by Moe Zilla

Created on: February 26, 2010

I love children's books about libraries - and this one is about the sister of the famous cartoon character, Arthur. (According to Wikipedia, Arthur ranked #26 on TV Guide's list of the 50 all-time greatest cartoon characters.) In this book, D.W. is excited because she's finally receiving her own library card. It's a simple story about one of the simple pleasures of childhood.  And there's lots of funny childhood problems along the way.

"When I have my own library card, I'll check out whatever I want," D.W. says on the book's first page. Arthur makes a cameo appearance - refusing to check out "baby books" for his sister, because he's afraid it will go on his record. The librarian says she'll issue a card to D.W. - just as soon as she can write her full name. And D.W. points out why that's a dilemma. " I hardly ever SAY my full name! How can I WRITE it?"

Two boys in the neighborhood tease D.W. because they can already write their full name. So D.W. practices writing it at home - while Arthur teases her some more. There's a funny plot twist - the first time D.W. writes her name it's in the mashed potatoes she's eating for dinner. But then the book D.W. wanted to read had been checked out by somebody else!

Readers can laugh at the gentle problems that D.W. faces - while learning exactly how the library works. When the book's returned, D.W. realizes that its cover is wrinkly, and the librarian explains that the libraries sometimes lend out old books. D.W. worries that she'll lose her card if she damages the book even further. In one drawing D.W. carries the book with oven mitts, so she won't damage it when she returns it.

At the end of the book, Marc Brown adds a plot twist which I thought was genuinely heartwarming. Arthur reassures D.W. that the book won't explode, and then opens up the book himself. And then he realizes it's a book he read himself. (And assures D.W. that it's not a baby book.) "It's a great book for little kids," he says. And then he begins to read.

Marc Brown dedicates the book to "a very special librarian," and his story conveys all the right messages. Arthur and D.W. sit together in a big comfy chair, and have big smiles on their faces as they finally read the book. Then D.W. is sad - because she has to return to the book to the library. And that's when Arthur explains to her that library books can also be renewed…

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