Lyric McKerrigan, Secret Librarian

I loved the concept of Lyric McKerrigan, Secret Librarian when I heard about it, and I’m pleased to report that the book was as good as I hoped.

Jacob Sager Weinstein wrote and Vera Brosgol (Leave Me Alone!) illustrated this twist on a classic spy adventure. Doctor Glockenspiel threatens to unleash an army of giant moths to eat the world’s books unless he’s given a lot of money. When the world’s best secret agents fail, it’s up to Lyric McKerrigan, Secret Librarian, to end the threat!

My favorite part of the book was the way Brosgol drew Glockenspiel’s henchmen. They’re three large, neck-less, bald men in three-piece suits. The only way they can be told apart is different facial hair and different color ties. They don’t look fearsome, except for someone who’s had to deal with a banker. Although I do feel sympathy later, when Glockenspiel orders them around, and then one, sadly, says, “Bosses can do anything they want.”

I also love the book titles shown — several of which are parodies of well-known books — since Lyric is able to find the perfect read for anyone, and that skill is what allows her to save the day. A lot of story is told through the images, with simple sentences (suiting the age range of 4-7 years). That’s great to see, as the art does a great job conveying what’s going on, and it rewards the reader paying attention.

It all comes together in a happy ending for just about everyone, even those I didn’t expect one for. And it’s fun to read more than once. (The publisher provided a review copy.)