Scan barcode
xsleepyshadows's review
4.0
An inspiring tale of a garbage collector becoming a librarian by saving the books that were discarded. I think the art in the book is nice and tells a tale side by side of Jose starting the library and a child waiting to go to the library on Saturday. This was based on a true story and includes more details in the last couple pages of the book.
gigireads_1's review against another edition
This is an amazing true story that captures the joy of reading.
molly_dettmann's review
5.0
Beautiful story, absolutely gorgeous artwork, and it read really easily with the inclusion of Spanish woven throughout that this would be a wonderful read aloud.
rachelb36's review against another edition
5.0
Leí este libro para practicar mi español!
Es un cuento muy lindo sobre un hombre que encuentra unos libros cuando trabajando, y hace una biblioteca para los niños en su barrio.
No entendí todas las palabras, jaja, pero eso es una oportunidad aprender más. Las ilustraciónes son muy bonitas!
Y se inspiró de un cuento real!
Es un cuento muy lindo sobre un hombre que encuentra unos libros cuando trabajando, y hace una biblioteca para los niños en su barrio.
No entendí todas las palabras, jaja, pero eso es una oportunidad aprender más. Las ilustraciónes son muy bonitas!
Y se inspiró de un cuento real!
turrean's review
4.0
Slow to start. The references to other stories would take a bit of explaining to young listeners. But the truth of the tale makes all the difference in this story of libraries and perseverance.
mat_tobin's review
4.0
'Over ten million people live in the city of Bogotá, Colombia. There are only nineteen libraries.'
Lifted from the author's note, this quote sets the premise for what is a remarkable, true story of José Alberto Gutiérrez, a former rubbish collector, also known as 'Lord of the Books'. Discovering a thrown-away copy of Anna Karenina on his route one day, Gutiérrez finds himself inspired to start his own library filled with the books that others cast away. Perhaps this collection has the power to inspire those who cannot afford to access books.
In order to bring a stronger sense of narrative to the story and have a child as part of the telling, Kunkel and Escobar introduce a different José, a young boy who spends his week looking forward to Saturday where he and his friends can enjoy a little slice of Paradise: Señor José's home; now crammed with reclaimed books and stories. Together they sail off on adventures through their imaginations and the written word and these journeys provide them both with immense pleasure.
Escobar's illustrations are a delight. From an urban, multi-ethnic Columbia, we are transported to magical villages deep in the Columbian jungles and strange volcanic islands. For a financially struggling neighbourhood, Gutiérrez home becomes a beacon of hope for the locals. This is an inspirational story about believing in a community and the power in ensuring that everyone has free access to literature.
Lifted from the author's note, this quote sets the premise for what is a remarkable, true story of José Alberto Gutiérrez, a former rubbish collector, also known as 'Lord of the Books'. Discovering a thrown-away copy of Anna Karenina on his route one day, Gutiérrez finds himself inspired to start his own library filled with the books that others cast away. Perhaps this collection has the power to inspire those who cannot afford to access books.
In order to bring a stronger sense of narrative to the story and have a child as part of the telling, Kunkel and Escobar introduce a different José, a young boy who spends his week looking forward to Saturday where he and his friends can enjoy a little slice of Paradise: Señor José's home; now crammed with reclaimed books and stories. Together they sail off on adventures through their imaginations and the written word and these journeys provide them both with immense pleasure.
Escobar's illustrations are a delight. From an urban, multi-ethnic Columbia, we are transported to magical villages deep in the Columbian jungles and strange volcanic islands. For a financially struggling neighbourhood, Gutiérrez home becomes a beacon of hope for the locals. This is an inspirational story about believing in a community and the power in ensuring that everyone has free access to literature.
michellewalsh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0