Book: “Ronan The Librarian” by Tara Luebbe and Becky Cattie with illustrations by Victoria Maderna
Genre: Children’s Literature
Format: Picture Book
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Blogger’s Note: Thank you to the authors for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
In a world of invading and raiding, Ronan the barbarian stumbles upon a book and his life will never be the same.
This children’s book follows the story of Ronan and his transition from barbarian to librarian! Just like the sword that Ronan carries, this story has a few sharp edges but would make a great read for older kids. The book features fabulous illustrations and an entertaining storyline filled with a fun main character and colorful scenery! The authors sprinkle in the use of literary repetition which will keep young readers eagerly turning pages and engaged. However, there is a lot of vocabulary that may elude younger children. Terms like, “pillage, clobber, blacksmith, berserk” are likely to leave school age kids a little confused since those vocabulary terms are not common place in their vernacular.
I was a little wary of the barbarian theme in the beginning, but the main character Ronan won me over in the end. The book itself is a fun way to introduce the magical nature of books to readers. The plot concept was different, enjoyable and the ending was something that bibliophiles everywhere will celebrate!
Recommendation: This would be a good mini bookworm selection for older kids with the understanding that the main character is a barbarian and he steals from other people throughout the book.
Literature & Lattes 