Customer Reviews

The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Written by children's librarian Carla Morris, The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians is a joyful picturebook about Melvin, a young boy who grows up with three librarians as some of his most cherished friends - not only do they help him find information, but when he needs it the most, they help him find his motivation and achieve as much as he can. "In fourth grade, Melvin entered The Complete and Unabridged A-to-Z Spelling Bee. Marge suggested he read the 100th edition of 'Words to Know' every day after school. Not surprisingly, he won first place." But when Melvin grows up and goes off to college, he has to leave the library and his friends behind - forever? Or not! He keeps in touch with his librarian friends through letters, and years later, new librarian comes to work - Melvin himself! The humorously exaggerated yet playful color illustrations add the perfect touch to this warmhearted and upbeat children's story.

Such a heartwarming story! Cleverly written and illustrated, this book proudly proclaims the joys of the library. Though written for children, library lovers of any age will be entertained and touched as they watch Betty, Marge and Leeola "raise" Melvin, their curious and intelligent patron.

Kudos to Carla Morris for capturing a librarians love of both children and knowledge! May we all have a Melvin!

I love this book! As a children's librarian for 18 years it reminded me of the honor it is to share our love of reading with children and be there for them. The story and illustrations are perfect! Every librarian knows this "child", some are boys and some are girls but the joy for the child and librarian are the same as this author's. Excellent book!

Wonderful book about a little boy who grows up loving books with the help of three wonderful librarians.

I picked this book up at the library while there with my toddler, and the illustrations caught my eye and I just had to read it! It turns out that the author is a children's librarian at the local library where my husband and I used to live, where we used to go all the time!

This is a book about a smart young boy named Melvin who spends a lot of time at the library (reminds me of Matilda), where he makes lifelong friends of three librarians. These librarians help him learn and research things using the resources at the library and their enthusiasm for books and learning.

This is a cute book about the joy of reading and the wonderful things to learn at the library. It is also a story about friendship. The illustrations are beautifully-drawn and so fun to look at. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who treasures the joy of reading.

Carla Morris, The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians (Peachtree, 2007)

I have to admit, I expected to like this book a whole lot better than I did. The subject matter seems almost tailor-made for me, a person who almost defines the term "book geek," and who many years spent more time at libraries than I did at home. It didn't work for me, though. I think much of the problem stems from the writing itself, which seems to lack the natural cadence and rhythm often found in childrens' books. Still, the subject matter is great, if you've got a bookworm at home; I'd suggest, however, pulling this one out of the library and giving it a good going-over before parting with your cash. ** ½

Books can change your world. They sure changed young Melvin's. But it's not just the books in the library that have such an impact on his life -- it's the librarians who guide him through his lifelong search for knowledge.

This wonderful novel for young readers takes kids through early childhood to adulthood, all with the library and librarians as a driving force in Melvin's life and career, culminating in his own contribution to another boy's life as a librarian, himself!

The illustrations bring the story to life, beautifully creating the world of libraries, comfortingly familiar to the readers who will love this book the most. The Boy Who Was Raised By Librarians is a super book with immense charm to hook your own young reader on Melvin's fascinating world of books.

My daughter (9) simply loved this book. Once we read the library copy she immediately asked to own it.

I love this book. The illustrations are great! I read it to all my classes that I see in the library and they all loved it!