Our Incredible Library Book (and the Wonderful Journeys It Took) - by Caroline Crowe (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

An NPR Books We Love 2023 selection.

The story of one incredible library book and all the children who've borrowed it. Fun, rhyming text from Caroline Crowe and bright, joyful illustrations from New York Times-bestseller John Joseph celebrate a love of books and libraries. Readers will pore over the clever details - hot chocolate rings, a hastily taped page and an accidental splash.

"Welcome to the library�
A room packed with stories from ceiling to floor,
Shelves of adventures for you to explore.
But each book has two stories - the tale the words tell,
And the tale of the journey it's been on as well."

This library book is very special. It's been hugged, lost, torn, chewed by a dog and soaked in the rain. It's been read in apartments and in tents, by children wearing costumes and pyjamas, reading alone and with family.

Each time it returns to the library it's a little more worn, but a lot more loved. For every rip, scribble or stain there's a child who has found adventure or escape, comfort or excitement in its pages. That's the magic of a library book!

Review Quotes

A 2024 Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts Awards Book

A Sunshine State Young Readers Award Nominee

'The rhyming and colorful illustrations make this a perfect book for introducing younger audiences to the magic of library books, and the self-referential narrative provides a great tool to help children understand the responsibility that comes with harnessing that magic through the power of our community libraries!' - Rakiesha Chase-Jackson, NPR Books We Love 2023

'Crowe's rhyming couplets conveys an exuberant experience of borrowing, reading, and loving books, brought to life by Joseph's whimsical, cheery artwork. A sweetly clever reminder about the intrinsic good that libraries deliver.' --Kirkus Reviews

'A library volume grows worn and weathered as it circulates through a metropolitan community in this picture book, its journey captured with jaunty rhymes... The overall effect whimsically celebrates the adventure that is reading&endash;for reader and book alike.' --Publishers Weekly

'Written in an upbeat, natural-sounding manner, the rhymed verses create a rhythmic cadence that will draw children into the saga of the book's experiences. Hand-drawn with digital brushes, the well-composed, vibrant illustrations radiate warmth and good humor. A pleasing addition to library collections.' --Booklist

'This book made me want to run out to the library! There is not only an excellent representation of race in the book but we also see different types of family structures, living and environments and ability.' --Youth Services Book Review, STARRED REVIEW

'A lively celebration of the library book's power to explore new worlds. It benefits from attractive illustrations by John Joseph as it surveys a worn library book... The magic of books and reading is captured in a warm celebration of the library book that invites young picture book readers to embrace the appearance and contents of a much-loved book. Libraries and picture book readers alike will relish Caroline Crowe's special message in this journey into reading and other worlds.' --Midwest Book Review

'The many journeys of one library book are the focus of this rhyming tale. Many will relate to the events, often humorous, such as spilling a beverage on a book, or reading it to a younger sibling.' --Association of California Libraries

'A librarian's dream book! It is so cute, the rhymes actually work, and it so much fun.' --Angela Moore, Librarian Buzz

'The humble library deserves to be celebrated with trumpet-calls and golden fanfare, and this wonderful book does just that.' --Armadillo

Praise for Caroline Crowe:

'Crowe's verses are crisp and upbeat.'
- Kirkus Reviews on Tiny Tantrum

'The writing is bold and clear, making it easy to read aloud.'
- YA Books Central on The Fairy Dogmother

Praise for John Joseph:

'Adults will feel a rush of nostalgia and delight in sharing this story with children as the animated vehicles and animals in innocent, colorful countryside scenes evoke wholesome character traits and values of growth, grit, and self-acceptance.'
- Kirkus Reviews on Time for School, Little Blue Truck

'Bright cartoon illustrations of racially diverse generations show grandmothers and grandchildren actively swinging through a jungle and challenging a dragon as well as quietly engaging in pep talks and enjoying a seaside visit complete with sand castle building.'
- Kirkus Reviews on Dear Grandma

'The marker-bright illustrations are frenetic and filled with humorous details.'
- Kirkus Reviews on Chickens on the Loose

About the Author

Caroline Crowe is the award-winning children's author from Hampshire, the UK. She was a journalist for many years before making the jump to writing for children full time. Her books include Tiny Tantrum and The Fairy Dogmother. John Joseph is a New York Times-bestselling picture book illustrator based in Colorado. He studied at Colorado State University and Lesley University, Cambridge, Massachusetts. John has illustrated many picture books, including Chickens on the Loose, Dear Grandma, When Eleanor Roosevelt Learned to Jump a Horse and the Little Blue Truck series.