McCullough, Joy. The Story of a Book. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2023. 978-1-665-90385-1. $18.99. 40 p. Grades PK-2.

Sitting high atop the “New Books” display at the library, a book waits to be discovered. Sometimes this book is not the right book for every reader. When the right reader comes along, it is absolutely magical. The book can transport a reader, comfort a reader, and be shared with other readers. There is even greater magic when it is a book that was self-selected. As this library book’s journey continues, some readers are confused by it, while others devour it. Some readers take extra good care of the library book, but others spill on it, crease the pages, or let it fall into the hands of babies or pets. The well-loved library book eventually reaches the end of its usefulness as a circulating library book and is sold at the library book sale to a family that recycles the pages to create something new.

THOUGHTS: This simple story depicts the life of a well-circulated library book. The gentle narrative is a guide to the gorgeous and fantastical illustrations by Devon Holzwarth. Each page is filled with rich details in gorgeously bright colors that depict each step of the book’s journey. An absolutely delightful find, this title could lead to a fabulous discussion about book choice, book care, books as windows and mirrors, and what happens to library books that can no longer be circulated.

Picture Book