When a wonderful new book arrives at the library, at first it is loved by all, checked out constantly, and rarely spends a night on the library shelf. But over time it grows old and worn, and the children lose interest in its story. The book is sent to the library's basement where the other faded books live. How it eventually finds an honored place on a little girl's bookshelf—and in her heart—makes for an unforgettable story sure to enchant anyone who has ever cherished a book. Kate Bernheimer and Chris Sheban have teamed up to create a picture book that promises to be loved every bit as much as the lonely book itself.
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
30 of 30 people found the following review helpful.
A Rare and Magical book
By RMB
In a day and age of electronic media, what a refreshing and heartfelt story about the connection that a child can have with a real book! It is very special to have a story that can be read to, and with, a child or grandchild, that captures the enchantment and magic of reading and libraries. This is a rare and magical book. Of our time and of times past. Quite a feat.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful.A Perfect Book for Our Time
By Waldo
What a beautiful book and what a beautiful story. In this day and age of electronic media, a wonderful reminder of how important a printed book can be, of how we can have a relationship with a book, of how reading a story - and looking at pictures - over and over again can be a meaningful and important experience. I recommend The Lonely Book not just for children but for their parents too.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful.
Delightful
By Jessica at Cracking the Cover
When the book first arrives at a library, it gets lots of attention, shuttling between children's homes and the shelf where the newest books are kept. After a while, the book joins other well-loved selections in the children's area. It's still taken home frequently and is happy.But as the years pass, the book becomes old and worn. Children stop checking it out, and the book becomes lonely. One day, a little girl named Alice finds the book and begs to take it home. The book is read six nights in a row and even gets taken to Alice's show-and-tell. After a week, the book returns to the library and accidentally sent to the Book Sale.Alice misses the book and looks for it each Saturday, but it's nowhere to be found. Over time, Alice moves on to other books, and the book grows lonelier and lonelier. Then comes the day of the Book Sale and the book and Alice are reunited forever. Alice doesn't mind that the book is worn or that the last page is missing. She knows just what it says, "And they lived happily ever after.""The Lonely Book" is a delightful idea. It really makes one think about the lives books in the library lead. It's beautifully illustrated with the soft feel to it that feels as homey and comfortable as a treasured book. The story, however, is quite long, and might be hard for beginning readers to sit through. I would suggest it for children who have longer attention spans. That aside, it's a sweet picture book that's a refreshing change from all the bells and whistles surrounding us these days.
