Library Lil (Picture Puffins) [Paperback]

Suzanne Williams (Author), Steven Kellogg (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Picture Puffins

From the day she was born, Lil had a book in her hand . . . so it's no surprise when she grows up to become a librarian herself. She even manages to turn the people of Chesterville-who are couch potatoes-into readers. But then Bust-'em-up Bill roars into town with his motorcycle gang. Just mention reading to him and you're toast. Has Lil finally met her match? This original tall tale by a real-life librarian, combined with Steven Kellogg's trademark humor, is better than any TV show!

"A librarian's favorite fantasy . . . The silliness of both story and pictures are perfectly matched . . . A winner for storytimes anywhere."
-School Library Journal, starred review

"This love story about books is enough to make anyone wish for a permanent TV blackout!"
-Children's Literature

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"Lighthearted yet illuminating, this is a volume bound to lure kids from the TV screen," said PW about this story of a bibliophile determined to get her boob tube-loving town reading. Ages 4-8.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4?A librarian's favorite fantasy. Lil the librarian is discouraged because no one comes to her dynamite storytimes, and no one checks out her terrific new books. The whole town would rather watch TV. Then one happy, stormy night, the power fails and stays off for two solid weeks. Lil pushes (credit her childhood practice lifting encyclopedias) the bookmobile (dead battery) around town and?presto!?changes vacant-eyed boob tubers into avid readers. But pretty soon, here comes trouble in the person of Bust-'em--up Bill, the tattooed leader of the (gasp) motorcycle gang. Bill blames Lil because there's no danged TV in the pool hall. Confrontation in the library parking lot! Bill's gang is waiting right where Lil wants to park her bookmobile. Will they move their bikes? Are you kidding? Nobody messes with Big Bad Bill, except of course, our heroine Lil. One by one, she tosses them aside, earning the respect of the not-so-scary desperadoes. The payoff is reading books, and since these guys are not academically gifted, Lil starts them off with Easys (Kellogg titles, natch). Pretty soon Lil has a new assistant. Bust-'em-up Bill is now Bookworm Bill, and the two even watch a little TV now and then. The silliness of both story and pictures are perfectly matched. Kellogg's distinctive toothy kids and laughing cats crowd the pages, fitting right in with the baby-faced biker banditos. A winner for storytimes anywhere.?Ruth Semrau, formerly at Lovejoy School, Allen, TX
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (May 21, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140568379
• ISBN-13: 978-0140568370
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #67,783 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( K ) > Kellogg, Steven
  • #50 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Careers
  • #83 in Books > Children's Books > Education & Reference > Careers

More About the Author

Suzanne Williams is the award-winning author of over 30 books for children, from picture books and easy readers to chapter books and middle grade fiction series. A former elementary school librarian, she lives in Renton,Washington (near Seattle). Her picture book Library Lil (illustrated by Steven Kellogg) won the New Mexico children's choice award in 2000 and was on several other state award lists. Her most recent series are Princess Power (ages 8 - 12), Fairy Blossoms (ages 7 - 10), and Goddess Girls (ages 9 - 12, with co-author Joan Holub.) You can visit her at her website: www.suzanne-williams.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Library Lil" visits Machias Elementary School, March 21, 2000

By 

Volkert Volkersz (Snohomish, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Library Lil (Hardcover)

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!"

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Library LiL is an excellent and fun book for 2nd- 4th grades, August 27, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Library Lil (Hardcover)

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No good book goes unread when Lil's around!, March 1, 1999

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Library Lil (Hardcover)

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!