Roar for Reading

Using “roar” as both anthem and acronym (“Recognize. Organize. Act. Respect.”), Ferry gives librarianship a creaturely prehistory in this picture book with an anti-censorship message. Starting with a “long and curious” history of lions and libraries, an opening myth recounts a time when books were rare and in need of protection from those who could roar. So “lions became the guardians of libraries everywhere. They soon became known as librarians.” Fast-forward to contemporary scenes of a bustling library filled with gleeful animal patrons—until the head librarian receives instructions to remove books from the shelves (“controversial,” the mayor says when confronted; “banning,” the lioness counters). Cub Julius watches the sequence unfold with a “funny feeling” before letting loose an outraged roar that spurs community action. Drawn in thin black lines, Joyner’s digital artwork saves its detailing for character expressions, which range from anger to joy as their movement finds its voice. Includes an author’s note and “How Can You Roar?” Ages 4–8. (Sept.)