This week is CILIP’s Libraries Change Lives week, celebrating the impact that libraries have around the country. Talk to any adult who reads for pleasure (or writes for pleasure!) and you’ll find a library-lover. But the changes libraries make aren’t obvious – they just quietly changes the trajectory of a child’s life, no matter if they are rich or poor. So this week, take yourself or your child to the library, because if we don’t appreciate them then they won’t be around for future generations.
As our own library celebration, we thought we’d talk to author Holly Ryan about her fantastic book Llama Library.
This is not a library for book-borrowers – in this library you borrow a llama! They have llamas experts in any subject you can imagine: cookery, history, art, music, science even romance! All you need to do is go to the section and choose your llama, give the librarian your card to stamp and you can take it home. And that’s where things might get a little… messy! But don’t worry – just return your llama to the library and borrow another.
Packed with hilarious illustrations filled with comical details accompany a fun, bouncy, rhyming text, making this book is a real treat to read aloud. So which llama would YOU borrow? Read an extract HERE and make your choice wisely.
Check out this quick-fire interview with Holly Ryan to find out what inspires her:
Which book did you most enjoy as a child?
The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr.
Best book shop?
We don’t actually have an independent bookshop in Plymouth sadly, but I do love going into our local Waterstones.
Which Llama would you borrow from the Llama Library?
Definitely Betty who makes amazing spaghetti!
Are you a Marmite lover or hater?
Lover!
One top tip for writer’s block…
A walk around your local green space
Best desk snack?
I don’t use a desk, but when I’m snuggled up on the sofa doing my writing, I love a pickled egg.
What do you listen to while you are writing?
Mostly my kids fighting.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Zookeeper
Grab a copy of Llama Library at your local book shop or library or hop over to our website and order your very own copy there.
If you are looking for fun activities relating to this book and the joy of llamas and libraries then look no further, you can find some lovely free activities over on our website.
Don’t forget to follow Rocket Bird Books on Instagram and TikTok, see you there!