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scostner's review
3.0
The Friendly Bookshelf is a delightful story about the connection between children, stories, and libraries. Cassie is a quiet child who loves books and a quiet corner to enjoy them. She also cares about her friends, because she listens to Bibli's dream of finding a story about a bookshelf. And she makes sure that Bibli gets his wish because she truly believes that "everyone has a story." Bibliophiles of all ages can appreciate the way Cassie grows from being a reader to writing and sharing a story with others. The illustrations are done in soft pastels for the walls, warm browns for the bookcases, and slightly brighter colors on the storytime rug. Cassie and Bibli have expressive faces and body language (even if he is a bookshelf). The faces of the other children as they “Oooooh!” and “Aaaaah!” over storytime reflect the wonder we all feel when we find ourselves included in a story.
Some of my fondest childhood memories are of visits to local libraries with my family and then enjoying the books I found. Weekend trips to the library were favorite outings, or perhaps it would be more accurate to call them quests. I would search for books by favorite authors, stories my teachers had mentioned in class, or titles about subjects I was curious about - and then check out the maximum allowed on my library card. But, looking back, I never found a bookshelf as friendly and helpful as Bibli. Perhaps it was because the shelves were usually industrial steel, rather than a warmly decorated wood. Maybe it was because I was so busy searching for books that I never took the time to settle in and read them at the library like Cassie does in the story. But children reading this book will be excited to go and explore their own library and discover new friends among its shelves.
Some of my fondest childhood memories are of visits to local libraries with my family and then enjoying the books I found. Weekend trips to the library were favorite outings, or perhaps it would be more accurate to call them quests. I would search for books by favorite authors, stories my teachers had mentioned in class, or titles about subjects I was curious about - and then check out the maximum allowed on my library card. But, looking back, I never found a bookshelf as friendly and helpful as Bibli. Perhaps it was because the shelves were usually industrial steel, rather than a warmly decorated wood. Maybe it was because I was so busy searching for books that I never took the time to settle in and read them at the library like Cassie does in the story. But children reading this book will be excited to go and explore their own library and discover new friends among its shelves.
taylorcoonelly's review
5.0
I loved getting to dive in to the story about Bibli (and his new friend Cassie) and how they worked together to share that everyone, even a little bookshelf tucked in the corner of the Children's section, has a story! Not only are the illustrations gorgeous and vibrant, but the story is one of inclusivity that can be shared with children of all ages! Not only does this book teach themes of inclusivity and friendship, but also a love of reading, libraries, and literacy!
The imaginative Bibli steps out of his comfort zone, and is able to spread love and joy to all those in the library. This story is inspiring to me, as a future Children's Librarian, and one that I would love to have in my collection one day!
Definitely buy this book when it comes out this November 30th!
The imaginative Bibli steps out of his comfort zone, and is able to spread love and joy to all those in the library. This story is inspiring to me, as a future Children's Librarian, and one that I would love to have in my collection one day!
Definitely buy this book when it comes out this November 30th!
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