Rafi and her next-door neighbour love stories. Leo even built a little library so that they could share their books. But when Leo moves away, Rafi's street feels empty. Who will she share stories with now? Then she has an idea.
The street library movement is growing around the country, with more and more Lilliput libraries popping up on the streets. Australian author Amy Adeney has captured the movement's momentum across the ditch too, in this sweet picture book. She was inspired by her own experience building a street library for her neighbourhood for the story. Over the weeks following the library's installation, neighbours visited regularly, with some even leaving letters of gratitude.
"I wanted to celebrate these 'tiny vestibules of literary happiness'," Adeney has said. And that's exactly what she's done with Rafi's story.
It's a love story about books and storytelling, community and connection. It's also got a lovely little message about endings and new beginnings.
Illustrator Erin McClean uses bright colours and touches of whimsy to bring Rafi's street to life. She embraces community through her artwork too, with a diverse cast of characters portrayed.
Adeney was a primary school teacher and it shows through her writing. The story has a lovely little rhythm, plenty of interesting words and it makes a perfect read-aloud. Adeney also offers up plenty of opportunity for discussion within the pages. It will be a fantastic resource to any school - with lots of jumping-off points for deeper learning across multiple curriculum areas.
The Little Street Library is a delightful celebration of books and community - something the world can never have too much of.
Affirm Press
Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell