The Loving Library (Jeet and Fudge #3)

K-Gr 2--Jeet, a young Sikh boy, loves books and is just learning to read. Sometimes he gets frustrated when he can't sound out a word on the first try, but his adorable little dog, Fudge, patiently stays with him until he figures it out. One day, Jeet and Bapu, his dad, see a news story about another young Sikh boy who donated hundreds of free books to the local hospital. It turns out that this young man was doing his sewa, or his selfless service, to help sick children in the hospital. He also started a place in his community for people to get books for free, which he named a Loving Library. Jeet is so inspired that he, his dad, and Fudge go around the neighborhood collecting books from neighbors; soon, they have opened up their own Loving Library. Jeet meets another young boy who loves to read, and they become forever friends. This sweet story is tailor-made for the emerging reader, with simple, straightforward sentences that are placed prominently at the top of each page. Large and colorful illustrations throughout, along with Jeet's trusty sidekick, Fudge, will keep young ones engaged. A glossary in the front of the book defines bapu, sewa, and patka. Back matter includes a letter from a boy named Anaik, whose own Loving Library inspired this book. VERDICT Recommended for purchase.--Amy Nolan

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