Advanced Literature for Children

Review of LIBRARY LIL

Williams, Suzanne. Library Lil. Steven Kellogg, illustrator. New York: Dial, 1997.

Just as much as LIBRARY LION portrayed a typical librarian, LIBRARY LIL portrays a super, duper, tall tale of a figure in LIBRARY LIL. She has super human strength and she wears contemporary clothing. The brightly colored detailed art work is Steven Kellogg at his best. Our story begins, “I bet you think all librarians are mousy little old ladies. Hair rolled up in a bun. Beady eyes peering out at you over the tops of those funny half-glasses. An index finger permanently attached to lips mouthing “Shhh.” Bet you never heard about Library Lil. Lil develops her super human strength as a child for after reading all the children’s books in the library she starts in on the encyclopedia’s carrying an entire set in one hand. When our Lil grows up to be a librarian no one is surprised. Lil undergoes a personality change however when no one shows up for her storytimes. Lil is concerned that the people of the neighborhood prefer to watch television than read. She crowns the TV the “Devil’s Invention,” because it kept her customers away from good books. During a severe storm power is lost in the town and Library Lil and her old bookmobile visit each neighborhood bringing each home candles and books. One day a motorcycle gang descends on the town and settles in. They and their leader, “Bust-‘em up Bill” spend their time hustling at the neighborhood pool hall. The problem comes when Tuesday night rolls around and Bill can’t locate a TV to watch his favorite program, professional wrestling on. Our super human Lil wins a strength challenge and Bill agrees to read a book. Soon he and the entire gang are reading up a storm. They have a fight over who gets to check out THE MOUSE AND THE MOTORCYCLE first! By the end of the book the library has gotten so busy that LiL hires an Assistant who soon becomes known as “ Bookworm Bill.”

A wholly satisfying story whose artwork uses intense but still natural looking color that seems to seep off the page. Movement seems to be effortlessly portrayed by the illustrator as the storm passes through town breaking trees and knocking down power lines and motorcycles speed. People of all sizes, shapes, dress and colors appear in the story. Lil and Bill becomes a pair and she even learns to watch wrestling with him on Tuesday nights. The back cover of the book has one of the most vivid and beautiful illustrations of a 3 tiered wedding cake. On top, surrounded by a gazebo arch of flowers stand Bill and Lil holding up a book equal to half their size entitled LIL hearts B.B. The back cover of the book is painted with the words “and they lived happily ever after.” The book will appeal to boys and girls equally and would make an exciting read aloud. Highly recommended!