THE LIBRARY BUS by Bahram Rahman, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard

 When I was young, the library was far away and my mom worked and didn't have time to drive me. But the bookmobile came to our neighborhood and I checked out as many books as I could carry! 

The books I read were knowledge, but also good friends. So this book recommendation speaks to my heart:

Title: The Library Bus 

Author: Bahram Rahman

Illustrator: Gabrielle Grimard

Publisher: Pajama Press (2020)

Themes: Books, Girls, Refugees

What I liked about the book:

I have a personal connection to bookmobiles and the author's own connection deepened my appreciation for the book. The author grew up in Afghanistan--where the story is set--and wrote the story to tell children about the struggles of girls, like his sister, who were forbidden to go to school. While things improved in this region for a short period of time, now the restrictions have returned and the book is more relevant than ever.  Warm illustrations depict the happiness, and leave the struggle for later discussion. The Library Bus is a love letter to literacy for all.

A Teaching Guide for The Library Bus can be downloaded from the publisher's website.

If your area has a bookmobile--go see it! How does the selection compare to the library's?

Meet the author:

Author's interview about equality, literacy and collective memory.

Youtube video after author won 2021 Middle East Book award

The author has a new book released Nov 2021 : SKY BLUE BENCH which I haven't read yet.

This review is part of Perfect Picture Book Friday where author Susanna Leonard Hill curates a selection of recommended books for kids for parents, teachers, writers, librarians and gift-givers.