Text is superfluous and distracting - pictures are so wonderful they almost tell the whole story by themselves. Perhaps a truly gifted writer could have created something as graceful as Good Night Moon or Where the Wild Things Are... after all, I think I actually prefer the illustrative style of this book even over those beloved classics... so, if the art is that good, make sure it's the focus! ( )

I heard the the internet really loved this book-- The Midnight Library-- and much like those off brand toys and films and cereals from my childhood, this was not what I was expecting but I was delighted by it anyway. Turns out the internet meant a completely different book, but already having procured this, I look at it as a very fortunate mistake and am glad this one is in my collection (the other book of the same title is as well, and it is also excellent) for both my niblings and myself ( )

Summer in the big city is hot, and little long-haired dachshund Hot Dog has had enough! His owner takes him to the beach so they can have a little break.

A lovely picture book with minimal words. There are so many children’s books idolizing suburbia that I’m cautious about those that discuss the negatives of living in a city, but at the end of the book Hot Dog is happy to be back at home after his nice day at the beach. Plus, they take the train to the beach! What a treat. ( )

This has been one of my absolute favorites for years. Cute characters, a friendly but quick story, and beautiful bold pictures. It was only when a first grader asked me "but what is the book about?" that I realized it was also a fun little overview of library services, including the community room/activities, assistance in finding and selecting books, and circulation services. ( )

"'What is the matter, Miss Wolf?' asked the little librarian. 'Something very sad happened in my story and I can't read it anymore,' replied the wolf."

I feel you, miss wolf.

The best part of this book is the stubborn tortoise who gets his library book tied to his shell with ribbon by two library owls.

( )