Can I Bring Woolly to the Library, Ms. Reeder?
Lois Grambling, author
Lois Grambling grew up in Union, New Jersey. Her first vivid childhood memory is of getting her very first library card. She remembers not being able to write, but the town librarian was kind enough to say she could "read the name that was printed on the application."
With that wonderful new card in her hand, Lois found a whole new world opened up to her. Every Saturday was spent in the children's section in the library where she would load up on armfuls of books to take home with her--a habit she has not yet kicked.
Read more about Lois.
Judy Love, illustrator
Judy Love is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design and has illustrated numerous children's books, including First Day Jitters and Last Day Blues by Julie Danneberg. She lives near Charlotte, North Carolina, with her family.
Read more about Judy.
- Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year, 2013
Booklist
A young boy tries to convince librarian Ms. Reeder that bringing his pal, Woolly the mammoth, to the public library would be rewarding for all. For example, Woolly could get a library card (and get handwriting help from a volunteer); return the books to the shelves (he knows his numbers and ABCs); even tow the bookmobile if it's stuck in the snow. Potential issues can be easily addressed—for instance, if Woolly's footsteps are too loud, supersize slippers will do the trick. It seems as though the boy has considered everything, but will it persuade Ms. Reeder? The boy's peppy, if somewhat lengthy narrative—directed toward Ms. Reeder and incorporating a refrained, persistent plea ("Can I? PLEASE?!")—is a fun read with a humorous concluding twist. Colorful, animated illustrations depict expressive, enthusiastic Woolly in both described and imagined scenarios. Library-familiar kids especially will enjoy the amusing premise and portrayals of recognizable experiences and activities, from storytimes to computer use (mammoth excluded, of course). –Shelle Rosenfeld
Midwest Book Review
"Can I Bring Woolly to the Library, Ms. Reeder?" is a humorous mammoth tale about a boy who asks the librarian if he can bring his favorite mammoth friend, Woolly, to the library. Filled with funny images and ideas, as well as wacky colored illustrations, "Can I Bring Woolly to the Library, Ms. Reeder?" is a wonderful foray in to the fantastic and preposterous. Not only does it become evident that Woolly would not really make a good library page, there also are hints that Woolly might have hidden talents that can help him to help Ms. Reeder to enforce some good library practices on some less considerate library patrons, including the stingy Mayor Pinchpenny. Stuffed with hyperbole and inflated with in-jokes for library patrons, the total effect of "Can I Bring Woolly to the Library, Ms. Reeder?" is ridiculous and hilarious. The author has written several similar titles including "Can I Bring My Pterodactyl to School, Ms. Johnson?" and also plans an upcoming title about (perhaps) a saber-toothed tiger? Stay tuned to this innovative, side-splitting series of educational books for children ages 5-8.
Portland Book Review
When a young boy wants to bring Woolly to the library, he has to ask permission from the librarian. Woolly is no ordinary pet—he is a woolly mammoth! In this story, a boy presents reasons why his giant friend should be allowed inside the Washington Public Library. While getting a library card, Woolly can practice his writing skills. After picking out a "mammoth-sized" pile of books to read, he might need to be reminded of the rules—no bellowing or thumping in the library! Woolly can reach the top of the stacks to reshelf books. Instead of reading to Cuddly Teddy in the reading corner, kids can read to Cuddly Woolly! Author Lois Grambling has written more than 20 children's books, including Can I Bring My Pterodactyl to School, Ms. Johnson?. Judy Love's illustrations are phenomenal, and the level of detail is incredible. Parents and teachers can use the book's format to encourage kids to come up with their own reasons why their pet should be able to do something fun. Furthermore, thinking about a huge mammoth in the library will inspire beginning readers to visit their local branch. –Kathryn Franklin
School Library Journal
In the tradition of Grambling's earlier books, the young narrator of this persuasive text finds logic in every possible reason to achieve his objective. If only every library had a woolly mammoth. He would learn how to write and apply for a library card, learn not to thump or bellow (it's against the rules), shelve books on the topmost shelf, help check out books, and perhaps provide a soft spot to read for the youngest visitors. At the storybook costume party, he would also make a great "Little Red Woolly Hood," complete with enormous red cape and a basket with checkered napkin. A succession of illustrations captures an old-fashioned small-town library, the enormity of a sensitive cartoon mammoth, and the humor of the ridiculous in each watercolor painting. Text in bold emphasizes the narrator's insistent voice to the final page, as readers are invited to imagine the possibilities of yet another unusual addition to the library staff. For lovers of woolly mammoths and impossibly fantastic "whoppers," and readers in all libraries, this is a welcome purchase.
Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-58089-282-7
Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-58089-281-0
E-book PDF
ISBN: 978-1-60734-022-5
Ages: 5-8
Page count: 32
8 1⁄2 x 11