The New LiBEARian

Narrated by Alison Larkin, this iconographic-animated adaptation of author Alison Donald and illustrator Alex Willmore’s 2018 picture book adaptation finds a group of children waiting in the kids’ corner for regular librarian Miss Merryweather to show up for story time. But when she is late they embark on a search, following mysterious pawprints in the library while also exercising their imaginations. A desk with shredded books leads to a new librarian, who only wants to "read" them a book about bears—with realistic roaring, growling, and stomping that the kids enjoy. When the real Miss Merryweather shows up—her being late attributed to a volcano erupting in the ancient history section—the story ends with a somewhat flat twist. But given the library theme, this tale—which also includes a read-along option—should be considered a strong optional purchase. Aud: K, P. (J. Williams-Wood)