is an intriguing story about a dinosaur's trip to the library.

Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and especially the adorable, story-loving brontosaurus, Leilong! His friends are riding along on his back as he joins them for a special outing at the local library's story time. He discovers that libraries have rules and one of them is you have to own your own library card and you cannot be too HUGE to fit into their building. Does Leilong qualify then for entry? No, sadly enough, he doesn't.

Undaunted Leilong remains outside and sticks his head in the window to hear the librarian read the story of "Little Red Riding Hood". He gets so involved in the plot, along with other kids, that he shouts responses as the librarian shares the book. Leilong's shouts are so loud that the whole building goes into earthquake mode .... shaking... shaking...causing the books to crash off the shelves resulting in much chaos and destruction. Oh my! He is disciplined by being banished forever from story time which brings him to tears. Will it truly be forever or can the kids rally around their friend and cause the librarians to rethink his ostracism and reinstate him once again?

The fun illustrations are wonderful. They are full of detail and expression. It's always a pleasure to support and celebrate books, librarians, libraries and story times. I highly recommend "Leilong the Library Bus!"

[Tracey Allen at Carpe Librum · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love children's books about libraries, and this offering written and illustrated in Taiwan was a real treat. Leilong the Library Bus is written by Julia Liu, illustrated by Bei Lynn and translated by Helen Wang. Leilong is a clumsy yet loveable brontosaurus dinosaur, and the story begins when Leilong's friends take him to the library for story time.

Leilong finds that he's too small to enter the library and he and the children must decide what to do. My favourite illustration is Leilong's expression when he is pushing and squeezing and trying to fit through the small door; it really made me chuckle.

This picture book is a celebration of libraries and storytelling in general and manages to show how children can be brought together and yet transported by stories. I also enjoyed seeing Leilong's desire to learn more about himself and other dinosaurs by reading dinosaur books.

Leilong the Library Bus by Julia Liu and Bei Lynn is recommended for readers aged 3 years and above and the observant reader will find much to enjoy in the background of the illustrations.

* Copy courtesy of Walker Books Australia *

[The Silvan Reverie | Sarah Street · Rating 4 out of 5]

With notes of Danny and the Dinosaur and Library Lion, this library-loving dinosaur tale is surely one kids will enjoy. All the dinosaur wants is to be a part of the library and learn about other dinosaurs from books--but, the librarians at first cannot see a way for him to be included. He shakes the whole dang building, after all! Eventually, in the end, they find a way to turn the dinosaur into a "library bus" and everyone settles in to a happy reading ending. The story is charming and playful, and is one I think children will want to revisit.

***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Publisher's Spotlight. Opinions are my own.

[April Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute! Leilong is going to the library with his friends Maggie, Mo, and Max, and he's very excited about it. But when they get there, Leilong won't fit in the library- he's too big. He waits patiently outside, but can't resist peeking in the window when he hears the children having fun shouting out responses to the story. When he shouts a response, however, the whole building shakes like an earthquake has hit! Will the librarian and library manager be able to figure out how to make the library bigger so Leilong can enjoy it too?
Such a sweet story about the pleasures of listening to stories and reading books! The art is especially wonderful- the retro color palette gives the book a vintage feel, and there are so many fun details in the illustrations I could spend hours looking at them. Definitely recommended!

#LeilongtheLibraryBus #NetGalley

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly I like this Book. Leilong is a big boisterous green dino. He just wants to go to the library for story time. Overall this book is exactly what you expect from the title. However, I do wonder if the author is a librarian, or bothered to talk to a librarian about policy because there are multiple times where the librarians in the story tell Leilong he can not come in because he doesn't have a card. They don’t even offer to get them a card. I do not know of a single public library in the US that will not let you enter the building without a card. Usually you only need the card to walk out of the door with materials, or to download digital materials. I have never heard of a library that makes you show your library card to attend story time. So except for that mistake, I do like this book.

[Novel Obsession]

Leilong the brontosaurus is excited to join the kids for story time at the library, but the library has rules. Leilong is too big to fit in the library and he is too disruptive as he tries to fit in. The librarians are sticking to the rules until they see how all of the children try to embrace him. In the end, the librarians realize that arbitrary rules have no place at the library and that it is the library’s job to meet the needs of all.

Julia Liu’s Leilong the Library Bus is reminiscent of Clifford the Big Red Dog. As such, it is likely to appeal to preschool age children.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was provided by Gecko Press. Originally posted at Novel Obsession.

[SBC · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about Leilong, a diplodocus/brontosaurus (?) whose 3 human friends take him to story time at the library (there is no backstory about how the dinosaur has these city friends). It's a story about rules (traffic rules, library rules) and how those rules exclude Leilong. Then Leilong becomes a library bus and takes books around the city.

It was a kind of weird little story, with a disjointed flow. The illustrations reminded me of something I've read before - maybe a children's book from the 70s or 80s. The images were amateurish line drawings with bits of saturated colour.

Overall, not really to my taste but a decent read.

[Laura Vogt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming tale of a library, a dinosaur, and the children that love them, in the vein of LIBRARY LION.

☆☆☆☆ 1/2

Detailed, whimsical illustrations alongside a fun text. Leon is bright, grass green amongst muted text colors.

I loved the ending, how all the children trust Leilong the Brontosaurus enough to slide down him from the top of the library. I adored how he became a library bus and the perfect moment captured at the end of everyone reading on the bough of or in the shade of a big tree. Magical.

[Julia Pika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Gecko Press & NetGalley for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

An adorable picture book about a dinosaur who dreams about the library! The art style was gorgeous and so pretty, I really enjoyed looking at the sprawling city landscape drawn in the unique style.

I'd say the only weird thing was how the librarians were saying you needed a library card to enter the library. Pshawwww, not true! A nitpick on my part, though.

An enjoyable story for anyone who loves dinosaurs & the library!

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, childlike illustrations and a classic-feeling story that brings to mind books such as DANNY & THE DINOSAUR and CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG.

The library manager (who demanded that everyone has to have a library card to enter the building--does that occur, anywhere?!) wasn't a credit to his profession at all, but then again, there are quite a few managers who aren't. Thankfully, a more helpful librarian had an idea for the cranky manager that would be more welcoming to dinosaurs (and kids) who love to read.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leilong is a dinosaur who loves stories, so his friends take him to the library. Unfortunately, he is too big to make it through the door, so Leilong must wait outside. Leilong finds a window to peek into to listen to the story, but Leilong gets so engrossed in the story that he causes a ruckus. “Dinosaurs are too big and boisterous for libraries!” and the manager asks Leilong to leave. Leilong leaves and the children go with him. That’s when the manager has an idea. He recruits the dinosaur to become the Library Bus.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

What is it with librarians shown acting in a nasty manner, especially towards children? I wonder if some of this is a translation fault. Though the librarian and the library manager change their ways, this could be more of a storytelling device. Mister was hooked on the idea that a dinosaur could come to the library and then become the library! We enjoyed exploring the funny details in the illustrations. The translation left the story feeling a bit bumpy at times though didn't take away from the overall charm.

[Lellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5
A cute children's picture book about a dinosaur that is too big to fit at the library, translated from the original Chinese. It sort of reminds me of Clifford the Big Red Dog. The story was sweet and I liked the busy art style, but I wish the ending was that the library accommodated Leilong instead of everyone leaving the library.

Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leilong the big dinosaur wants to go to the library story time and get books to learn about dinosaurs. He's too big and he doesn't have a library card. He looks in the window and listens to the story. He makes the library shake and the manager kicks him out. He decides to become a library bus and goes all around the city. The kids read all the time and Leilong listens to the stories. He finally learns about dinosaurs.

[Amy Oberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun, brief tale easily shared aloud during storytimes for young audiences--particularly programs held at a public library. Even though the cover hinted that the featured dinosaur would become involved in the distribution of library books, I was still surprised to see Leilong transform into a bookmobile. An unexpected treat.

Publication Date: 2021
Format: Picture book
Elements: Muted illustrations/"vintage vibe;" dialogue
Connection/Topics: Libraries/manners; problem-solving

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for a National School Library Month lesson in April to my first-grade classes. I found Leilong on Epic and knew I wanted to share his story. No, I don't really think that having a brontosaurus deliver library books all over the city is a practical solution to Leilong's problem, but I still love the message that everyone should have equal access to the joy of books.

Story: 4
Illustrations: 4
Read-aloud: 5

[Literature Lattes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our family enjoyed “Leilong the Library Bus.” With two kids that love dinosaurs, this one was sure to be a hit in our home. The storyline is simple to follow and the illustrations are wonderful! Some of the prose felt a little mechanical at times but the book was enjoyable and the concept was great.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book portrays libraries as being not accommodating, with rude staff yelling at eager patrons, turning them away. And what library requires you to have a library card to enter? Leilong only wanted to participate in story time and grow his love for books and stories, but the author made the library the bad guys.