The Little Street Library

The Little Street Library by Amy Adeney, illustrated by Erin McClean (Affirm Press) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781922863416

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Rafi lives next door to Leo. They both adore books, so they turn an old birdhouse into a little library where they can share their favourite tales with each other. But when Leo moves away, Rafi has no one to swap books with. Then she has an idea. She creates a street library, and soon all of her neighbours are adding their own books – and talking to each other. Sunday morning Story Time becomes a sparkling block party.

Aimed at kids aged three to seven, Amy Adeney’s sweet story celebrates the power of books to bring people together. The little street library links everyone from Green-house Greg to Trick-shot Toby, and everything from cookbooks to superhero comics, strengthening community ties in the process. 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.

Community comes in all colours, as readers will discover when they explore Erin McClean’s delightful illustrations. Rafi’s biracial background exists without question, and children are sure to relate to at least one of the diverse characters in the book. A subtle pink swoosh swoops through the pages, visually representing the connection between the neighbours when the street library works its magic.

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’.