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McNamara, Margaret

The Little Library

40 pp. | Random/Schwartz & Wade | March, 2021 | Trade ISBN 978-0-525-57833-8 $17.99 | Library ISBN 978-0-525-57834-5 $20.99 | Ebook ISBN 978-0-525-57835-2 $10.99
(2) K-3 Illustrated by G. Brian Karas. A thoughtful school librarian ­connects a child with a life-changing book in this installment in the Mr. Tiffin's Classroom series (How Many Seeds in a ­Pumpkin?, rev. 7/07, et al.). Librarian Beck notices that Jake is more interested in the bookcases and shelving than in the library ­collection, so they encourage Jake to check out Woodworking for Young Hands. Jake struggles with the instructions, but he renews the hefty volume week after week. Jake considers how additional objects in his environment are ­constructed and begins borrowing even more books on how to make things. When he realizes that the school library will be closed all summer, he builds and installs (with Gramps's help) a "little library" outside of the school so kids can continue to read and share books. In July, Jake receives a surprise package in the mail: Librarian Beck has marked Woodworking for Young Hands "withdrawn" and sent the discarded library book to Jake as a gift. Substantial dialogue immerses readers in the day-to-day life of the protagonist; adults offer help and guidance, but Jake accomplishes much on his own. Spot art and spreads in the illustrator's recognizable paint and pencil style (recently Almost Time, rev. 1/20, and The Village Blacksmith, rev. 9/20) further develop character and setting, allowing clothing expression, home decor, and references to real-world library books to provide texture. An appended note "by" Jake offers more information about Little Free Libraries.
Reviewer: Elisa Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2021

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