Penelope Popper book doctor by Toni Buzzeo illustrations by Jana Christy

Penelope Popper book doctor is essential reading for all new school library users.  Penelope wants to be a doctor when she grows up but when she keeps trying to practice on everyone she meets her teacher wisely suggests visit to the school library.

The wonderful Teacher-Librarian Ms Brisco introduces Penelope to the idea of a book doctor.  There are plenty of books in the library in need of tender care and attention.  Torn pages, dog-eared corners, dirty covers and pages that have been squished as the book is crammed on to a shelf.  Penelope learns all the special skills needed to heal the books and the reader will hear the important library messages about book care.

There are a set of teaching notes available for this book.  I especially like the song that is included with these lesson ideas.  I was not surprised to read that the author was once a Teacher-Librarian herself.

This is not a serious book or perhaps even a memorable one but it is great fun and I am looking forward to sharing it with the children in my library over the coming weeks.