The Library

A charming picture book with text in rhyming verse, The Library tells the story of Elizabeth Brown, who loved books - and reading - more than anything else in life. As a child, she preferred books to dolls; as a young woman, she preferred reading to courting; and as an adult, she amassed so many volumes, that her house was overrun...

Apparently based upon the life of a real woman, Sara Stewart's narrative offers an humorous homage to the "gentle madness" of the bibliophile, concluding with a natural (and very satisfying) solution to Elizabeth's out-of-control collection. Book lovers will undoubtedly recognize something of themselves in Elizabeth, with her stacks around her and her nose buried in her latest acquisition. David Small, the show more genius behind such wonderful picture books as Imogene's Antlers, here contributes a series of droll illustrations that perfectly complement the story. Thank you Chandra, for bringing this one to my attention. show less

The Library is simply delightful. Written by Sarah Stewart and illustrated by David Small, it tells the story of a little girl named Elizabeth Brown who was unlike everyone else her age. She was more interested in reading than going to parties. She was fascinated by books instead of boys. She'd prefer to curl up in a big armchair and immerse herself in other worlds than venture into the out-of-doors. In short, this book speaks to the bookworm in all of us. The story combined with the beautiful illustrations make this a picture book must for all ages. It reminds us that it is perfectly okay to be exactly who you are even if others don't quite understand. If you have a passion, then BE PASSIONATE. Elizabeth loves books to such an extent show more that they eventually overtake her home but rather than make it one of those "well what did you expect" moments that would heap shame on the character the creators of this book applaud her in an absolutely lovely way. (I don't want to spoil it.) I really can't recommend this one highly enough. It didn't receive the title of Outstanding Book of the year in 1995 for nothing. ;-) The title of this post says it all. I felt a connection to this book. I'm sure I wasn't the only one and I think that for children especially it sends a really great message. 10/10

AN: For kicks and giggles, I went onto Amazon to read some of the reviews for this book and started at the 2-star reviews (there were three of them). Two of them mentioned the end result of Elizabeth's life as being quite sad but funnily enough it was my favorite part. If you have read or read this book as a result of my post please comment below with your opinion of it. I'd love to hear from you! :-) show less

The cosy, old school hand-painted illustration of a book-cluttered hall in karen's review together with the title The Library enticed me to grab this, appropriately, from my local library. I'm so glad I did!

Yes, I'll grudgingly admit I'm not a child anymore, but I'm well aware of these new soulless block-colour, crisp-lined, computer-generated illustrations which frankly offend my senses, that seeing something lovingly created the old fashioned way warms my heart and fills me with child-like glee. I sound ancient with my When I was young..., I'm really not, though. Unless you think being in your twenties, old.

In simple rhyming rhythm the story is told of every seriously obsessive bibliophile [put your hand up if you are one - *waves*] show more named Elizabeth Brown. From birth it seems she loved books, and I mean loved them, as in addicted to buying them, storing them in every place she can, and reading every minute she can spare throughout every stage of her life.

The ending, I won't spoil it, in 1995 could be quite different now with the advent and popularity of e-readers, which is a shame. But it reminds me of the pledge made by [a:Lionel Shriver|45922|Lionel Shriver|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1332800238p2/45922.jpg] in the adult essay compilation of a similar name, [b:The Library Book|13263501|The Library Book|Alan Bennett|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1329144083s/13263501.jpg|18465155].

There are more words in this review than there are in the book. You know what? I enjoyed this so much I. must. buy. it. Don't tell anyone, will you? I all ready have overflowing bookshelves myself, despite the Kindle by my bed.

Perhaps I should make a pledge of my very own. :D show less

The Library by Sarah Stewart with illustrations by David Small follows a life long love of books. Elizabeth Brown, from her earliest days loved books and reading.

As Elizabeth grows up, her book collection grows. She loves to share her passion with friends and does so by making her own library.

Ultimately her book collection out grows her home and she donates it to the city. So the city gets a library and Elizabeth gets to de-clutter.

Now as a book lover (and to some degree, book hoarder), I appreciate how Elizabeth's love or reading takes over her life and her living space. I admit to making frequent and large donations to my local friends of the library.

BUT — the librarian in me wonders about the types, breadth, and relevance of the show more books Elizabeth red. Is her reading broad enough to satisfy the information and entertainment needs of her follow citizens? Or did they sell her books and use the funds to build a better collection? On what terms was the donation made?

Regardless — my daughter thinks this book is spot on. She has grown up with rooms full of bookshelves and books. She watched me go back to school for my MLIS. So while the ending may not be practical, the journey to it is recognizable and relatable. show less

This is the story of Elizabeth Brown who passionately reads and collects books until she can't fit one more in her home and is compelled to share them with others through the creation of a public library. The illustrations are charming, perhaps more charming than the story, which doesn't quite reach far enough to say much beyond running out of room to store books. This reader waited for a larger development in the story. Ah well.

This book follows the life of Elizabeth Brown (based in part on a real-life friend of the author and illustrator pair), an avid reader. As Elizabeth's collection of books grows far too large to manage and store, she comes up with a solution to share her love of reading with the whole town.

I stumbled upon this book at the library today when looking for something completely different but on the same shelf. This book caught my eye because the illustrator is David Small. When I read his memoir Stitches several years back, I learned that he was a children's book illustrator. However, I had never read any of the books he illustrated. Seeing one now, I felt compelled to pick it up and check it out. His illustrations in this book don't show more disappoint; the delicately beautiful pictures perfectly complement the text. The story itself is sweet, discussing one woman's passion and how she was able to share that with others. The narrative is written in a rhyming format that allows the words to flow smoothly and lyrically. All in all, I would very much recommend this book, especially for other avid readers who will immediately recognize themselves in Elizabeth Brown! show less

Lovely tribute to a friend. Will want to own this book as someone who loves to read, even though it's made for children, it would be a delightful addition to any home library. Remembering why you loved to read in the first place, how special friends can be, and how utterly delightful cats are.