The Lost Library

by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Lost Library is a wonderfully engaging young reader adventure by Rebecca Stead & Wendy Mass. Released 29th Aug 2023 by Macmillan on their Feiwel & Friends imprint, it's 224 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, mass market paperback, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. 

Libraries are so vital. Learning to read and finding refuge in the library seems to be a common denominator for virtually *all* lifelong readers. This is a warm and sweetly nostalgic story about books, living authentically, libraries, and growing up. It's told in alternating PoV between Mortimer, (a polydactyl genius cat), Al (a ghost), and Evan (a kid moving up to middle school from primary school and who isn't entirely ok with the situation yet). 

Chapters are clearly marked in the headings, so there's no confusion about who's talking. There's a great deal of whimsy and gentle humor and the prose is so appealing and simply written that it'll be enjoyable by all ages. This would be a good one for a classroom circle (Lexile 640L) or bedtime read. 

The audiobook has a run time of 4 hours and 15 minutes and is capably narrated by an ensemble cast. They do a good job of delineating their respective characters and the sound and production quality are high throughout the read. 

Four stars for both the print story and the audiobook. 
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.