Our Incredible Library Book (and the Wonderful Journeys It Took)

An NPR Books We Love 2023 selection.

The story of one incredible library book and all the children who've borrowed it. Fun, rhyming text from Caroline Crowe and bright, joyful illustrations from New York Times-bestseller John Joseph celebrate a love of books and libraries. Readers will pore over the clever details – hot chocolate rings, a hastily taped page and an accidental splash.

"Welcome to the library?
A room packed with stories from ceiling to floor,
Shelves of adventures for you to explore.
But each book has two stories – the tale the words tell,
And the tale of the journey it's been on as well."

This library book is very special. It's been hugged, lost, torn, chewed by a dog and soaked in the rain. It's been read in apartments and in tents, by children wearing costumes and pyjamas, reading alone and with family.

Each time it returns to the library it's a little more worn, but a lot more loved. For every rip, scribble or stain there's a child who has found adventure or escape, comfort or excitement in its pages. That's the magic of a library book!