Gehl, Laura. Orson and the World’s Loudest Library. Stephanie Roth Sisson, Illus. Astra, 04/2025. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-6626-0208-5. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
After undergoing renovation the local public library reopens, but to Orson’s dismay, it is filled with noisy people reading out loud, laughing at a book, or having a lively book discussion. After Orson shushes everyone, the librarian Ms. Lana explains why certain noises are welcome in the library. Although most libraries have allowed a certain level of noise for some time, especially while reading aloud or doing homework, this could be useful during a class tour to remind children that some noise is fine when visiting the library. The full-color pencil and digitally colored illustrations depict an inviting library space filled with ethnically diverse families, a Black librarian, and Orson’s Black father and white mother.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool