Out and about at the Public Library

Children's Literature

Has your child ever wondered what happens to a book when you drop it in the return slot at the library? This title can answer her question. Set up as a class field trip, this lively look at a local institution teaches and entertains. As a librarian shows a group of children around a library, readers also see behind the scenes, learning how a library works, what a librarian's job is like, and how to find a book. The bold cartoon-like illustrations pull readers in, making them part of the picture. An ingenious notebook is included on each page, providing extra fun facts about libraries without interrupting the flow of the story. The book concludes with ideas about how to make a personal library, fun facts, a glossary, and web sites for additional information. This is a perfect circle time story for preschool children before a visit to the library. 2006, Picture Window Books, Ages 5 to 10.
—Leah Hanson

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-Well-crafted books about field trips that show the detailed workings of each facility. Each title starts with a series of questions. For example, Mint asks, "Why do coins have raised edges?" The question then is answered in the subsequent story, as a tour guide escorts a group of children through the mint: "Rims protect coins from scratches and make them easier to stack." Each book includes a related activity, such as creating a personal medical chart in Hospital. Shea walks readers through a public library from utilizing the computerized catalog to find materials to asking reference questions and borrowing items. The only weakness of this series lies in the generic-looking illustrations that are digitally produced and do not match the sophistication of the texts.-Tanaz Sutaria, John Gomes Elementary, Fremont, CA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.