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Synopsis
A determined (not to say willful) child, Delilah tells everyone she’s the queen of a faraway land where she makes all the rules. When she goes to the library, however, Library Anne is there with her own rules: no climbing, no running, no singing, and above all, no cupcakes. But in the libraries in her land, Delilah says, running and climbing are allowed, and cupcakes and doughnuts are provided. Clearly, Library Anne doesn’t know the first thing about how to run a library!
When this lively battle of wills has run its course, Library Anne is dreaming about becoming an astronaut—and Delilah D. has a library book to take home. In her land, of course, everyone reads upside down.
With bright, comical illustrations, including open-out gatefold pages, this extra-big picture book will captivate any child who has ever considered breaking the rules.
Children's Literature
Delilah's rich imagination and love of books make for an eventful trip to the library. When they arrive, Delilah's brother Smallboy and the French babysitter Gigi are unfazed at her announcement of free cupcakes and doughnuts for everyone. However, Library Anne is unable to overlook the ensuing ruckus and must remind this young book lover to speak softly and walk, not run, in the library. In an attempt to win the girl over, Anne tries to find a map of Delilah's "homeland" in the atlas, but it is an imaginary place, so her search is unsuccessful. Delilah's request for a trapeze so that she can fetch books high on the shelves and her penchant for bursting into song, leave Library Anne wishing she lived in outer space. The varied font size and wavy lines of print blend well with active illustrations to portray Delilah's lively personality. Crisp primary colors, interrupted by the occasional monochromatic color indicating fantasy, depict this familiar setting with its all-too-familiar problem. Sure to delight young readers, this story provides a wonderful lead-in to a discussion about library manners.