Tomas and the Library Lady

Bibliography

Mora, Pat. Tomas and the Library Lady. Ill. by Raul Colon. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1997. ISBN 0-679-80401-3.

Summary

Tomas' family continuously travel between Iowa and Texas throughout the year to help other farmers. As his parents are hard at work, Tomas and his brother, Enrique, spend their time playing or listening to stories told by their grandfather, Papa Grande. As Papa Grande runs out of new stories to share, he encourages Tomas to go to the library to find new stories. There at the library, Tomas meets the library lady. She introduces Tomas to new stories about dinosaurs and Indians. As Tomas' interest and love of books grows, so does a friendship blossom between Tomas and the library lady. The library lady shares a variety of books to Tomas. Tomas is taken away to new and far off adventures through the books and shares his new stories with Papa Grande and his family. As the summer goes on, Tomas is found in the library every chance he gets. Eventually, the summer comes to an end and Tomas has to say gracias to the library lady. Tomas leaves with a deeper love of books and storytelling.

Critical Analysis

This is a tale of a young boy who finds a love of reading and books through the kindness of a librarian. The main character of this story, Tomas, is introduced to the library and all that it has to offer. The background of Tomas' family could be relatable to readers who move often for various reasons. Children can connect to this story and feel that they are not alone in wanting to find something to take their minds off of the constant moving. For Tomas, it was finding the joys in reading. The story helps to show the magic of what a book can do for the imagination. Each book Tomas reads has its own unique story and Colon's illustration help to depict the various stories Tomas reads.

The illustrations complement the story and helps the reader to imagine Tomas' journey while feeling connected to the story. The style of the artwork uses soft lines to present a warmness of the connection Tomas made with the librarian and his new found love of books. The soft, delicate lines has readers feeling the warmth and welcoming aura that is given off by the library lady.

The author and illustrator touches on the subject of culture and how some families have different work ethics and job titles. They did not overstate the culture depicted but emphasized more on the storyline. I think there was a modern representation of how we, as a country, have many immigrants who work various jobs. This book introduces one aspect of culture.

Review Experts

Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature
Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award
International Reading Association Teachers' Choice Awards

Connections

• Discussions about family background, experiences in moving (for older children)
• Activity: attending a library and finding new books to share with others; allow children to have read-alouds to their classmates