Carlo and the Really Nice Librarian (edition 2008)

This is book is meant for very little kids. Carlo is a giraffe and he loves to read. One day his daddy brings him and his cat, Crackers, to the library where they meet Mrs. Chinca, the librarian. Carlo isn't too sure about Mrs. Chinca at first but then she shows him all these cool books! ( )

When Carlo the giraffe and Crackers the cat visit the new library, they meet Mrs. Chinca, a very friendly and helpful librarian. ( )

Carlo the giraffe goes with his dad and their pet cat, Crackers, to the new library. Carlo and Crackers explore the children’s section and meet the librarian Mrs. Chinca. A toothy alligator, the sight of Mrs. Chinca at first frightens Carlo and Crackers, but they are soon won over by her friendliness and her knowledge of and love for books.

This book is a great primer for children going to the library the first time, and I love that the illustrations make it clear that a library, while a wonderful resource for readers, is not just about books. Carlo and Crackers enter a room full of posters, toys, blocks, coloring pages, computers, and to their particular delight – chairs with wheels! (Of course, I can’t really condone Carlo’s dad leaving the two of them to the children’s section unattended, but children’s literature often looks for ways to get the parents out of the picture so young readers have a protagonist to relate to exclusively.)

And, for kids who are already well acquainted with their local library and librarian, this book could also work as a teaching tool for helping children get over fear or shyness of other intimidating adults coming into their lives, such as a new babysitter or teacher. It also appeals to any adult looking to teach the age-old adage that appearances can be deceiving.

The bright and bold colors of the illustrations and the large-print text (for the most part limited to a few lines per page) will instantly appeal to young readers. Personally, as the owner of a little black cat, Crackers’s expressions and actions, well, cracked me up! Another fun detail was the illustrated due date slip on the front cover that looks like any library’s due date slip but with the addition of the text, “This book must be enjoyed. This book must be read over and over again.” For most young readers, that shouldn’t be a problem with this delightful book. ( )

Carlo goes to the public library with his father for the first time, and when he's alone in the children's section, he meets the librarian, Mrs. Chinca. She's a bit scary at first, but he soon learns that she knows everything about the books, she is fun to be with, and he likes helping her keep the library neat.

When Carlo the giraffe and Crackers the cat visit the new library, they meet Mrs. Chinca, a very friendly and helpful librarian.