Library Mule of Cordoba

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.

so i'm not huge into historical fiction, but omg this was so gorgeous an dthe writing was really cool! it was very fahrenheit 451 in the best way it was a really fun twist on the story

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.

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.

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!