Instant hit with grandkids!

We just finished a long drive with mid-elementary school age grandkids. I had gotten several books, and they settled on listening to this one. The younger (7 years old) took a while to get into it (it really is about 12 and 13 year olds, and has a lot of fascinating information--but things he wouldn't have known about before). But very quickly even he got caught up in the story--a contest where kids have to find particular things/information in a library-- and didn't want to turn it off.

In fact, even though we have now arrived at our destination, they are both sitting and still listening, hoping to finish it tonight before they fall asleep! From my perspective, I think that tells you how engrossing a story it is. They are fascinated with it. I love the narration, too. Happily, I looked ahead and discovered this book has a sequel. They will be thrilled! The author has utilized a lot of computer game type references--things that are part of their young world already, even though not my old one :-) My mother (their great grandmother) was an elementary school librarian. And this book is all about a library. I can't help thinking, were she still alive, she would be grinning from ear to ear watching two normally very active little boys glued to the iPod, to be able to listen to this book. Best praise I know how to offer.

44 people found this helpful

First audio book

This was my first audio book and I truly enjoyed it. It was light hearted and even entertained my 10 year old who is not a big reader. I would absolutely recommend this book as a fun, fast read.

13 people found this helpful

Written for the young but enjoyed by an adult.

Would you listen to Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library again? Why?

Yes. Well read by the narrator. He gave a voice to each character, even those with accents. The children's voices sounded as such but as a personally preference I listened to it sped up because the reading felt just slightly too slow. That only served to enhance the child-like quality of the narrator's vocal technic. I did have a hardcover version of this book so I can say he describes the pictures that are sprinkled throughout the book quite well, so you won't be missing anything on that front. I personally am a big fan of books and boardgames so that was the main draw for me to this book. I laughed and the little quirks throughout and smirked when a child acted the way I remember me and some of my friends acted at that age. This book had puzzles, action, comaraderie, and life lessons all bound together. It's a good one, in my book.

19 people found this helpful

The Most Fun We've Had Listening to an Audiobook

What did you love best about Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library?

The story line was riveting from the very beginning. The characters were varied and interesting. The plot was rollicking fun in the form of a mystery/game/scavenger hunt held in the most amazing library ever. It was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwieler wrapped up in a scavenger hunt and a game of Clue. Lots of fun all around. Most of my family, the children ages 3,5,8,10, and 16, plus my husband and I, all thoroughly enjoyed the story. In fact, the kids didn't want to get out of the car as we were running errands until we finished each chapter, and then we had to take the Kindle inside to finish off the story before bedtime.

What did you like best about this story?

I absolutely loved all of the literary and cultural references. The overriding message of the value and appeal of books and learning in general was well-integrated throughout the story in a way that drew my kids into wanting to read many of the titles that were mentioned. As a parent, I loved how it emphasized families and friends playing board games together, the pleasure derived from reading good books, the benefits of being friends with all types of different people, fair play, and teamwork. As a teacher, I can't wait to get a print copy for my older home educated kids to go through so they can highlight some of the books referenced that they have not already read and put them on their reading lists. I really hope that a few of the games mentioned in this book will actually be marketed. They sound like a lot of fun!

Have you listened to any of Jesse Bernstein’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I haven't listened to his other performances, but after hearing this one, I'd be glad to listen to another. The only performance I've heard that was better was Brendan Fraser's reading of Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke. That's our family's other favorite audio book (because his voices are hilarious). I don't know. This one might top it because the story is so much fun and a bit faster paced.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Twelve children. Twenty-four hours. One huge, state-of-the-art library. Who will solve the mystery and win the amazing prize?

Any additional comments?

Don't miss this book. I am not sure why some folks called this formulaic or accused it of copying other works...sure, it references many works of literature and uses traditional literary devices, but it is it's own excellent work of children's fiction (yes, as an adult, I figured out some of the clues ahead of my kids, but they sure had a blast and it didn't bother me one bit to have caught on more quickly). Teachers would do well to incorporate this one into their curriculum, or at least, their recommended reading list. It is excellent as a read aloud/audio book, and would be perfect to pass time on a road trip. Enjoy!

8 people found this helpful

SO MUCH FUN!

I loved it! And not just because I'm a librarian. Lol. I liked the theme of the story as well as all the references to books.

15 people found this helpful

Mr. Lemon, chello, hello, men, on, no, con, come

I am always looking for light, fun stories to listen to through the night. Nothing deep or dark. This just fit the bill. Besides being fun it is full of interesting tid bits about authors,books, and games! My family likes to get together and play unusual games. This book was full of skills of " how to make friends, work as a team, be honest., the funny thing about it is its subliminal to the reader. Yes it is for young pre teans. The reader and main characters are youth. It however is not childish but fun. ( I just redid " Howl's Moving Castle " and " A Wrinkle in Time") To give you a flavor of where I am coming from. Now I discover there are a multitude of books that follow this theme, and it looks like I am set for more fun and games, and there might be balloons!

5 people found this helpful

cute book

Any additional comments?

This was a family read with my boys (13 and 11 year old twins) and it was great. Willy Wonka meets libraries - it is a briliant concept and the list of books referenced in the novel at the end of the book makes a great reading list. I enjoyed the myriad literary references and the weaving of multiple story lines. All in all this was an engaging book that was easy to follow.

4 people found this helpful

Fun story for kids who love puzzles and libraries

My 7 year old bookworm loved listening to this book. I enjoyed it also. Lots of fun references to all sorts of literature as the characters work to solve the puzzles to escape the library.

4 people found this helpful

Excellent book!!!

purchased this book to listen to with my grandchildren. The seven-year-old and nine-year-old enjoyed it but the 12-year-old was enthralled! We seriously enjoyed listening to this book and stayed in the car to hear the ending. We had many discussionsabout some of the books mentioned and which ones we would like to read and also different ideas on how to we would manage the clues or the escape route. All in all an excellent book!

7 people found this helpful

Amazing!

Inspiring, funny, real, and satisfying. The store comes together in the end for a wonderful finish to a great book! Perfect for ages 9-13.

3 people found this helpful