Tomas and the Library Lady by Pat Mora, Ill. by Raul Colon

Tomas and the Library Lady by Pat Mora

*Review created for Texas Woman’s University graduate level class.*

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Mora, Pat. 1997. TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY. Ill by Raul Colon. New York, New York. Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0-679-90401-8

SUMMARY

Tomas is a young migrant workers’ son, and after hearing his Papa Grande tell a story he decides to visit the local library.  Tomas is initially awed and nervous about entering the huge library with more books than he had ever seen.  A librarian sees Tomas and invites him inside for a glass of water and brings some books about dinosaurs and tigers to him.  Tomas is hooked!  Tomas shares his love of reading with the rest of his family, and even teaches the librarian some Spanish. But eventually, Tomas and his family must go back to Texas, and leave the library behind.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Pat Mora does a delightful job of mixing Spanish and English into one picture book.  The book is set in a basic modern time period, and details the first library experience of a young migrant workers son.  Tomas is a bright and intelligent young boy who appreciates an experience many of us have taken for granted.  Her words create a vivid landscape for readers.  A true joy to read!

Raul Colon creates a masterful blending of colors and textures with his illustrations.  They help depict the story, as well as progresses the story beyond the realm of imagination.  The browns and tan colors he uses help give the reader an impression of a hot, dry, and thirsty summer!  Truly beautiful.

REVIEWS

“A gentle text and innovative artwork depict a pivotal summer in a boy”… Publishers Weekly

“This powerful story is based on the boyhood of Tomas Rivera”…Smithsonian

CONNECTIONS

Read other stories by Pat Mora and examine her use of English and Spanish in the novel.

Have the children describe their first library experiences.

Read other novels which feature librarians such as The Library Dragon by Carmen Agra Deedy and Illustrated by Michael P. , or The Library Lion written by Michelle Knudsen and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes.

Works Cited

Pat Mora. "Highlighted Reviews." Accessed June 12, 2012. http://www.patmora.com/book_pages/tomas.htm.