Author: Louie Stowell
Illustrator: Davide Ortu
I loved this book even more than I thought I would – an easy read, packed with magic, mystery, adventure and books! It will appeal to younger readers and those who are enjoying being able to read chapter books independently. Published by Nosy Crow in June 2019, I think it would make a great start of the year book to read aloud with a new class in September – probably Years 2, 3 and 4 – or a perfect rainy-day-read for children over the summer holidays.
Kit is a head-strong girl who likes mud and mischief and doesn’t like reading. She would rather hang out with her friends in a cemetery than go to the library; her friends are absolutely desperate to get their hands on the latest release from their favourite best-seller author and are gutted when they’re too late. Together, all three unexpectedly find themselves accidental heroes in a fight to save not only their local library but the world!
Alongside the more traditional story of ‘good vs evil’ (with lots of magic realism along the way) there are powerful messages about reading being for everyone, the significance of finding the ‘right’ book and the importance of protecting our local libraries. All are key messages for children to hear, discuss and understand – and what better way to introduce the topics than through a brilliant, captivating and fun story with a terrific super-villain!
The dragon in the library made me laugh, made me think and brought a sprinkle of extra magic to my day. I’ll never look at a librarian (or dusty book in a glass case) in the same way again.
Huge thanks to Nosy Crow for my copy of this joyous book in return for an honest review.
Folded corners... 