Palace of Books

This moving picture book memoir captures the transformative power of libraries and the mentors who inhabit them, chronicling how a lonely new student discovers both magnificent bird illustrations and a sense of belonging. Patricia Polacco’s signature storytelling brings to life the magic of a public library as a sanctuary, where a kind librarian named Mrs. Creavy unlocks a new world through the books of John James Audubon, turning isolation into inspiration.

What makes this story resonate is its authentic portrayal of how a single adult's encouragement can change a child's trajectory, fostering a passion that leads to forming the first Audubon Bird Club at school. Young readers navigating their own feelings of being the "new kid" will connect deeply with this testament to finding your flock and the life-changing power of a shared interest, beautifully illustrating that the right book at the right time can truly help someone take flight.