"The Man Who Loved Libraries" - a bookwrap

Unwrapping some quotes from Andrew Carnegie...

"The man who has the ability to take full possession of his own mind may take possession of anything else too."

— Andrew Carnegie

"People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents." — Andrew Carnegie

"There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration."

— Andrew Carnegie

"Only in popular education can man erect the structure of an enduring civilization." — Andrew Carnegie

Unwrapping...

"The Man Who Loved Libraries"

Authored by Andrew Larsen
Illustrated by Katty Maurey
Ages 6-9


Unwrapping some illustrations for you...

About the book...

I love biographies and this one will not disappoint.  Andrew Carnegie is even now known throughout the world for his spectacular libraries which enable people to borrow books for free thus promoting the love of reading and learning in their lives.  

In 1848 Andrew and his family immigrate to America.  His dad, a weaver by trade in their hometown in Scotland, is becoming obsolete so he moves his growing family across the ocean to start a brand new life.  

They arrive in the USA at the peek of the Industrial Revolution and are able to carve out a wonderful life for themselves.  Young Andrew works very hard mastering tasks set before him in factories and telegraphy.  He continues to learn and better himself, investing in railroads and the steel industry and becomes a very wealthy man. 

His fortune enables him to bless others as he had been blessed. He "used his own money to build public libraries so others could have the same opportunity."  These libraries are constructed all around the world and are still functioning today.  In fact he builds over 25,000 of them.  He sets up the Carnegie Corporation which promotes peace and education worldwide and even helps to put Sesame Street on television.  

Even though he died a long time ago, Andrew Carnegie's money is still helping people today.  His story is one of giving, sharing and being grateful for the opportunities that have been given to you.   It is inspirational and shows us that helping others is very important and that everyone can make a difference when they decide to give back out of their abundance.

The illustrations perfectly reflect the time-period and the language of the text is simple and easy to understand.  I especially like how the author includes actual information at the end of the book and doesn't shy away from Carnegie's authoritative (and crushing) stand he takes against his workers when they try to unionize. Definitely a book to consider. History is always a wonderful thing to share with your kids. 

Storywraps rating -  5 HUGS!!!!!

About the author...

ANDREW LARSEN is a father, homemaker and author. His books include A Squiggly Story, In the Tree House, which won the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, and See You Next Year, which received wide critical acclaim. Andrew lives in Toronto, Ontario. His local library just happens to be a Carnegie Library. 

About the illustrator...

KATTY MAUREY is a designer and illustrator. She was born in Paris, lived in Hong Kong, and now makes her home in Montral. She has a degree in graphic design from the Universit de Qubec  Montral, and is the illustrator of several other children's books, including Francis the Little Fox and The Specific Ocean.

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It's a wrap.