Let's Meet a Librarian

by Gina Bellisario, Ed Myer (Illustrator)

Overview

Are you curious about dinosaurs? Music? Volcanoes? You're in luck! Mr. Field is a librarian. He knows how to find information about all kinds of cool things. He shows the students in Mrs. Ríos's class how to use the library. Let's hear it for librarians!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781467708036
Publisher:	Lerner Publishing Group
Publication date:	02/28/2013
Pages:	24
Product dimensions:	9.30(w) x 9.50(h) x 0.20(d)
Lexile:	550L (what's this?)
Age Range:	5 - 7 Years

About the Author

Gina Bellisario is the author of fiction and nonfiction books for young readers (and the grown-ups who read to them). She lives with her husband and their twin young readers in Park Ridge, Illinois.

Ed Myer grew up in an artistic household. He studied ceramics at university but always continued drawing pictures. In addition to illustration, Ed enjoys traveling and walking Ted, his dog. Ed lives in London.

Editorial Reviews

"Told from the perspective of students on a class field trip, the books introduce community helpers and explain what they do. In Firefighter, readers learn about the tools and equipment needed in the work. Fire safety is discussed both on the job and in the home. In Librarian, children are introduced to 'information experts, storytellers, and technology wizards.' Readers learn that librarians teach about ebooks and technology and encourage questions to 'pump up your brainpower.' The book does not mention the necessary training and education a librarian must pursue in order to work in a library. In Police Officer, Officer Gabby visits the classroom and explains the different types of work police can perform throughout their day. Construction Worker discusses the various skills needed for this type of work. The class visits the site of a future school and learns about the types of machines used. In Teacher, the students visit a fourth-grade classroom. The captions discuss the types of equipment used in the classroom, such as computers and whiteboards, and about following rules. Cartoon-style animated drawings in bright colors introduce diverse characters who will capture children's interest. Chapters are divided into three parts, captions provide additional information, and there is ample spacing between sentences. Additional titles where more books on community helpers are needed." —School Library Journal

From the Publisher

A group of students visit the school library to talk to Mr. Field, the school librarian. Mr. Field explains that he is an information expert. He shows them how to use the online catalog to find books about dinosaurs. Unfortunately, Only titles of the books are shown—no call numbers appear and no attempt is made to find any of the books on the shelves. Mr. Field tells the students that talking in the library is okay. He does not mind noise and then he proceeds to play some loud music. He and one of the students are shown doing dance steps. Two other students cover their ears. Mr. Field explains that librarians often give library tours and put on puppet shows. They know lots of facts and will answer all kinds of questions. (No evidence appears that they help students find answers to questions.) Librarians are technology wizards. They troubleshoot computers and save the day. Mr. Field is shown reading a book to a group of students, but it is not clear whether he is in the library or the classroom. The pictures are bright and cartoonish. Mr. Field is shown acting like a spy, dressed as a wizard, and in a superman costume—along with other depictions showing him wearing slacks, an open-collar shirt, and a sports coat. The text of the book does not support the opening premise that a librarian is an information expert, and presents a partial, sometimes distorted, description of the role of a school librarian. A "Book Hunt" page basically tells youngsters to take an adult along to help and not to worry if they do not find the books they want, the library has tons more (as though finding the desired book is not important). Includes a glossary, bibliography, and index. Part of the "Community Helpers" series. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D.

Children's Literature - Phyllis Kennemer