Lost in the Library (A Story of Patience & Fortitude #1)

Patience and Fortitude, the iconic lion statues that reside in front of the New York Public Library, star in this rhyming hide-and-seek adventure. When Fortitude awakens around dawn one morning and discovers that his story-loving counterpart isn't on his plinth, he ventures for the first time into "the Library's grand labyrinth." His search takes him to many of the NYPL's most celebrated features--Astor Hall, the Rose Main Reading Room, and the children's center--with help from an assortment of library denizens. (A page at the end of the book offers further information about many of these sights.) The hunt becomes urgent as sunrise approaches, but the two lions eventually make it back to their usual posts, leaving Fortitude to reflect on the library's surprises. With a natural, if almost too consistent read-aloud rhythm and accurate, earth-toned illustrations by Lewis (Prince & Knight), this work by Funk (Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast) is an ode to books, friendship, and a New York institution. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Kathleen Rushall, Andrea Brown Literary Agency. (Aug.)