The Polar Express meets The Night at the Museum in this fantastical picture-book adventure about the magic of books and libraries, perfect for book lovers of all ages!After a young boy goes to sleep upset that he's getting a book for his birthday, he's visited in the night by Patience and Fortitude, the two stone lions who guard the New York Public Library. Soon, he's magically whisked away from his cozy home in the Bronx, and the two mighty lions show him the wonder of the library. There, the inquisitive Latino boy discovers the power of books and their role not only in his own life, but also in the lives of the people he loves.
Raul Colon's gorgeous, rich art creates an immersive world in this book about books, which is sure to capture the imaginations of kids and adults and inspire them to grab their library cards and dive into the worlds of stories.
On sale: April 2, 2019
Age: 3-7 years
Grade: Preschool - 2
Page count: 40 Pages
ISBN: 9781524717995
Reading level: Lexile: AD600L | Fountas/Pinnell: N
DAVID ZELTSER emigrated with his family from the former Soviet Union at age five. After graduating from Harvard with a degree in physics, he was admitted to vet school to study wildlife medicine, but ultimately came back to his first love--storytelling. David and his friend Julia Chiapella cofounded the Santa Cruz Young Writers Program's tutoring and writing center at the Museum of Art & History. He lives in Santa Cruz, California, with his wife, Fiona; their daughter, Naomi; and their dog, Ella.
RAUL COLON is the illustrator of numerous highly acclaimed children's books, including
Tomas and the Library Lady and
Dona Flor, and has received Gold and Silver Medals from the Society of Illustrators.
"Colón’s gorgeous art paired with Zeltser’s text creates a dreamy, magical world in this book about books. VERDICT Sure to inspire people of all ages to pick up a book and experience the magic that unfolds."
-School Library Journal
"The author of
Ninja Baby (2015) opts here for a pensive tone, well suited to this dream fantasy. Colón's mixed-media scratchboard-style art complements the wistful text as the characters roam from the Bronx to Manhattan and into the library's grand hall and children's room. ... this should please bibliophiles of all ages."
-Booklist
"Extolling the value of books is a well-trod message, though Zeltser’s tale, and Colón’s renderings of the library’s magnificent rooms, may well prompt its neighbors to plan a visit [to the library]."
-Publishers Weekly
"A nighttime adventure and memories of reading with a grandfather remind a child of the pleasures to be found in books."
-Kirkus
