This is Kelsey Patterson with the Sioux City Public Library and you’re listening to Check It Out.
Today, I’m recommending The Night Librarian by Christopher Lincoln, a delightful kickoff to a new youth graphic novel adventure series.
Twins Page and Turner know about the magic a library holds—they've been going to their beloved New York City Public Library for years, especially since their parents are always traveling for work. But a secret mission involving their dad’s rare and valuable edition of Bram Stoker’s Dracula uncovers a world they’ve never known, featuring a mysterious Night Librarian, famous heroes (and villains) that have broken free from classic books, and an epic battle to save the library from total destruction. Think Night at the Museum meets Chris Colfer’s The Land of Stories series.
In his graphic novel debut, former animator Christopher Lincoln has crafted a classics-inspired love letter to libraries and literature, full of snarky middle grade comments, fantasy hijinks, and playfully interwoven literary references and puns. On an even deeper level he’s created a heartwarming tale of personal growth, mutual appreciation, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
Lincoln’s artwork really shines in this graphic novel. The vintage vibe of his character design and the thin, intricate linework style of his illustrations give it a timeless but magical feel as you navigate the story. The color palette is fairly monochromatic and shifts between warm and cool tones to convey the mood and tension of the tale’s supernatural chaos in addition to differentiating between night and day.
Easily read in one sitting, this wordplay-filled graphic novel is obviously meant for a youth audience. It completely snagged my attention and gave me all sorts of heartwarming and nostalgic feelings as I thought back on my own wonderful library experiences as a kid.
Check out The Night Librarian at the Sioux City Public Library.
Support for Check It Out on Siouxland Public Media comes from Avery Brothers.
