Dear Librarian

Sigwarth addresses her personal epistle to a specific librarian from her childhood in this debut with an introduction by radio host Ira Glass. When Lydia's large family leaves Colorado to live in Iowa, they inhabit "a lot of different places," staying with Lydia's grandmother, aunt, and cousin until her father finds a job. While unhoused, the family pays daily visits to the library, where "there was so much to do and so much space to do it in." There, Lydia finds "a special spot just for me"; establishes a regular routine that, "even though it wasn't a house," stands in for the normalcy she craves; and befriends an auburn-haired librarian who makes her "feel safe and happy"--and even inspires her own career choice. Galotta portrays the family as doll-like, with white skin and pink cheeks, and the library as a portal into another world: flora blooms around the reference desk, and a teal dragon and a light blue whale populate the pages. A gentle ode to the effect one person can have on another, and what a library can offer a community. An author's note concludes. Ages 4-8. (June)

PreS-Gr 3—In a love letter to all librarians, but one in particular, the author tells the story of a difficult period in her family's life. For her, a young white female narrator, finding a place she feels safe has been elusive. Her large family moves to a new state and stays with relatives while her father searches for a new job and a new home. One day, she and her family visit the public library, and she recognizes her special place. She also finds a new friend, the librarian, who is attentive to the homesick child. This experience motivates the child, when she's grown, to make a deliberate career choice. In a picture book based loosely on the author's own life, and first told on the radio show, This American Life host Ira Glass provides the foreword. Galotta uses an array of media, including watercolors and colored pencils, to lovingly reflect the heroine's inner emotions and thoughts in the details and background on each page. Nearly all the characters are white, although in school scenes or more contemporary scenes of the library, some diversity is introduced. VERDICT This touching story celebrates the joys of friendship, finding a home, and the power of libraries. Pair with similar picture books such as Sam McBratney's Will You Be My Friend? and James Dean's Pete the Cat Checks Out the Library by James Dean.—Monica Fleche, Rochester P. L., Rochester, NY

A heartfelt tribute to the power of libraries, and the power of kindness. —Mara Wilson, actress and author