Biblioburro - by Jeanette Winter (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A man, his burros, and his books bring joy to children in remote Colombian villages in this inspiring book based on a true story by celebrated picture book creator Jeanette Winter.

Luis loves to read, but soon his house in Colombia is so full of books there's barely room for the family. What to do? Then he comes up with the perfect solution--a traveling library! He buys two donkeys--Alfa and Beto--and travels with them throughout the land, bringing books and reading to the children in faraway villages.

Complete with an author's note about the real man on whom this story is based.

Review Quotes

* "Winter's captivating paintings evoke a South American feel in their brilliant palette...Winter's text is spare and streamlined, as usual, and here it has a particularly engaging, repetitive rhythm that builds into a lulling bedtime beat...Both understated and full of life, this satisfying story is a vibrant reminder of the pleasures of books and the difference one individual can make."--Booklist, starred review

"One person can make a difference, and in this book Luis Soriano makes all the difference in the world...Winter has a gift for creating nonfiction that is accessible to and appeals to very young readers. The story is well told, and the colorful illustrations reflect the flora and fauna of Colombia...Winter ends the book by saying, "A small corner of the world is enriched." What a terrific way to help children think about their role in doing the same."--School Library Journal

"Winter again roots a heartening and informative story in real life. Festive acrylic paintings transport readers to the lush Colombian jungle...Tropical colors ignite Winter's art, which has a pleasant folk art feel and an almost feltlike texture."--Publishers Weekly

"Winter's account of his story targets young children and joins several other recent books about traveling libraries around the world. The author's cheery acrylics present the flora and fauna of the tropical forest in bright colors and naïve style...Sweet and uplifting."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Jeanette Winter (1939-2025) was a celebrated picture book creator whose acclaimed works include The Snow Man; The Little Owl & the Big Tree: A Christmas Story; Oil; The Secret Project; and Diego, all written by Jonah Winter, and her own Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia; Nasreen's Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan; Henri's Scissors; Sister Corita's Words and Shapes; and Our House Is on Fire: Greta Thunberg's Call to Save the Planet, which has been translated into twenty-one languages.