September 21, 2015
Fifteen poems by writers including Nikki Grimes, J. Patrick Lewis, Alice Schertle, and Jane Yolen sing the praises of libraries and reading. In Cynthia S. Cotton’s “My Card,” a child brags about the power of his library card: “This may look/ like a plain,/ pocket-size/ piece of plastic,/ but it’s really/ a super-card,” says the boy, who Manning envisions as a cape-clad, larger-than-life superhero, triumphantly wielding his library card as he stands atop the world. Later, Hopkins pays lovely tribute to the storytelling prowess of esteemed librarian Augusta Baker: “And as her voice/ reaches/ the highest/ rafter—/ I believe in/ once-upon-a-time,/ I believe in/ happily ever after.” It’s a quiet, focused collection, one that will certainly find a home in libraries and in the homes of those who love them. Ages 5–up.
July 15, 2015
The title of this book of 15 poems will immediately grab the attention of teachers and librarians. All together, the listing of titles in the table of contents forges a lyrical look at what libraries mean to individuals. Many of the poets are well-known in children's literature, and the poems are personal and heartfelt. "Enchantment," by Jane Yolen, revels in the power of a library card; "Internet Explorer," by J. Patrick Lewis, makes a metaphorical nod at the integration of computers into library services; "The Poetry Section" by Alice Schertle, celebrates "that poetry sound"; "I'd Like a Story," by X.J. Kennedy, consists of the energetic plea of an eager reader to a helpful librarian. The page composition and text placement add playfulness, while the gouache-and-pencil illustrations are buoyant and imaginative. Wispy backgrounds and splotches of color add ebullience. Hopkins, a master anthologist, has compiled an excellent collection and includes one of his own poems, a tribute to distinguished librarian and storyteller Augusta Baker (whom he knew personally). The overall effect is an endearing accolade for fellow book and library mavens. The final stanza of Cynthia S. Cotten's "My Card" says it all: "My library card / unlocks the world / and more / with a single / scan." Amen. (Picture book/poetry 5-12)
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November 1, 2015
Grades 1-4 This delightful illustrated collection celebrates libraries and their diverse offerings, opportunities, and influence in 15 poems by an array of poets, from Jane Yolen to X. J. Kennedy. In Nikki Grimes' Refuge, a girl races toward library doors, smiling at the sweet kingdom of story / inviting me in / to rest, to explore / to dream. Cynthia S. Cotten focuses on the library card, which unlocks the world / and more / with a single / scan. J. Patrick Lewis' Internet Explorer highlights online access: SS Library serves as your ship. / If you wander the world by computer, / how far you can travel by chip. Other poems affectionately pay tribute to librarians, a special storyteller, even poetry itself, as in Alice Schertle's The Poetry Section. Enchanting gouache-and-pencil illustrations range from whimsicala boy reads amid a swirling landscape of dinosaurs, basketballs, outer space, animals, and seato sweet, like cozily sharing a book a deux, snow falling outside. Honoring libraries as places and resources that can inspire joy, learning, and imagination, this is charming all around.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)