Overdue

July 19, 2024

K-Gr 3-What child or caregiver hasn't experienced the search for a lost library book? Readers are introduced to charming Bob, an anthropomorphized book who entices elementary school library visitors with sunglasses atop its eyebrows, a hand holding a lidded cup with a straw, and sparkles emanating from his red body. Bob entertains readers in the car, at the dentist's office, and in bed on a sick day. That's when Sebastian borrows Bob; his sister eats her sloppy peanut butter sandwich too close to the book, and his brother places a toy pirate ship on the cover. The worst offense, however, is Sebastian "doesn't even open me up." A slew of mishaps lead Bob to a kitchen shelf between cookbooks where he is lost for months; a letter from the school librarian nudges Sebastian into action, and he reads the book "again and again and again." Full-color illustrations are mixed with panels and speech bubbles from several characters, including Bob with some humorous one-liners. Back matter includes a list of five tips for book care, presented by Bob himself. VERDICT A must-have book for libraries; educators and storytellers will want to use it for read-alouds to teach library book etiquette.-Carrie Voliva

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