La Senora De Los Libros = That Book Woman (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
Cal lives with his family high up in the Appalachian Mountains. He's old enough to help out and kind of thinks his sister Lark's habit of reading is a waste of time. So he's surprised when a woman stranger starts showing up and lending books. He thinks her horse must be pretty brave when she continues to come regardless of the weather. But when she shows up in the bitterest cold, stopping only to slip books through the doorway to keep the family from getting cold, Cal decides she's pretty brave, too. And it makes him wonder what's so important about that "chicken scratch" that would make that woman risk going out on such a cold night. This is a really sweet book about the Pack Horse Librarians from FDRs New Deal that carried books to families who otherwise didn't have access. My wife first read it to our 6 year old and it left her in tears while our daughter stood by patting her on the shoulder. The language is kind of "hillbilly" and we had to explain what some words meant, but it's the story that really touches you. The artwork is beautiful; simple watercolors and charcoal, I think, and really adds to the story. This is a really great book I can strongly recommend (I had to get it from my wife's bag to read it myself because she liked it so much she wanted to show it to the teachers and librarian at the kid's school). Interesting story in which the family lives on a farm and the oldest son, Cal is the main character. He takes on the "helper" role and does farm work while his quiet and humble sister, Lark has a passion for reading. Cal doesn't understand why she likes books so much and finds this hobby to be rather annoying. The story is told in an earlier time when women wearing "britches" was a sight to see. The illustrations by David Small have a rugged and sketched look to bring the poor, country image to life. A woman on a horse approaches their house with a surprise. Much to Cal's dismay, she lays out a bag full of books and in two weeks she would be back with more. After the woman comes every two weeks through rain or shine, Cal realizes these books might be worth a shot. He asks Lark to teach him how to read. At the end of the story, Cal and his mother want to repay the woman. While his mother makes her a pie as a gift, Cal's gift meant much more. He shows the woman how he can read too.I believe this book would be an awesome find for a third or fourth grade teacher to read aloud in class. It's subtle message that learning to read can be a pleasant surprise for anyone is shown at the peak of the story. Heather Henson does a great job of making the story seem relevant to a nine year old. Her way of incorporating folk-like details makes this story special for anyone familiar with the Appalachia culture.
What do You think about La Senora De Los Libros = That Book Woman (2010)?
This is a beautiful book! I loved the illustrations and the story. I'd love to own this one.
—book33reader56
Nice. The power of reading vs. not being able to read.
—Ridge
