The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library

Gr 3-5—Eddie is a beetle who lives with his family in a crack in the wall of the fourth grade classroom at Ferny Creek Elementary School. When his book-loving Aunt Min fails to return from her most recent trip to the school library, Eddie sets out to search for her, only to find her injured, hungry, and marooned atop the librarian's desk. Hiding out in the paper tray, the bugs overhear a disturbing phone conversation between the substitute librarian and the school superintendent: their plan is to close the library and turn it into a testing center. As they watch Miss Visch start packing away the books, Eddie hatches a plan involving blueberry juice, licorice, and yellow sticky notes. Using his legs to write messages, he leaves the notes stuck to books on the shelves, raising suspicion that the benign ghost of a former library volunteer is interceding to save the library. The obvious message is pleasantly tempered by subtle humor, many references to beloved children's books, and themes that celebrate bravery, perseverance, and storytelling. There's lots of action as Eddie faces dangers navigating the world of "squishers" who may trample him at any moment. The writing is breezy and accessible, and children will enjoy the bug's-eye view. A bibliography of referenced titles is included. VERDICT Despite the length, this is a good choice for younger readers and would work well as a classroom read-aloud.—Marie Orlando, formerly at Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

Bailey's eponymous hero, Eddie, is a bright green bug who lives with his 53 siblings in a crack in the wall of Room 19 of Ferny Creek Elementary School. When his Aunt Min goes missing, it's up to Eddie (whose mother writes him off as "a dreamer, a fool--a nincompoop!") to maneuver through treacherous hallways full of "Squishers" to the library to find her. But Eddie's challenges are only beginning: Min is injured and unable to travel, and the school's insect-hating new librarian threatens to make Ferny Creek a book-free zone. Encouraged by the brave characters from his Aunt Min's stories, Eddie resolves to save the library and his aunt. Avid readers will enjoy the plethora of references to beloved children's tales, as well as the adventures of an unlikely champion who overcomes human-size obstacles. The danger is mild, but Eddie delivers an entertaining bug's-eye perspective on the larger world, and Jamieson's b&w spot illustrations match the story's energy and sense of adventure. Ages 8-12. Author's agent: Hilary McMahon, Westwood Creative Artists. Illustrator's agent: Paul Rodeen, Rodeen Literary Management. (June)