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THE NIGHT LIBRARY by David Zeltser

THE NIGHT LIBRARY

by David Zeltser ; illustrated by Raúl Colón

Pub Date: April 2nd, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-5247-1798-8
Publisher: Random House

A nighttime adventure and memories of reading with a grandfather remind a child of the pleasures to be found in books.

On the night before turning 8, a child is given a book by their parents—a great disappointment. Surely they know their offspring prefers “toys, games, and movies.” Then, in the middle of the night, an enormous lion out on the lawn beckons. Introductions are made as the child climbs on the lion’s back. The lion’s name is Fortitude, and they are on their way to meet Patience. Yes! The iconic lions that stand guard in front of the New York Public Library. At the library the books arrange themselves into all sorts of shapes that remind the child of books that Grandpa read aloud before he passed away. The child also finds books that are not familiar. With a reawakened interest in reading, that spurned birthday gift is now welcome. More than the story, the charm here is in Colón’s always-beautiful artwork. The olive-skinned family is so real and the little child’s face so full of expression. The amusing rearrangement of the books at the library is whimsical and captivating.

After reading the book, follow up with a visit to the New York Public Library if possible—your local if not.

(author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)