The Librarian from the Black Lagoon

   The Librarian From the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler

Illustrator: Jared Lee

Publisher: Cartwheel Books

Date of Publication: August 2008

ISBN #: 9780545065238

Pages: 32

Theme: School, Growing Up, Overcoming Fears

Format: Print, Paperback Series, Fiction

Age: Preschool to Grade Three

In this fun and wacky series created by Mike Thaler, we are now introduced to the school librarian. From the perspective a young boy who only knows the rumors of how mean, ugly and strict she is, no know wants to go to the library. They say she’ll laminate you if you talk in the library and if you take books off the shelf and books are found out of order, you’ll be electrified!! Follow the crazy imagination of a little boy and see for yourself, if she’s really a monster!

This series follows the life of a young boy and his adventures at school and how his wild imagination makes his teachers and school staff out to be monsters. Each book in the series takes place all over the campus of an elementary school and we learn about each of the teachers. In this hilarious story about the librarian, the author plays off of common stereotypes about librarians. For instance, if you even whisper you will be laminated, if you take a book off the shelf and they are out of order you will be electrified. These rumors describe how grotesque and scary the librarian is, the main character’s imagination creates a terrifying creature as the librarian.

While this series is focuses on being fearful of the school staff, “growing up often entails simple acts of courage, no less intimidating because they’re small like conquering the mysteries of using the library…” (New York Book Review) This writer in the New York Times was reviewing a few children’s based stories that focus on the fears of school and what children learn outside the classroom. His description of overcoming fears is an excellent point that the author of this series is getting at. The main character is panicked about going into the library because of all the scary and intimidating rumors he keeps hearing around school about the librarian. In the end, his class finally enters the library and is greeted by a nice and friendly librarian. This is great story to use in a story time that focuses on school and silly stories. 

Personal Response: I only grew up with The Teacher from the Black Lagoon but it was a particular favorite of mine. The story was hilarious and as I got older I realized the author picks on society stereotypes of the school staff and is full of great illustrations. After picking up the rest of the series at the library, I quickly grew to really enjoy the Black Lagoon series.

(images via google)