Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library

Young readers of all ages will love this story about President Thomas Jefferson, who found his passion as soon as he learned to read: books, books, and more books!

Before, during, and after the American Revolution, Jefferson collected thousands of books on hundreds of subjects. In fact, his massive collection eventually helped rebuild the Library of Congress—now the largest library in the world.

Author Barb Rosenstock's rhythmic words and illustrator John O'Brien's whimsical illustrations capture Jefferson's zeal for the written word as well as little-known details about book collecting. An author's note, bibliography, and source notes for quotations are also included.

Barb Rosenstock is the author of several award-winning true stories for children: Fearless: The Story of Racing Legend Louise Smith; The Littlest Mountain, a Sydney Taylor Honor Book; and The Camping Trip that Changed America, a Parents' Choice silver medal book and one of Booklist's Top 10 Books on the Environment for Youth. She lives outside Chicago with her husband and two sons. Visit her on the web at barbrosenstock.com.

John O'Brien has illustrated nearly 100 books for children, including Poof! and Look...Look Again!, which he also wrote. And for more than twenty years, he has contributed cartoons to The New Yorker. When he is not creating books or cartoons, he can be found playing the banjo or concertina or serving as senior lieutenant in the North Wildwood, New Jersey, Beach Patrol. He lives in Delran, New Jersey.