Biblioburro

K-Gr 2 One person can make a difference, and in this book Luis Soriano makes all the difference in the world. A Colombian schoolteacher with a passion for reading, he had so many books in his house that he decided to take them to children high up in the mountains where no libraries existed. With the help of two burros, Soriano made the mountainous trek each weekend to spread literacy where it was desperately needed. Winter has a gift for creating nonfiction that is accessible to and appeals to very young readers. The story is well told, and the colorful illustrations reflect the flora and fauna of Colombia. Back matter offers a bit more information about this generous and dedicated teacher who got books into the hands of so many people. Pair this title with Margaret Ruurs's "My Librarian Is a Camel: How Books Are Brought to Children Around the World" (Boyds Mills, 2005) for some great conversations. Winter ends the book by saying, "A small corner of the world is enriched." What a terrific way to help children think about their role in doing the same."Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA" Copyright 2010 Media Source Inc.