Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library

As soon as Thomas Jefferson learned to read, he found his passion: 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. Barb Rosenstock’s rhythmic words and John O’Brien’s whimsical illustrations capture Jefferson’s passion for the written word as well as little-known details about book collecting. Author and artist worked closely with experts to create the first picture book on Jefferson’s love of reading, writing, and books. An author’s note, bibliography, and source notes for quotations are also included.

Author Biography

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.