Spencer, a little boy who loves his picture books, is undone when his favorite, Night-Night, Narwhal, goes missing. One by one, the other books start disappearing from his bedroom shelves. Accusing his little sister brings tears (from her) and punishment (for him), but still the books are gone. Then one night, he sets a trap for the thief and makes an amazing discovery. A practical lad, Spencer sets up a system that allows him to keep track of his books while sharing his enjoyment with others. Written with pleasing simplicity, the story is a real charmer. Children may also pick up on narrative elements in the illustrations that aren't mentioned in the text. For example, each time a book goes missing, something (a tulip, a bolt) appears on the shelf in its place. Bold, black lines define the expressively drawn characters within the colorful double-page scenes. Ohi's first venture into writing as well as illustrating (she did the art for Michael Ian Black's I'm Bored, 2012) will resonate with kids who love their books d their libraries.

PreS-Gr 1 Spencer loves his books, especially Night-Night, Narwhal , but each morning he finds another one missing with a mysterious flower, nut, or bolt resting on his diminishing bookshelf. His parents are busy and have no idea where the missing books might be. When he accuses his baby sister, she bawls, and only a humiliating tea party will soothe her hurt feelings. The determined youngster hatches a plan to catch the book thief. He ties some string to his beloved plush narwhal and waits till morning. Imagine his surprise when he discovers a group of squirrels behind the hedges with an array of his missing titles. One large blue-spectacled critter is reading his favorite; others are enjoying several more. One little squirrel offers a yellow tulip&30; "Spencer told the squirrels they could borrow his books. But there would be rules. Just like at the library, they had to return the books they borrowed before they could borrow more. But they didn't need to leave anything behind." The final page features big brother reading Night-Night, Narwhal to his baby sister surrounded by seven engrossed squirrels as a bewildered mom and dad peek through the bedroom door. The brightly colored, digital cartoons are expressive and sweetly endearing. Muted posters on the wall proclaim, "Turn it off and READ A BOOK" and "I [heart] MY LIBRARY." VERDICT A perfect introduction to the concept of libraries for the youngest readers. Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools