Miss Brooks Loves Books (And I Don't)

Author: Barbara Bottner
Illustrator: Michael Emberley
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (2010)
Pages: 32
Ages: 4 to 8
Source: Own

Today is the final day of Children's Book Week and we are wrapping it up with a review of Barbara Bottner's MISS BROOKS LOVES BOOKS (AND I DON'T). I fell in love with this book from the first time I picked it up. Miss Brooks is the school's librarian. She really likes books and even dresses up as the characters in the books that she is reading. She works hard to engage her students in the love of reading. However, her enthusiasm for books does not seem to be rubbing off on first grader, Missy. When Missy complains to her mother and asks to move, her mom reminds her that their will be librarians at the next place. At one point, Miss Brooks assigns the students the task of dressing up as a favorite character to tell about their book. Missy thinks that most books are just "too silly or too pink". However, one day with a huge sack of books from Miss Brooks and the help of her mom, Missy discovers a book to get excited about and her life is changed forever.

Enthusiastic and reluctant readers both will enjoy this book. Miss Brooks isn't your typical librarian, and Missy wears knitted caps, overalls, and glasses. Michael Emberley's illustrations are colorful, and quirky and do an amazing job at highlighting the story. This book is a great addition to any classroom library and a fun read aloud that children will enjoy over and over again.

Hope you had a great Children's Book Week!
-aly