Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A librarian who looks very much like debut author Threets--the viral literacy advocate and host of a rebooted Reading Rainbow--kicks off a day of "library joy" in this affectionate picture book. Standing in a library's doorway, the narrator greets patrons, warmly inviting all inside: "You belong here with your mom. You belong here with your dads. You belong here with your abuela.// You belong here if you don't have a home! You belong here if you have a home." With simple geometric shapes and crisp lines, Nam (Wei Skates On) depicts characters of various abilities, ages, and skin tones interacting in the bright, expansive spaces of this bustling community hub, which offers not just books to curl up with but also instruments, games, and even gardening and cooking activities. Always smiling and busy, the librarian protagonist anchors almost every scene--checking out books, leading storytime, and presenting a child with a library card ("the most special card you'll ever have")--embracing readers and suggesting that among a library's greatest treasures are the people who find their place within its walls. Ages 4--8. Author's agent: Lara Perkins, Andrea Brown Literary. Illustrator's agent: Alexandra Levick, Writers House. (Feb.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
The author--a social media influencer, former librarian, and host of the revival of PBS'Reading Rainbow--celebrates the familiar pleasures of a library visit. Threets, who has promoted libraries and reading online, follows his positive message to its logical conclusion: a picture book that seeks to cultivate "library joy." As the book begins, Threets, sporting his signature soft, fuzzy Afro hairstyle, opens the library's doors wide to a crowd of kids and grown-ups. Patrons pour in. A Black mom with cornrows lifts a toddler to a bookshelf, a pale-skinned blond child cuddles her dads while perusing a book about butterflies, and a tan-skinned girl watches her abuela mend a teddy bear. At the reference desk, a bespectacled, pale-skinned child asks Mychal for animal books and is soon deep in study behind a tall stack. Of course, the library isn't just for books--kids garden and play board games, and a parent checks out a set of cymbals. Finally, the book reaches a gleeful moment--storytime! Offering a simple script for the essential experience of a family library day and positioning librarians as friendly guides, Threets provides a perfect read-aloud for before, during, or after a library visit. Nam's bright, solid-colored illustrations are simple yet involving, following a visually specific cast closely through relatable moments, with characters grinning at and embracing one another easily. In this well-considered tale, library joy is simple, and library joy is real. (author's note)(Picture book. 3-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
