Little Boy Lost) (Volume 1) - The Librarian (Book One

I received a free copy of this book for my honest rating.I have long been an avid C.S. Lewis' The Narnia Chronicles fan. They were read to me as a child and re-read many times as an adult. After reading " The Librarian: Little Boy Lost ", I can say that there is another series of books that will delight children of all ages. I am 62 years old and I enjoyed this book very much, and can't wait to read the next book in this series. I love the way that it encourages the reading of other classics, and really look at the details that were probably overlooked in the first reading. I encourage parents to read these books to your kids. They will long remember the time spent with them and the love of a really good book.

I love fairy tales and the magic that you can just feel,in the,air as you read them. Eric Hobbs did a phenomenal job writing this book. The characters were perfect, especially the imagery he used to describe the setting and characters. I highly recommend this book.

I am so excited that I came across these books (1&2). I am always on the look out for books for my kids to read and this is definitely a series I can see them getting into. I can't wait to read the next books in the series as they come out. Thank you for writing a very intriguing book.

A fun little story that kids, and those who are still kids at heart, will enjoy. My two older children both enjoyed the story and are anxiously awaiting their turns on the iPad so they can start reading the next installment.

Have you ever heard about Locke, one of the Lost Boys in Neverland? Actually, this boy literally got lost in the real world and he had only eighty-eight minutes left to go back to Neverland through the library's portal. Luckily, Wesley and his best friend Taylor saw him in the halls of the library and decided to help him on his journey, but not without consequences. Because the only way to do this was to find the Peter Pan dagger that seemed to have been stolen by a bully named Randy. And this bully happened to be the son of the Douglas Stanford, the man behind the force that wanted to demolish the Library once and for all. Hmm.. sounds complicated?

But wait, there's more? Have you also heard about the Maiden Girl who worked all day and all night, and was maltreated by an old woman in Oz? Well, she was supposed to get married to a certain Woodsman but unfortunately, the man was cursed by a powerful witch, and lost his limbs and been replaced by tins. Sounds familiar now?

The Librarian is a very interesting & exciting book. I loved it from beginning till the end. My heart went out to Wesley, the bullied boy who didn't know how to defend himself from someone sinister like Randy. I loved his bestfriend, though. Taylor was one of the few characters who had a good head on her shoulders and had saved Wesley a million times. This book is very colorful and magical, it reminds me of Inkheart (Cornelia Funke) and the characters that came to life. This first book was full of action and adventures, a highly recommended read for kids and kids-at-heart! Can't wait to read what happens next to The Librarian!

This book was an interesting read for the most part: involving aspects of classical literature was an enjoyable touch. Some of the language and actions from the children were at odds with their age and personalities, but for the most part, this wasn't an issue. I think the series would be an excellent read for younger children, though I do think that reading the classic stories referenced, such as Peter Pan, would be a requirement to completely understand the plot.

I have daughters and read books that are at their reading even some that are below. The first book of The Librarian series is well written with just enough mischievousness and feelings to keep a young reader challenged

I loved this book. I couldn't take my eyes off for any period of time. It definately made it to my list of great books. It had the perfect amount of action and exquisite descrictions. I can't wait to read book two!

My son and I read this book aloud together, taking turns each chapter. When I would say, "That's it for tonight," I always got a "Awwww! Just a few more pages!" It bogged down a bit somewhere just past the middle, but stick with it -- it's a good adventure.

I am a recently retired school teacher who decided to read the first Librarian book, and LOVED IT! Many adults overlook books geared towards younger people, and many of those books are not worthy of an adult reading. The Librarian was and it re-kindled my imagination. When is the next one due to be out? I am anxiously awaiting it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The concept was original and the characters were engaging. It made me want to go back and read the original of the books like "Wizard of Oz". As I read the book I could see the movie version! The next book in the series can't come soon enough.

Although the book was interesting and kept my attention, I was highly disappointed when it ended in a cliff-hanger. This is an unethical way to "sell" your next book.
Had the story had a resolution, I would have given it high marks. At the very least the description should say that this is part one in a multi-volume serial. FYI, book two ends without resolution also.

Story is quite good - makes you look forward to the next one - but there was no need for the bad language (four-letter words). They added nothing to the story and if young adult books are to encourage children to read, what is the point of also encouraging bad language???
Frida's Child

This was a quick and enjoyable read. I highly recommend this for middle grade readers. I would highly recommend it for young readers who like adventure stories in a fantasy setting.

I enjoyed this book, and I'm anxious to get to book 2. Hobbs blends some of our favorite children's stories into this tale but gives them a distinct twist. Our main character Wesley finds himself on a field trip to tour a local library. Also on the trip are his best friend Taylor and worst enemy Randy. Wesley is regularly bullied by Randy and his crew of goons, while Taylor is always sticking up for him and telling him to stand up for himself. Wesley and Taylor break away from the history lesson on the tour and end up learning that the historical library is more than it seems. There are some truly magical things hiding in its walls. Randy's father is also on the trip with the class, but it turns out he wants to demolish the historical library and all its magic. While trying to stay out of Randy and his father's sights, Wesley finds himself drawn to a strange painting of Neverland. He also runs into Locke, who happens to be one of Peter Pan's Lost Boy's from Neverland. Locke is looking for the mysterious Librarian.

Wesley, Locke, and Taylor can't find the Librarian, but they do discover that Locke must get back to his own story. The kids end up in Oz and learn that once a story is written, it must not be changed. Taylor won't be swayed though and she is determined to help the Tin Man find his true love. If you know the rules of time travel, they kind of apply here, you don't mess with the timeline or it will have consequences. Eventually the kids face off with Randy and his dad to get the Neverland key back so Locke can go back. The find the Librarian and face off with the Headless Horseman. Wesley who is almost irritatingly weak throughout the story, finds his inner strength and starts to stand up for himself. He gets tired of being pushed around all the time which is a good lesson for young readers especially if they are in a similar situation with a kid like Randy. Locke heads back to Neverland, but Wes, Taylor, and the Librarian are left in the real world to deal with the mess they've made. The story ends with a bit of a cliffhanger, but not a bad one. I kind of saw it coming.

It's a fun storyline book for a young reader who is beginning chapter books. I bought it for my 3rd grader who needed a book report. I still felt it could have been more in depth, despite how short it was. Wesley's character was not very believable to me- his shift between pathetic and hero wasn't transitional enough. I love the underdog- but had a hard time believing him- finding him annoying most of the time. (Talyor was also undeveloped as her emotions flip flopped, but by far the best character in the book). They needed unique characteristics to tell each apart in the dialogue- it all felt like the same person talking if it didn't point out who was speaking. The relationship of the two kids with the Lost Boy felt unnatural, because there was no real build of their loyalty, devotion and friendship. I was hoping to find some sort of depth to the Librarian's relationship to the kids as well. It lacked more conflict in the plot (but my daughter didn't seem to mind). Just when you think it is going to start building a real plot, the book is over. Then I realized the climax had already happened and it made me feel let down. I'm hoping Book 2 will be better... but for now it is a good book for an 8-10 year old (any older will crave more dimension to their characters).

(Whoever mentioned Harry Potter and Percy Jackson- made my expectations WAY too high- which prompted me to write a review. Those books had strong characters that could entertain almost any age group. The Librarian is very targeted to beginner readers- which makes my daughters book report nice and simple- so I'm happy about that.)

Wesley and Taylor are the likable main characters in this first book of the series. Wes is a bit of a nerd, a little bit shy and awkward, often picked on by the school bully. Taylor is his neighbor and best friend, who always encourages him to stand up for himself. On a school field trip to the library, the pair learn about the mysterious Librarian, and they find out that the "urban legends" are true. Strange things are afoot at the Astoria public library. Tay and Wes have encounters with a Lost Boy from Peter Pan, the Tin Man from Oz, and the Headless Horseman from Sleepy Hollow.

While I enjoyed the main characters, the settings, and the concept, I was left feeling like something was missing. The story could have used more details, better descriptions, just more meat on these bones. I look forward to reading the next one, and I hope that this time I don't feel shortchanged upon reaching the end.

Wesley is the class nerd. He is good at writing and loves books, so when his class takes a field trip to the ancient library in town, he is excited to go. He prepares an essay for the contest to be judged by the ancient curator, which is promptly confiscated by the class bully. While exploring the library with his friend Taylor, the two happen upon a terrified wild boy who seems to be straight out of a children's book. Things only get stranger from there.

I thought this was a fantastic book. Having become an avid book fan at a young age, I could really identify with the Wesley, who loves books and writing. And when the children leave their middle school world behind, the descriptions and imagination of the author really pull you in to the story.

I plan on reading this book with my daughter (who is 6) after I read some of the old classics, such as Peter Pan and Wizard of Oz with her, so she can understand the plot a little better. I would recommend this book for any school aged children who love books, whether or not they have read these classics. I am confident that not only will they love this story, but they will want to read the books Eric Hobbs describes in the story as well.

I received this book free from Library Thing giveaways.

My 6 year old and I just finished this story. We both enjoyed it, but he was totally unfamiliar with the Wizard of Oz, so I had to explain all the references to him. It would be nice if there was a polite warning... "read (or at least watch) WofO first".
The book was exciting and promotes intelligence as a virtue, but the protagonist learns to stand up for himself by punching the bully. Wish the author would have used a more clever way for the hero to get back at his enemy. I don't think we should encourage kids to fight, even if the other kid is a horrible bully.
Those are both minor complaints as my son can't wait to start on the second book. We will wait to start until we watch WofO though.

In The Librarian, young Wesley Bates and his school peers go on a field trip to their town's mystical library, only for him and his close friend Taylor to discover that it is filled with portals to the world's of several childhood (and public domain) classics.

While the story drew much influence from these many fantasy works, it itself is not destined to be s childhood classic of similar caliber.

Often times with weak prose, tinged with inconsistent characters and sprinkled with exposition, the otherwise interesting narrative isn't interesting enough to merit my continuation with this series.

I recommend to interested readers to instead try out the works this volume invokes: Oz, Peter Pan, and the like. A reading of these tales is bound to be more fulfilling.

I, an adult, read this book to see if it was suitable for some young people I had in mind. It was very good, suspenseful, fun and imaginative, and I found that I would indeed like to buy it, together with the sequel. I recommend this book for people from age 9 - 80.

The Librarian (Book One: Little Boy Lost) bring in classic elements that have been used frequently in young adult and children literature: an inclusion of classic works - in this case Peter Pan and The Wizard of Oz, the paired bully and bullied boy, the bullied boy's love interest, and an adventure to lands that are foreign and different. Eric Hobbs does this in a manner that attracts one's attention while he walks a fine line between fun and moralistic. For the most part, fun wins out.

A class trip to the mysterious local library pits the two boys against each other, once the bully wins a contest with a stolen essay. Puzzling pictures provide a gateway to another dimension, that of the classic works. Children get pulled in, and wanting to correct unfair situations in the land they are in, end up changing the story lines of the classics.

In the meantime, the old and strange librarian is up against the bully's father who is planning to tear down the old library, the oldest building in town.

This is a great set up for a series of books. The inclusion of a child who is bullied gives a great springboard for discussion on bullying which is such a problem today. The inclusion of the classic children's books can also help to get children involved in reading more. The story pulls you in, is entertaining, and the descriptions are quite visual.

On the downside, it seems to be written with elements of a screenplay. I do think this would be the start of a great PBS series, but a large number of very short chapters (that seem to scream that the person animating the cartoon need to cut to a new scene) can be distracting.

Overall, a strong book that should catch children's attention.

An interesting premise, similar to that used by James Artemis Owen in his Imaginarium Geographica series.

Well written, with characters I came to like (even the villains). I'll be recommending this series to my friends.

Wesley Bates and his classmates take a field trip to a special library. But, this is no ordinary place! Here stories come to life if you know where and how to look. There is also the opportunity to enter into a classic children's story - but the adventurers must be careful or the plot can take unexpected twists.

In book one of The Librarian series, Wesley and friends explore The Wizard of Oz where they learn some important life lessons along the way. The target audience is later elementary or middle school students, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, too. I can see lots of fodder for book discussion groups! Should appeal to boys, girls and the young at heart.

The Librarian by Eric Hobbs is a very interesting book. An old library that looks sort of like a castle. Pictures so beautifully done it looks as if you could walk right into them. Wesley and his friend Taylor go on an adventure after a boy named Locke shows up while they are on a tour of the library. What a fresh, new take on exploring classic books. Great book for 2nd graders and up to enjoy.

This book is about a class field trip to an unbelieveable library. Wesley, Taylor and even the bully Randy discover that this is alot more than just a library where you read books. This field trip turns out to be a magical adventure of a lifetime. The books come alive! Actually explore The Wizard Of Oz. The Librarian Book Two as well as The Librarian Book One is available at the store.com That's where I bought mine! You are absolutely going to love these books!!!

I enjoyed this story and I think any kid (or old fogie like me!) who loves reading will eat this up. These kids travel through a portal in a library to the land of Oz. They were told not to interact with the characters in the story... but they do. And it changes everything. I found it to be an exciting adventure and I will definitely read the second book plus whatever may follow that. I recommend it to all ages. Good guys to root for, bad guys to defeat, and lots of action. Fun read!

I just finished this book, and already downloaded the next one. At first I thought it would be along the lines of The Land of Stories books, but no! Stories can apparently be rewritten with different outcomes. I am curling up with book 2 tonight, and I hope there will be more.

I have always had a fondness for books that include elements of books and libraries which was the initial trigger of interest for me regarding this book. The story grabbed me from the beginning and I didn't have to wait long for the excitement to begin. The characters were easy to understand and well developed. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I greatly enjoyed this book. It wasn't overly fast-paced, but it definitely was dull or slow!
I liked Wesley`s character in particular. His character was extremely lifelike. He wasn't an outstanding hero. He was just a normal kid. He was insecure with himself and his abilities. He was a very relatable character because he didn't seem like a character, he seemed like a person.
This is definitely a book I highly recommend for anyone around 6th grade and up!

I won The Librarian - Book One on Library Thing and found it to be a a fun book. It's definitely geared to the young adult/juvenile crowd, of course; but still, I found it quite enjoyable and look forward to the next installment. It would make a great movie too.

The Librarian has great detail. I strongly suggest it if you are one of those people that enjoy fantasy or maybe science fiction. You feel like you're really in the book, watching. I think The Librarian is a book that's good for all ages.

What a super book! Good pacing to keep a child well interested throughout. As a parent and librarian, I now find the need to re-read Wizard of Oz as I had absolutely no recollection of the poor Munchin lady who was trapped cutting wood.

This book is much along the lines of a children's version of Jasper Fforde's books which bring classic novels alive. If you have an older teen, you may want to refer them to these titles as well (ie. Eyre Affair...)

I can't wait for the next book in this series. How will the children and the Librarian overcome the evil in Oz? Is the Librarian truly the Wizard of Oz or not????

Although this book is intended for middle school, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it! This is a fast-paced, fun, and creative adventure story that has great potential! I will be looking forward to the sequel!

I love the PLOT , I'm not exactly sure where this is going but yet somehow I am fascinated by what might happen next. The exploration of the written worlds I grew up with make this book a very fun read.

The downside is that Eric Hobbs, seems to still be deciding who the narrator of his story is exactly. As a result the rhythm of reading can be interrupted occasionally. If you can overlook that you can enjoy a very promising beginning to a new series.

Great story but get confused with characters in the middle I mean one minute it with Tay then the librarian I got very confused because I hadn't had read it in a long time so I was very confused though very good story and is waiting to read the next book!!!!!

some of my favorite books for my grandkids are books about how magical books can be. High on my shelf is Inkheart and Endymion Spring but I now leave room for The Librarian. Love the idea you can go in a story and affect the book for generations to come. I can not wait to see where this series goes after a teeny change in The Wizard of Oz has devastating results.

This is the next book I am reading with my daughter.

Wesley and his class go on a field trip to the local library when the story begins. He has some trouble with the school bully which seems to be the usual thing. At the library though Wesley and his friend Taylor stumble over one of the characters from Peter Pan and the real adventure begins. This book seemed to just be getting started when it ended.

This book is like Goonies in a library. I will definitely be looking for the next installment

When I got this book for my kindle, at the time it was free. I love this book! This book is better than some 5 to 10 dollar books that I have read. And I have read quite a few of them! All I can say is, keep writing Eric!!!

I really enjoyed this book. The story idea is a favorite - characters coming to life - but Hobbs takes a fresh spin with the kids being able to change things. Write faster Mr. Hobbs. I'm ready for the next one!