The Little Street Library
Illustrated by Erin McClean, Published by Affirm Press, June 2024
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Reviews
My Picture Book Heart “With delightful illustrations in heartwarming pastels colours and sweet characters, and a lovely message of community, this new release is a celebration of books, bravery and new beginnings.”
Abby’s Fabulous Library “This heartwarming book celebrates the power of community, the joy or sharing books together, and the beauty of meeting and engaging genuinely with our neighbours. It’s a reminder that even when things change, the bonds we create can bring us closer together. I absolutely love this beautiful book. It champions libraries (which you know I’m a big advocate for) along with encouraging genuine connections within our community.”
Kids’ Book Review “The Little Street Library is an absolutely gorgeous book about one child’s vision to bring her street together with one of these libraries. The story explores all of the very best things in life – community, connection, stories, joy and hope. It’s a total celebration! … The engaging text and colourful illustrations work seamlessly to bring Rafi, her family and her neighbours to life with great heart and fun. The illustrations are full of life and invite us to pore over their detailed, friendly and warming neighbourhood interactions. This book is pure delight. Highly recommended.”
CBCA Reading Time “The magic of street libraries to bring community together is explored in this heartwarming picture book. And the book is all the more special for being based on a true story. In the interests of occupying her children one school holidays, author Amy Adeney helped them build a street library for their front yard. What started as a crafty project, evolved into a true point of community connection. Just as in the story, Adeney went from scarcely knowing her neighbours to forging new friendships. Much in this seemingly simple story will be relatable for primary-aged children – the ache of missing a friend who moves away, the joy of sharing books, and the sense of community they can bring. Highly recommended.”
Danielle Binks (author & agent) “This is SUCH a precious book; using the delightful community conduit of a little free/street library to discuss big topics of resilience, friendship, and neighbourhood-spirit with little readers. Adeney has such a tender touch of writing for this age group; able to tell the story through Rafi’s eyes and in her voice but with a bird’s eye understanding of all the big feels and life-lessons that the adult readers will so appreciate. Erin McClean’s illustrations are bold and adorable - and she’s made Rafi’s neighbourhood diverse and eclectic, full of delightful characters of all ages and from all walks of life. This is a really special and delightful picture book that will either have little readers eagerly hunting for street libraries near them, or encouraging their parents and guardians to get involved and help them make one of their own. Either way - an uplifting and inspiring story for all!.”
Love Four Reading “I love how Rafi problem solves and involves her family in renovating the old birdhouse and transforming it into a street library. There’s also the message that new ideas can be slow to take off, where both the text and illustrations show Rafi’s impatience waiting for someone to use the street library. It may take some time initially but ultimately the street library allows Rafi to get to know her community. With diverse illustrations from Erin McClean and writing by Amy Adeney, this is a wonderful love letter to street libraries and local communities that won our hearts.”
Buzz Words “Aimed at kids aged three to seven, Amy Adeney’s sweet story celebrates the power of books to bring people together … Rafi’s love of reading drives her desire to build the library, and this will encourage youngsters to open the door to a bounty of bookish adventures … Street libraries are growing more and more popular in Australia, and this picture book is an engaging ode to these mini literary miracles. Kids may even be inspired to construct their own little ‘library of amazingness’.”
GLAM Adelaide “⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ With the rise in popularity of street libraries and community sharing through books, this publication is timely. Although aimed at young readers, it is also a perfect read for adults working in community spaces, as it is a lively and meaningful way to share their message. Similarly, it is a great tool for educators to kickstart educational activities in the classroom.”
NZ Booklovers “It's a love story about books and storytelling, community and connection. It's also got a lovely little message about endings and new beginnings…The story has a lovely little rhythm, plenty of interesting words and it makes a perfect read-aloud. Adeney also offers up plenty of opportunity for discussion within the pages. It will be a fantastic resource to any school - with lots of jumping-off points for deeper learning across multiple curriculum areas. The Little Street Library is a delightful celebration of books and community - something the world can never have too much of.”