A Library
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
In this lyrical picture book, world-renowned poet, New York Times bestselling author, and Coretta Scott King Honor winner Nikki Giovanni and fine artist Erin Robinson craft an ode to the magic of a library as a place not only for knowledge but also for imagination, exploration, and escape.
In what other place can a child "sail their dreams" and "surf the rainbow" without ever leaving the room? This ode to libraries is a celebration for everyone who loves stories, from seasoned readers to those just learning to love words, and it will have kids and parents alike imagining where their library can take them.
This inspiring read-aloud includes stunning illustrations and a note from Nikki Giovanni about the importance of libraries in her own childhood.
What makes a library so magical?
Poetry for Children: Lyrical, free-verse text from world-renowned poet Nikki Giovanni that’s perfect for reading aloud.Sparking Imagination: A beautiful ode to creativity, where children can surf a rainbow, become a cook or a crook, and discover who they want to be.Books About Libraries: A heartfelt celebration of the library as a safe space for freedom, exploration, and finding yourself within the pages of a story.Diverse & Important Books: Includes a powerful author’s note from the celebrated African American author about her childhood experiences, highlighting the vital role libraries play for all children.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Poetic lines sing libraries' praises in this brief tribute from Giovanni. Framed by first-person narration describing a trip to the Carnegie Library, spare verse builds on the phrase "A library is:// a place to be free/ to be in space." Chromatic digital renderings by Robinson accompany the text, layering geometric shards of color and light. In one spread, the Black-presenting narrator stirs batter while the same figure reaches in through a window to take a cookie ("to be a cook/ to be a crook"). Another depicts a trumpet being blown alongside a blueprint-like depiction of the instrument ("to be blue/ to/ be/ jazz"). When the bookworm returns home, chores yield to cozy moments reading while snuggling a rainbow-hued blanket—an uplifting conclusion that's aptly suggestive of books' appeal. An author's note concludes. Ages 4–8.
