Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Super Star Children's Book Reviews: Little Libraries, Big Heroes

Welcome to the monthly children’s book review feature with a focus on diverse books here at Bird Meets Worm! My team of reviewers—Joan Charles, Laurie L. Young, Sarah Orgill—and I are so excited to be championing books celebrating everything from gender diversity, people of color, the LGBTQ community to ethnic, cultural and religious minorities, people with disabilities and developmental challenges to controversial topics, unique family situations and anything and everything I did not include. It is to say we take a rightfully broad view of diversity! We aim to shine a light on books that bring both familiar experiences to those who do not often see themselves represented in books and new experiences to those looking to expand their worldview. Here at Bird Meets Worm we believe in the power of story to build empathy and thus a better world for you and me and everyone. Look for a new review on the second Wednesday of every month.

   

LITTLE LIBRARIES, BIG HEROES
By Miranda Paul • Illustrated by John Parra
Picture Book (ages 4-7) • 40 pages
Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt • 2019
ISBN: 978-0-5448-0027-4

Little Libraries, Big Heroes is the extraordinary story of an ordinary man who started a movement in his own front yard that eventually spread throughout the world.

Author Miranda Paul and illustrator John Parra have concocted a colorful, inspiring biography of Todd Bol, the creator of the Little Free Library movement. More than anything, Todd’s story is a celebration of books, reading, community, and the power of one person to create change.

Starting small (with the first little library built by Todd), and growing slowly, the movement spread from Todd’s home state of Minnesota, across the Midwest, then to other nations outside the U.S., until finally, Little Free Libraries can be found in countries across the globe.

The stories behind the several of these libraries will delight and inspire kids to learn that, even through small acts, they can become everyday heroes in their own lives.

John Parra’s exuberant art brings to life the joy and diversity behind the Little Free Libraries—and the not-so-ordinary people who are spreading book love all over the world.