I am always on the lookout for picture book biographies – especially one about librarians, authors, and illustrators. What can I say? I love books so much that I love books about books!

Winner of the International Reading Association Teacher’s Choice Award, among others, Tomas and the Library Lady tells the true story of a migrant worker named Tomas and the librarian who encouraged him to read. 

Tomas’s journey begins when his migrant family arrives in a town in Iowa where he discovers a local library and a library lady who checks out books in her own name so he can immerse himself in the world of stories. Like his grandfather, he is a natural-born story-lover and storyteller. His delight in these books is infectious, as he shares them with his family, recounting the tales in Spanish, until his grandfather encourages him to read aloud in English. 

The narrative flows seamlessly, depicting Tomas’s summer visits to the library, where he eagerly trades books for new adventures and learns English with the librarian’s help, while also teaching her a few words in Spanish. 

Tomas grew up to become a writer, college professor, and university leader. When he died in 1984, he was the chancellor of the University of California at Riverside. “The campus library now bears the name of the boy who was encouraged to read by a librarian in Iowa.”

Raul Colon’s illustrations add depth and warmth to the story, beautifully complementing Mora’s lyrical prose. 

Overall, Tomas and the Library Lady is a celebration of books, culture, and the pivotal role of libraries and librarians in shaping lives. It’s a must-read for anyone who cherishes the written word and understands the power of storytelling to change lives.

If you like books about books, check out our list.