The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians - by Carla Morris (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This humorous tale of a curious young boy and his single-minded quest for knowledge is a heartfelt and affectionate tribute to librarians everywhere.

Every day after school Melvin goes to the library. His favorite people--Marge, Betty, and Leola--are always there behind the reference desk. When something interests Melvin, his librarian friends help him find lots and lots of books on the subject.

As the years pass, Melvin can always find the answers to his questions--and a lot of fun--in the library. Then one day he goes off to college to learn new things and read new books. Will he leave the library and his friends behind forever?

Readers will enjoy Brad Sneed's delightful illustrations that colorfully capture the fun-loving spirit of Carla Morris's story about the contagious enthusiasm of learning.

Review Quotes

"Morris is-you guessed it-a children's librarian herself, and her enthusiasm for the field permeates her narrative. But it's Sneed's animated, startlingly accurate depictions of contemporary libraries that make the story engaging. . . Sneed makes it possible for readers to smell the very bindings of the books and hear the shuffle of feet across the carpeted floor. This title will be a surefire hit with librarians."--School Library Journal

★ "A curious boy discovers the library is the best place to be and librarians are the best people to know in this lighthearted homage. . . Morris clearly gets what makes librarians tick, and Sneed's humorous watercolor illustrations capture the soul of 'how librarians are' in his perfect renditions of the mission-driven Marge, Betty and Leeola in action. Kids should get a kick out of the geeky Melvin, his supportive clan of nurturing bibliophiles and his so-very-logical career choice."--Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

About the Author

Carla Morris received bachelor's and master's degrees in library science from Brigham Young University and was a children's librarian for over thirty years. The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians was inspired by a child who spent a lot of time in her library, ultimately growing up both to work and get married there. She lives in Utah.

Brad Sneed studied design at Kansas University and is a designer, fine artist, and illustrator of more than twenty picture books, some of which he has also written. He lives in Kansas.