Interesting take on historical censorship/book burning. The characters were distinct and likeable, and the art was very well done. Sometimes the text was tricky to decipher due to the font. CW: female nudity (seemed really at odds with the vibe of the book, one or two pages only)

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance digital copy.

The Library Mule of Cordoba will appeal to fans of historical fiction, animal fables, and anyone who loves stories about the enduring impact of books. Lupano’s storytelling celebrates literacy and learning, a gentle reminder of the importance of preserving and sharing knowledge across generations. This enchanting novel is both an adventure and a tribute to the timeless magic of libraries.

This was a fun and beautiful way to learn a part of history I was not familiar with. The illustration style worked really well with this story. I thought the ending was clever and holds a lot of truth. The mule was funny, and the theme of the love of books and knowledge drew me in.

I was excited to read this book at the start but as I kept reading it was clear that there were extreme racial stereotypes in the character designs. This made it hard to read the book or enjoy the artwork.

The type face in the book is also extremely difficult to read and not very accessible, especially for dyslexic readers.

This is based in the past, a young soltein is not being told whats happening in his kingdom because one of his advisors is taking advantage of the fact that the king is so young. So under the kings name he commands his men to distory a bunch of books in the library but the librarian cant stand by and allow this to happen so he steals as many books as he can and travels across the lands to save what little books he could carry out with the help of two people who dont have a lot to lose.

The Library Mule of Cordoba is a fascinating story about the protection and dedication to the books of a library targeted by book burning in 976. I really enjoyed this one and learned a lot of history as I read! Book banning/burning is still, unfortunately, an issue and this was a fantastic story about how a few books survived in the past.

Thanks to NetGalley, Wilfrid Lupano, and Publisher Spotlight for the chance to read and review. My opinions are my own!

The art had me hesitant at first, as it isn't the style I associate with imprints like First Second. However, the storyline, with both its humor and serious content about book burning and censorship carries the story. I would recommend this book for school and public libraries alike.

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher Spotlight for this arc.

I thought I'd be getting a novel rather than a graphic novel and that is on me. I also thought - and I should know better by now - that it would be more lighthearted than serious based on the cartoon cover. Repeat after me - I should know better. Instead it is a graphic novel about something that (based on the information after the story) might or might not have actually occurred.

The rough and ready illustrations don't enchant me but they do work to quickly move the narrative along. There are a few sections that I had trouble figuring out what was going on along with some jump-cut flashbacks. The problem is that I don't care for any of the characters. None of them. And two of the MCs are ones who love books. Sure it makes them more believable perhaps as none of us are perfect but the way these three snip and snipe at each other gets tiresome. And for a group on the run from probable death, they sure to cause a lot of their own delays.

The book namesake, the mule, is also threatened left, right, and center as well as being overburdened for most of the story. The three main characters do work to save the mule in the end but I still don't like them.

I learned more about the era, places, and people from the afterward information than I did from the book.

A stunning story of love of the books, the ideals of keeping books safe, and the friends you'll make along the way. Historical and well paced, interesting and humorous.

This was a really fun and informative read. I learned so much about Muslim influence on Spain and the world at large. The art was vibrant and the characters were well fleshed out.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an eARC for me to review!

I REALLY enjoyed this book. It's about books!!! And a mule who just wants to eat one specific extra tasty book!!! The art is well done, and the limited color palette really lends itself to this style. Lots of interesting history included (definitely read the last few pages of notes!!). Would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys books about books (and mules)!!!

Set in Spain during the year 976, a corrupt ruler plans to burn an ancient library to further his own political and religious motives. Fortunately, a librarian and his two accomplices pile up as many books as they can the night before the big fire and steal off into the night. Unfortunately, their transportation is the worst mule in history - can our earnest crew save the world’s knowledge before succumbing to the threats of their time?

I thought this book was a fantastic read! The colourful graphics are vivid and both compliment and add interesting additions to the text, and while the themes are heavy (censorship, book banning, and intellectual freedom), both the text and graphics add lightness and humour. I agree a 13+ age range would be appropriate, as the story can be understood on many levels.

It is an interesting and timeless story with real origins (a brief textual history of the time is included at the end) - and the message is just as important today as it would’ve been during the period when this was set. I think this would be very appropriate for discussions within the classroom at a junior/senior high school level, as the visual appeal, humour, and pacing will keep readers entertained, in addition to the potential for broader discussions about the themes.

“Although libraries are regularly attacked, they do not disappear, they only change owners.” (p. 263)

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher Spotlight/Ablaze for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I had never heard of this story, and this was such a fun way to learn about it. The illustrations and humor reminded me a bit of Asterix. I can't wait til this comes in our JLG books.

Thank you Publisher Spotlight, Ablaze, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this book. This beautifully illustrated (or should I rather say illuminated) book describes the daring rescue of the small portion of the grand library of Córdoba from the power hungry caliphate. Written as a fast-paced adventure with an unlikely set of characters, this was a truly enjoyable read of historical fiction.