The Library

If a little girl in your life has an interest in dolls, sports, games or any other childhood distraction, buying a gift is a simple task of choosing from among the many items available. What if you know a little girl whose greatest pleasure is reading above any other activity? You could choose just about any book, but the perfect gift would be "The Library," which features Elizabeth Brown who loved books more than anything else. Elizabeth proves that it's possible to live a fulfilled life with only books, books and more books. Even in her old age, she had a smile of complete contentment on her face when holding a book in one hand and petting her cat with the other.Sarah Stewart's charming book about a real girl who grew up to be a reader, book collector and librarian will make you smile, too. "The Library" has a simple rhyming text that would be a great way to introduce little ones to the joys of visiting a library and reading. This is an absolute gem of a book, and one of those rare children's picture books that will appeal to children and adults as well.

Elizabeth Brown always loved books. In fact, "She didn't like to play with dolls,/She didn't like to skate./She learned to read quite early/And at an incredible rate." And through her long life, Elizabeth was never without a book, even while vacuuming or shopping or even exercising. As the years passed, her collection grew until every surface was covered with books. "When volumes climbed the parlor walls/And blocked the big front door,/She had to face the awful fact/She could not have one more." So Elizabeth Brown did the wise and generous thing, she shared her books with the entire town in a very original way..... The wonderful husband and wife team of Sarah Stewart and David Small have authored a delightful and entertaining story about an endearing red-headed, nearsighted bibliophile. Ms Stewart's simple and gentle, rhyming text sparkles, and is complemented by Mr Small's charming and humorous artwork. Children and adults alike will enjoy all the wonderfully special details in each picture. Together word and art paint an engaging portrait of a unique and spirited, book-loving heroine who won't be soon forgotten. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, The Library is a classic little treasure to read and share with the entire family, and is definitely a must for each and every home library.

As a librarian, I loved Sarah Stewart's description of books and reading. But as other reviewers have covered this aspect, I won't mention more.In addition, I found her portrayal of Elizabeth Brown refreshing. Although Elizabeth has friends, she spends much time alone reading. She grows up to be a single woman who lives alone and who never marries. It's okay to be solitary! It's okay to be single! Most books are about forming relationships with others. This one is about being yourself in solitude.

My mother met Sarah Stewart, author of THE LIBRARY and sent me an autographed copy of the book. When I read it to my four year old daughter she laughed and laughed at the humor that is sometimes subtle in the text and brought delightfully to life in the illustrations. What fun this book is on my daughter's level and also on mine. And who hasn't walked into a wall trying to vaccuum while reading? So, I'm so greatful this book made its way into my ever growing cases and closets and piles of books. We will be reading it and recommending it to everyone for years to come.So, as my autographed copy says, "Good books are friends for life!"Heidi ("Lucky daughter of [the author's] new friend Jane" Yolen)