Library Lion (by Michelle Knudsen)

This book isn't so much about lions as it is about rules: when they should be kept and when they can be broken. The likable lion loves the library and, since no rules exclude lions from visiting, he is allowed in. Besides loving story-time, he learns to keep his roar in check and becomes quite helpful. He dusts encyclopedias, licks envelopes, provides a comfy backrest for children, and otherwise settles in amid the books, into the place he loves. Everyone loves the affectionate, soft-padding lion, except the intolerant, rule-minded Mr. McBee, the stricter of the two librarians.

Connecting a lion to a library isn't as strange as you'd think. In fact, if you ever visit the New York City Library, you'll find twin statues of these regal animals guarding the main entrance. It's almost as if Michelle Knudsen and Kevin Hawkes have brought one of those amazing beasts to life in their award-winning book, LIBRARY LION. This gentle and funny book has been recognized by the Junior Library Guild, School Library Journal, Amazon.com, and Child's magazine as one of the best books of 2006. It also received the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio 2007 Platinum Award for excellence.

It's easy to see why Library Lion has been received with such a roar, and why it has remained on the NYT Best Seller List for so long. This is a terrific, full-bodied story that will entertain and engage readers of all ages, especially those who love libraries. Through its richly developed text and wonderfully sensitive illustrations, it does more than teach the obvious lesson. It also shows us that libraries are magical places, where amazing things can happen, people are friendly, and children and lions are accepted. Best of all, it celebrates libraries: What a wonderful thing it is that they are for everyone!

Author: Michelle Knudsen
Illustrator: Kevin Hawkes
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication date: July 25, 2007
Number of pages: 48
Hardcover price: $15.99