That Book Woman by Heather Henson, pictures by David Small.

In poetic lines, Henson paints a picture of Cal’s life as a farm boy in the Appalachian Mountains.  He helps with the plowing and caring for the livestock, while his younger sister sits always reading.  Cal doesn’t like to read, because he hates to sit still that long and he really resents it when his sister tries to teach him things.  Cal is the first to hear the approaching horse when the Book Lady comes to their farm.  She has a bag filled with books, and Cal’s father tries to barter for a few, but the Book Lady leaves the books for free!  And will return in a few weeks with more!  Of course, Cal really doesn’t care, until that is the Book Lady comes to their house in the middle of a winter storm solely to deliver books.  Cal realizes that there is something more than the physical books driving her, and he intends to find out what it is.

Henson’s long slim stanzas on each page, echo the lanky figure of Cal.  They also evoke a certain solitude and strength in their structure.  And like Cal, there is much more than meets the eye.  In those slim stanzas, readers will find evocative images and real depth of thought.  It is all done without losing young readers, instead drawing them further into the story.  This book is masterfully written. 

Small’s pictures also evoke the lonely quality of life in the mountains.  At the same time, they are often centered upon family as Cal’s life is.  Lamps and fires glow warmly, and though the rooms are spare they are filled with people and light.  This is not a cold existence, but a loving solitary one.  Small has captured the feel of solitude without loneliness entering his images. 

Highly recommended, this book will expose children to the importance early libraries and librarians put in books.  It could be used by modern librarians to start a conversation about the importance of books even though there is no need today for horses.  I can see it being used by our Book Mobile Ladies too, an added connection to the history of mobile library service.  Really though, it is wonderful enough that it can be read and shared with all sorts of children in all kinds of libraries, classrooms and families.  Appropriate for ages 5-9.