B is for Bookworm: A Library Alphabet

Children's Literature

For every bookworm and library lover, this title is a beautiful examination of writing, reading, and the history of libraries. The A to Z format covers everything from library cards and catalogs, to story time and the Library of Congress. Each page features a rhyming verse about the letter-related topic and additional in-depth information in a sidebar. The artwork shows children and adults from many cultures interacting with books and text. The format easily lends itself to a simple read-aloud with young children or a research resource for older readers. Included at the back of the book is an additional list of fifteen fun facts about libraries. 2005, Sleeping Bear Press, Ages 4 to 8.
—Leah Hanson

School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-Prieto uses the alphabet format to introduce children to library terminology and history and the history of books. Unfortunately, the book is dry and boring. The text is awkward, and the rhythm is jerky. For example: "G is for Gutenberg/Would you like to copy your history book,/ all 322 pages?/That's what you'd do if you were a scribe/and lived in the Middle Ages." Also some of the words the author chose to represent certain letters make little sense. For "C," she uses "Library Card," and for "N," she uses "Call Number." Blocks of dense text at an older reading level go into more detail about the topic related to each letter's page. The pictures depict happy- or dreamy-looking children enjoying books and libraries. Suzanne Williams's Library Lil (Dial, 1997), Carmen Agra Deedy's The Library Dragon (Peachtree, 1994), and Julie Cummins's The Inside-Outside Book of Libraries (Dutton, 1996) introduce children to books and libraries in a more interesting and entertaining manner.-Heather Ver Voort, Wilson Middle School, Natick, MA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.