Where Are My Books?

March 30, 2015
Spencer’s beloved books keep disappearing. After his younger sister is ruled out as suspect (an accusation that earns Spencer the punishment of playing tea party with her), he sets a trap and discovers that the culprit is a family of bibliophilic squirrels (in their defense, they do leave behind tulip heads and metal bolts as payment). How can one book lover begrudge another? So Spencer formalizes the borrowing (“Just like at the library, they had to return the books they borrowed before they could borrow more”) and even sets up a story hour. With its clever, mop-headed hero and supporting cast of silent but highly expressive squirrels (including a mother squirrel who sports chic turquoise reading glasses), this is a story that should quickly find its way into the hearts of book lovers of all ages. Readers’ only wish may be that Ohi (Naked!), in her first book as both writer and illustrator, had spent less time in the setup and more on how Spencer and his new friends bloom and grow as a literary community. Ages 4–8. Agent: Ginger Knowlton, Curtis Brown.

Starred review from February 1, 2015
When young Spencer's beloved books begin to disappear, the boy devises a plan to catch the culprit (although not before suspecting his toddler sister).Muted shades of purple, blue and pale green are the background colors for the appealing opening, in which Spencer-in narwhal-themed red pajamas-is cuddled up with his mother, stuffed narwhal toy tucked under his arm; his and his mother's wide, comic-strip eyes focus on an open book. "Spencer loved books. His favorite bedtime book was Night-Night, Narwhal. Sometimes he read it aloud." No doubt it's the kind of read-aloud done by 4-year-olds who've heard their favorite story many times. When Night-Night Narwhal disappears, Spencer's father reads him Tenacious Todd, but it doesn't quite work for bedtime: "But Todd was a toad, and toads were amphibians, and amphibian books were supposed to be for right-after-lunch story time." The humor and charm continue as more of Spencer's books, which he keeps so carefully on his shelf, begin disappearing-even Send in the Clown Fish! Astute readers will notice tulip petals and screws replacing the confiscated codices. Although the thief's identity may be suspected, no one will expect the funny, sweet and original ending. Fans of Mo Willems will especially appreciate the family dynamics and expressive artwork. The brilliant combination of art and text will capture the imaginations of both bibliophiles and less-than-enthusiastic readers. (Picture book. 3-7)

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March 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 1-Spencer loves his books, especially Night-Night, Narwhal, but each morning he finds another one missing with a mysterious flower, nut, or bolt resting on his diminishing bookshelf. His parents are busy and have no idea where the missing books might be. When he accuses his baby sister, she bawls, and only a humiliating tea party will soothe her hurt feelings. The determined youngster hatches a plan to catch the book thief. He ties some string to his beloved plush narwhal and waits till morning. Imagine his surprise when he discovers a group of squirrels behind the hedges with an array of his missing titles. One large blue-spectacled critter is reading his favorite; others are enjoying several more. One little squirrel offers a yellow tulip... "Spencer told the squirrels they could borrow his books. But there would be rules. Just like at the library, they had to return the books they borrowed before they could borrow more. But they didn't need to leave anything behind." The final page features big brother reading Night-Night, Narwhal to his baby sister surrounded by seven engrossed squirrels as a bewildered mom and dad peek through the bedroom door. The brightly colored, digital cartoons are expressive and sweetly endearing. Muted posters on the wall proclaim, "Turn it off and READ A BOOK" and "I [heart] MY LIBRARY." VERDICT A perfect introduction to the concept of libraries for the youngest readers.-Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

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