Customer Reviews

Library Lil

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The author of "Library Lil," Suzanne Williams, just finished her author visit at Machias Elementary School, where I am the libararian. In preparation for her visit, I took a chance and read this delightfully illustrated (by Steven Kellogg) picture book to every class, Kindergarten through grade 6. To my delight, I discovered that this modern "tall tale" had appeal for all ages. Although one review said this book was overly didactic, I would say that the message that reading is better than television (or video games, etc.) is one that can't be stressed too much. And with this title, "a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down."

Suzanne Williams did two assemblies for us. For primary grades she entertained the students with another of her titles, "Mommy Doesn't Know My Name." With the older students, she talked about the writing/publishing process in a manner that kept everyone's attention. I think Williams' alter ego is "Library Lil!"

What a character Library Lil is! Library Lil is a wonderful addition to the town's reading program. However, she has to work at getting them away from their televisions. Once she does, Lil is quite busy. The fun starts when some rough guys come to town and she must convince them to read, too. This book is a modern day tall tale and can be used to illustrate and model those characteristics. Lil is very, very strong and this helps her cope with those out of town fellows who make fun of the readers. This book is lots of fun for students, teachers, and librarians alike.

Library Lil, a champion reader, champions the cause of reading through ingenuity, perseverance and brute physical strength. The best thing about this book is that at storytime, the 3rd grade boys were as engrossed in the story as the girls!

Great book for librarians...and anyone who loves libraries. Lil is a fantastic character who will try anything to turn everyone into a reader...and she succeeds

This review was written by third grade Class 344 at Chelsea Prep in Manhattan:

Do you like to read crazy tall tales? Well, if you do, Library Lil by Suzanne Williams is perfect for you!

This book is about a girl who loves books more than anything. She also has super-power stregnth. She grows up to be a librarian in a town that hates books. But that all changes after a stormy night. What will happen when a tough book-hating motorcycle gang comes to town? You'll have to read to learn the hilarious solution.

Our favorite part is the dialogue between the gang members and Library Lil. "Lily-livered cowards read books," the gang leader snarls. Wait until you read Lil's reply!

We think you should read this book because it has a ton of humor in it, and Steven Kellogg's illustrations are the best! As Library Lil says, "TV is the devil's invention," so get your read on!

I am currently interning as a school librarian. I read to second grade, but I think it would appeal to a wider age group as well. Lil is all about books, and the details illustrated by Kellogg are as always, wonderful. My only issue w/the book is the pool table in the tavern. I think the story would have been the same w/an arcade center or pool hall,not a tavern complete w/bartender

Given that it's a Steven Kellogg book, of course we expect great things. He illustrated, didn't author this one, but it's a great book. We got this from the library so many times that we finally bought our own. Good plot and pictures. Promotes books over TV, but allows compromise in the end. My 1 yo, 4 yo, 9 yo, 11 yo and 13 you all like this book. Cute and clever.

Any book is improved if illustrated by Steven Kellogg and this book is no exception. NO offense to the author but I think often it does not matter who the author is b/c the story seems to come alive through his illustrations regardless of what the story may be.

Library Lil is a great and funny picture book for kids about a determined young librarian who wants everyone to use and enjoy the library. It is a tall tale, which is the only truly American folk/traditional tale, in the spirit of Pecos Bill or Paul Bunyan with a female heroine; and it's the ONLY tall tale I know with a girl in the lead. Lil is a great role model who is able to singlehandedly haul a beat up bookmobile around and tame a wild motorcycle gang, all in the name of producing prolific readers in her small town. This is a great character who gives tribute to the usually under appreciated school librarian. Steven Kellogg's colorful and active illustrations add to the wildness of the story and the savvy of Lil's character. They allow children to see everything unfold as Lil's story is told. Lil is an unforgettable gal who delivers a good message about reading and with a surprise twist at the end she leaves them laughing when she goes! Believe me, when this one is used as a read aloud, the listeners will howl!