Our Library - Eve Bunting

Illustrator: Maggie Smith
for: kids
published: Aug. 2008
Rating: 4.5 to 5
Read: 12/17/08
Endpapers: lime green

Bright, fun, and RIGHT ON! The illustrations in this book take diffferent forms. Right from the title page (a denim blue book surrounded by a vine of yellow flowers) I looked forward to turning to the next page. Colorfully delightful, perfect for kids AND grownups!

Set in a smalltown, homey library (reminds me of my old Northeast Harbor Library, and even the children's room at the Ellsworth Library - both on the coast of Maine), Miss Goose tells her brightly-dressed skunk, raccoon, squirrel, mouse, rabbit, and porpucupine patrons that the library is about to close forever because it's getting old and worn. So...they check out how-to books and get to work - fixing the roof, painting, and raising money to keep the doors open.

But at every turn, another problem. "We were flummoxed."

Book by book they read and network, finally convincing grumpy grandfather beaver to allow them land in his beautiful meadow so the library can be relocated. Oh the joy of books - reading - and libraries. A great, fun story.