Lottie Paris and the Best Place

K-Gr 2--Lottie Paris is back after her debut in Lottie Paris Lives Here (S & S, 2011). She's still the same lively, imaginative child, this time decked out in large purple boots. Waking up one morning in her canopy bed decorated with stars and planets and spaceships, "she imagines herself floating among them." And, on a full spread, she smiles dreamily. Soon, Papa Pete is walking her to the library. As in the earlier book, adults are present, but just barely. Their legs, or hands, or shoulders are seen, but never their faces. The focus is clearly on Lottie and her soon-to-be-new-friend Carl. She is excited to be in the "best place," but she still knows (mostly) that you can't yell, let your dog inside, or draw in the books. Meanwhile, Carl is waking up, happy to be among the dinosaurs decorating his bed sheets and room. Soon, his big sister, Eva, is driving him to the library, his "best place," as well. Carl also knows (mostly) a few rules about the library: don't blow bubbles, keep your yogurt away from the books, and don't crawl under tables pretending that adults' feet are dinosaur snacks. It's inevitable that Lottie Paris and Carl will meet as they stroll down the aisles that hold their favorite subjects: astronomy and dinosaurs. Together they relax on the big furniture, lost in their books and thoughts. This is a sweet story about friendship, libraries, books, and dreams. Fischer's stylized, yet realistic illustrations are rendered in gouache using different applications. They capture the children's spirit in their charming and sometimes goofy expressions. A fine choice.--Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA