Good Night, Little Bookstore

K-Gr 3–Book lovers of all ages and nationalities are highlighted in this tribute to reading, books, bookstore clerks, and our favorite local literature retailers. Written in an alternating rhyme pattern, the text has a songlike quality for readers to chant aloud while simultaneously surveying the activities shown in the vibrantly illustrated spreads. Readers are plunked down in a variety of locations across the world, invited to imagine the stories of the customers and their reading habits, and “find themselves on the shelves” of their local bookshop. Humans and furry friends alike find literal and figurative comfort on the shelves as the bookstore cat snoozes and a dog receives a treat while humans arrive to find theirs. The multitude of book genres and subjects that can be found inside are underscored as well as evidence of shelf-browsing through forgotten items (hat, glasses, coffee cup, etc.). The work of bookstore clerks (unpacking new materials, cleaning the store, reshelving, greeting customers, and more) is lovingly spotlighted for their role in delivering “bookjoy” to all who enter.