The Librarian, Book 1: Little Boy Lost

Title:  The Librarian, Book 1:  Little Boy Lost

Author:  Eric Hobbs

Publication Information:  Eric Hobbs. 2011. 98 pages.

Book Source:  I received this book through the LibraryThing Member Giveaway program free of cost in exchange for an honest review. The book was delivered through Smashwords.

Favorite Quote:  "You've got a chance to write your own story."

The Librarian, Book 1:  Little Boy Lost is the start of a delightful new series for children. The main character is Wesley, a young man who is a good student, an avid reader, a compelling writer and the target of the school bully. The bully is Randy. Wesley does have one friend, Taylor. The "Librarian" is the caretaker of the Astoria library, which, of course, is the place of legends and magic.

Based on the author's letter at the end of the book, this series will be the basis of The Librarian Book Club online, open to students in grades K-8. Each copy of the book includes an invitation to join the book club, which is being run in conjunction with Sylvan Learning Center and bookadventure.com.

This book takes place on a field trip to the library. It brings to life different classic stories children recognize and love. Stories like Peter Pan and Wizard of Oz. Wesley and Taylor's adventures are part the reality of school and bullies and part reality mixed with the stories. The messages to the readers are positive ones:

• "Writing is magic that hides in plain sight, right under our nose, there for anyone to see."
• "Life's what you make it."
• "Don't ... hold[ing] yourself back because you are afraid."
• "Write your own story."

The focus is on what you can accomplish if you believe in yourself. The book ends on a cliffhanger, ready to unfold in the second book in the series. I can't wait to read more and to share it with my children.