Schu, John. This Is a Story. Lauren Castillo, Illus. Candlewick, 03/2023. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-0452-0. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING.
In this picture book with repetition, a young girl visits the public library and sees a world of information and imagination. With just one sentence per spread, the library and reading are celebrated in a way toddlers will understand. The children in the library represent various ethnic groups, and the full-color ink, watercolor, and pastel illustrations present the library as a warm and welcoming place. There are many actual books shown in the artwork and these titles are listed at the end, so families may be inspired to check out these books. This is a great choice to read to children visiting the library on a field trip to obtain their first library cards. A welcome follow-up to Schu’s This is a School (2022).
Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool