I have to admit to a bias before I give my review of this book. I absolutely love books. I read books. I collect books. I decorate with books. I blog about books. I review books. I tweet about books. I talk animatedly about books. And….I’m a librarian. So, naturally, I related to the message of this book which was to enjoy your books but not to the point of missing out on life. Also, if you take care of your books, they will, in turn, take care of you and bring you great joy. In fact, sharing books is more fun than collecting books. I’d rather lend my books than have them gather dust. Mr. Morris Lessmore is a wonderful character to whom I, and any other avid reader, can relate. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. When Mr. Lessmore flies away with his books, I am inspired. If I were still a Children’s Librarian, I would have read this book in storytime. A lot. Would I have liked it as much if it was, say, The Fantastic Flying Spoons of Mr. Morris Lessmore? Nope. I hate cooking. But I love reading, and I love books that inspire reading. Especially, in such a beautiful and imaginative way.

Here is the Oscar nominated animated short upon which this book is based.