The Loud Librarian

In possession of vocal cords so loud they are registered by the International Space Station, would-be student-librarian Penelope struggles to reconcile her volume with the need for a “library voice” in Beatrice’s over-the-top story. When Penelope, portrayed with brown skin and green spectacles, is finally selected as library helper, the child feels that she’s “perfect” for the role. Displaying collage and mixed-media techniques, illustrations show her alphabetizing the kitchen cupboard and applying stickers to her books in preparation. But from the get-go, Penelope’s voice—communicated in page-filling speech balloons—proves destructively loud: books fly off the shelves, the reference desk cracks in half, and child library patrons of varying abilities and skin tones cover their ears. Jones’s scenes lean fully into the chaos while showcasing Penelope’s cheerful resilience, and a clever conclusion emphasizes the idea that there’s a place for everyone at the library. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)