Review - The Night Library

The Night Library
by David Zeltser
illustrated by Raul Colón
Date: 2019
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

The Polar Express meets The Night at the Museum in this fantastical picture-book adventure about the magic of books and libraries, perfect for book lovers of all ages!

After a young boy goes to sleep upset that he's getting a book for his birthday, he's visited in the night by Patience and Fortitude, the two stone lions who guard the New York Public Library. Soon, he's magically whisked away from his cozy home in the Bronx, and the two mighty lions show him the wonder of the library. There, the inquisitive Latino boy discovers the power of books and their role not only in his own life, but also in the lives of the people he loves.

Raul Colon's gorgeous, rich art creates an immersive world in this book about books, which is sure to capture the imaginations of kids and adults and inspire them to grab their library cards and dive into the worlds of stories.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is the book Charlotte Zolotow's My Grandson Lew wishes it could be. Both books are about boys who had close relationships with their grandfathers. But in The Night Library, the memories are woven into a story about dreams, books, and a love of reading.

The narrator is given an early birthday present by his parents: a book. Disappointed, he goes to sleep, only to wake up to find a lion purring outside his window. The beast--whose name is Fortitude--takes him to the library, where he finds lots of books... as well as the memories that go along with them. Most of those memories revolve around his deceased grandfather and the times they spent reading together. By the end of the magical evening, the boy has rekindled his interest in reading, and he comes to appreciate his parents' gift.

I can see why this has been compared to The Polar Express. The framing is somewhat similar, and the fantasy elements are sort of vague. Did it really happen, or was it all just a dream? The illustrations are likewise a bit dreamy, done in soft colours with a gentle overall feel.

This is a lovely, well-written book that celebrates reading and the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.83 out of 5