That Book Woman by Heather Henson

Part story of Appalachia, part story of the original Pack Horse Librarians, all story about finding a love of reading, That Book Woman is a feel good story in the best possible sense.

That Book Woman by Heather Henson, illustrated by David Small. Atheneum, 2008. 40 pages.

• Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8
• Recommended For: Ages 4-8

Cal is the oldest son of an Appalachian family who live way out. And he’s a credit to his Pa, helping with all the chores. He doesn’t need to learn to read. What good would it do? His sister Lark is a classic bookworm, and Cal scorns her for it.

One day, Cal notices a rider coming up, and the rider is a woman! All by herself! Her saddlebags are full of … books! What in the world? Cal can’t believe she went to all that effort to bring them some dumb, ol’ books!

Despite his reticence, though, Cal begins to wonder why this woman travels in all sorts of weather just to bring them more stories. What is it about books? Cal eventually succumbs to the lure of the stories.

Part story of Appalachia, part story of the original Pack Horse Librarians, all story about finding a love of reading, this book is a feel good story in the best possible sense. David Small’s artwork and Heather Henson’s text work seamlessly together; this one begs to be read aloud.

Bottom Line: Look for That Book Woman at your local library for a well-illustrated, well-told story of brave women who risked a lot just to put books in the hands of young readers.

Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader

• Resource: We interviewed a 21st Century Packhorse Librarian who was partly inspired by this book!
• Book Review: Library’s Most Wanted by Carolyn Leiloglou is a fun picture book about a different type of reader.
• Resource: Gladys Hunt on a Child’s Personal Library

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