Today’s post brings you picture books about the magic of libraries and books, simply because! Libraries have always been magical places for me, and I totally agree with the quote I see greeting us as we enter our local library
“I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library.” – Jorge Luis Borges
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So here are recent picture books that talk about
The Magic of Libraries and Books
Everything in Its Place
Everything in Its Place: A Story of Books and Belonging by Pauline David-Sax and Illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow | Children’s Books about Libraries & Reading (3 – 7 years, and up) | Doubleday Books for Young Readers (July 19, 2022)
Description: An inspiring and poetic story about reading, libraries, and overcoming shyness to find community
My Quick Thoughts: A book that is sure to find its place, for it belongs in bookshelves everywhere. I loved the collage style art as well as the creative use of pencil sketches and colors. Great for kids to help deal with social anxiety.
The Friendly Bookshelf
The Friendly Bookshelf by Caroline Brickley and Katherine Brickley; illustrated by Daniela Pérez-Duarte | Children’s Books about Libraries & Reading (3 – 7 years, and up) | Blossom Children’s Media Group (November 30, 2021)
Description: Meet Bibli, a brave little library bookshelf in search of a story about someone like him . .
My Quick Thoughts: Adorable in every way and love that underlying powerful message – that everyone has a story worth telling.
Library Girl
Library Girl: How Nancy Pearl Became America’s Most Celebrated Librarian by Karen Henry Clark and Illustrated by Sheryl Murray | Children’s Books about Libraries & Reading/Biographies (5 – 9 years, and up) | Little Bigfoot (September 27, 2022)
Description: Library Girl is the inspiring childhood story of how beloved librarian, author, and Seattle icon, Nancy Pearl discovered her strengths and realized her passion. It is a loving tribute to the power books and librarians have to transform children’s lives.
My Quick Thoughts: I had not known of Nancy Pearl before reading this book, and it was wonderful to learn how libraries and librarians helped a little girl gain confidence and find herself.
A Library
A Library by Nikki Giovanni and Illustrated by Erin K. Robinson | Children’s Books about Libraries & Reading (4 – 8 years, and up) | Versify (September 27, 2022)
Description: In this lyrical picture book, world-renowned poet, New York Times bestselling author, and Coretta Scott King Honor winner Nikki Giovanni and fine artist Erin Robinson craft an ode to the magic of a library as a place not only for knowledge but also for imagination, exploration, and escape.
My Quick Thoughts: I enjoy reading Giovanni and this book is no different, both in its message of the importance of books and libraries, as well as in the artwork!
Our Incredible Library Book
Our Incredible Library Book (and the wonderful journeys it took) by Caroline Crowe; illustrated by John Joseph | Children’s Books about Libraries & Reading (4 – 8 years, and up) | Floris Books (April 4, 2023)
Description: The story of one incredible library book and all the children who’ve borrowed it.
My Quick Thoughts: Such a unique way to talk about libraries!! Kind of reminded me of those Flat Stanley projects my kids did when they were young. But also showed how the same book can help different people in varying ways and degrees.
The Twilight Library
The Twilight Library by Carmen Oliver; illustrated by Miren Asiain Lora | Children’s Books about Libraries & Reading (4 – 8 years, and up) | NorthSouth Books (September 6, 2022)
Description: There’s a special place deep in the heart of the wilderness where the creatures of the night gather—where everyone wants to go—where the Night Librarian spins a tale of mystery.
My Quick Thoughts: Carmen Oliver and Miren Lora have spun a stunningly beautiful read-aloud here. With frame-worthy illustrations and lyrical, imaginative text, both of which invite readers to a magical world, this book is a must-have.
A Starlit Trip to the Library
A Starlit Trip to the Library by Andrew Katz and Juliana Léveillé-Trudel; illustrated by Joseph Sherman | Children’s Books about Libraries & Reading (3 – 7 years, and up) | CrackBoom! Books (October 18, 2022)
Description: Sail to the library under the stars in this twinkling sequel to How to Catch a Bear Who Loves to Read.
My Quick Thoughts: While I enjoyed this sweet read totally, what I loved best about this book is the words that the bear loves to use (including “Blistering barnacles!”) And I also learned it is part of a series (or at least book two, so I am going to check out the first one now)
Thanks to Edelweiss for the digital review copies of the books Library Girl and Our Incredible Library Book
Related Reads
Other books and posts that were all about libraries and books related to libraries…
- My Key: Read my review here.
- Love in the Library: My one-word review for the book is here, while a more detailed review is on IG.
- 8 Amazing Picture Books About Librarians
- Lila Lou’s Little Library: check out my thoughts on this here.
And Now, the End of This Post
Dear reader, have you read any of these books? If yes, which one(s) did you enjoy the most? If not, I invite you to get them for yourself or for loved ones who will enjoy reading books that explore the magic of libraries! As always, I welcome any and all thoughts and recommendations from you.
Linking this post to It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? From Picture Books to YA!
My mother took us to the library every week, I loved it. These books look adorable.