Book Review: Luna Loves Library Day (A Luna le encanta la biblioteca) by Joseph Coelho and Fiona Lumbers

Luna Loves Library Day (Spanish – A Luna le encanta la biblioteca) celebrates libraries as spaces for imagination, discovery, and connection. We follow Luna as she spends a day at the library with her dad. They explore giant books about dinosaurs, mummies, and other mysteries. They learn about the place Luna’s dad grew up. They cuddle up to read together. And they fill Luna’s backpack with exciting stories to take home and dive into all over again.

One of the fun things you’ll discover in this book is a story within a story. Inserted in the book is a fantastical picture book that Luna and her dad read together during their library day. The six-page insert – a fairy tale about a troll king and mermaid queen – might seem at first glance like just a fun way to make a book about libraries extra special, but the story actually parallels the relationships in Luna’s family. What a lovely way to highlight the importance of sharing books that reflect children’s lived experiences.

Here’s a snapshot of some things I love about this title:

1. Library joy!

Libraries are important spaces for kids and entire communities. Beyond the books, materials, and many services they provide, libraries can feel like a home away from home for kids of all backgrounds. For Luna, the library becomes a place she can explore imaginary worlds and also start to make sense of her own.

2. Depicts a family structure that some kids will see themselves in

Though the book doesn’t say it outright, it appears that Luna’s mom and dad are separated, and Luna’s love for the library is tied to the quality time she gets to spend with her dad.

3. Warm illustrations that capture the joy and magic Luna feels during library days with her dad

I love the little details like the bulletin board at the library filled with posters for community events and news.


Title: Luna loves library day (Amazon US/Amazon CA/Amazon UK)
Spanish title: A Luna le encanta la biblioteca (Amazon ES)
Author: Joseph Coelho 
Illustrator: Fiona Lumbers