The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians

Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA -- School Library Journal, 8/19/2008

The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians. DVD. 11:55 min. with tchr’s. guide. Spoken Arts (spokenartsmedia.com). 2008. ISBN 0-8045-8079-0. $50; cassette with hardcover book, ISBN 0-8045-6965-7: $27.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 0-8045-4188-4: $29.95.

K-Gr 3–Melvin spent most of his growing-up years in the library, where three librarians helped him explore his many interests. Whether it was insects or eggplants, spelling or geography, the answers and the support were all found in his local library. Through the years, he continued to enjoy the relationships that he had made with these librarians until, finally, the book ends with Melvin becoming a librarian, mentored by his now gray-haired friends. This is a sweet, gently humorous story (Peachtree, 2007) by Carla Morris, who introduces the tale. Ann Scobie narrates the text well, creating unique voices for different characters. As the story unfolds, Brad Sneed’s illustrations are scanned iconographically with occasional simple animation added, allowing viewers to enjoy all the fun little details hidden in the pictures. This enjoyable, well-done production should tickle young viewers.