Quick Booktalk
Mr. Hughes the librarian finds a fish and brings him to work as the library's new pet. The fish is very happy in his new home, but when it snows one day, and no one comes inside, he starts to worry and hops out of his bowl to go exploring.
About the Illustrations
The library is presented as a cozy, welcoming place, and the fish is shown to be an endearing protagonist. The illustrations highlight diversity in their presentation of the library patrons. Some wear glasses, one uses a wheelchair, one wears a hijab, and there are varying skin tones and age groups represented. The illustrator also used speech bubbles to show the many different information requests people make at Mr. Hughes's desk.
Story Time Possibilities
This story is on the lengthier side, which actually makes it perfect for elementary class visits. If I were working in a library doing outreach, I'd build my class visits to promote summer reading around this book, especially this year, when the CSLP theme is Oceans of Possibility. Similarly, for a small group of rising kindergartners or early elementary kids, this would be a good story time choice for library story time as well.
Reader's Advisory
I have grown cynical about public libraries in the past few years, but this book is a wholesome and fun celebration of libraries that is utterly devoid of any propaganda, politics, or over-the-top hero worship of library workers. It reminds me a lot of other favorite titles like Otto the Book Bear by Katie Cleminson and Bats in the Library by Brian Lies, but it's also different enough that it doesn't just go over the same tired ground.
Disclosure
I received a review copy of The Library Fish from Paula Wiseman Books in exchange for an honest review.
