This time around, we decided to talk about a picture book biography that we adore, while also wondering if we like it a little extra because we’ve both been working in the children’s books space for a while now. Inspired by a true story, Biblioburro by Jeanette Winter is the story of Luis Suriano, a teacher in Colombia, who took books to children who have no access to a library. On his burros, Alfa and Beto.

This is only our second chat about children’s books (so publicly). But the idea is to have this space to talk freely, without feeling the need to tick any boxes, or think only about how children view these books. Join us, Menaka and Yamini, as we talk about picture book biographies and libraries, digress a little, praise the book but also nit-pick. 

M: I read Biblioburro only because you would talk about it endlessly. I got it just to shut you up. Why have you always liked it so much?

Y: I first came across it during a read-aloud by a librarian I admire, back in 2011. To watch a librarian read it to children in a morning assembly was so powerful. I had to keep my tears from falling.

M: I feel emotional when I read it, too. What is it about the book, you think? Because Jeanette Winter doesn't use language to emotionally manipulate the reader. It’s simple and straightforward. Why do we feel that tug?

Y: Is it only because we’ve been invested in the children’s books space for a while now?

M: Maybe. But also because we care for books, seeing what reading has done for us. We feel for books.

Y: It’s also the idea of making books so accessible (I love any book about libraries). And, also Winter’s art: her use of colour, the lush landscape that she offers. My copy has bits of dried-up oats because my niece was obsessed with it at the age of 3.

M: Really? I read this funny tweet by an author about picture book biographies. She wonders who they are written for, and asks if 5-year-olds are really interested in the early childhood of Ella Fitzgerald?

Y: I see what she means, but I think it works so long as the story itself is compelling. Which is why I like the jokes in this, like when the bandit leaps out, asking for silver, but settles for a book.

M: I love how when Luis is returning home, the bandit is shown reading the stolen book! I worry though, do you think grown-ups will beat children with a moral stick when they read the book? ‘Look how lucky you are. Those poor kids have to wait for a donkey to come once a week!’

Y: Adults (we) will grab every chance to be moralistic. But since Luis’ story is also about shared books, there’s an easy kind of appeal. I’ve used Biblioburro for sessions with librarians. It’s lovely to share it with them because it's a reminder of what librarians can do. That their work matters.

M: Now I’m getting teary again! You’re right, our librarians don’t get much love, do they? And, they should.

Y: Do you remember any of your librarians?

M: No, but I remember a teacher from grade 2 who would read to us every day. He was Welsh, so there was a lot of Roald Dahl. I remember how his bearded face would go bright red when he laughed as he read the very funny bits. You?

Y: I don’t have the best memories from my school library. But I remember climbing the narrow stairs to a lending library in Kochi. It was dark and musty, but there was so much anticipation! But, back to the book. While I adore the art, expect some nit-picking.

M: I love nit-picking, Yamini. Nit-pick away.

Y: Did you notice how most of the children have the same kind of expression throughout, even when they are excited and happy? Even Luis actually, except when he’s drawn with his mouth slightly open.

M: You're right! I’m looking through the book now, and it's a little freaky!

Y: It’s like they’re dazed. Slightly eerie, no? But also, I did get a little miffed at Diana being portrayed as the ‘grumbling’ wife. And yet, she sweetly fills his crate, bids him goodbye, and feeds him when he’s home. Why does he need to be fed? He’s a grown man.

M: Haha, that annoyed me too!

Y: But tell me, as someone who has been trying to crack the picture book biography, what stood out most to you?

M: I’ve read so many of them now, trying to see what works.

The amazing thing about Biblioburro is that it works as a biography, a story, and even a read-aloud. So full props to her.

Y: I agree! I can never get over the beauty of the last spread. That when you look carefully, you'll see tiny bright lights shining in these homes—the children reading. It conveys so much, the pleasure of being immersed in a book, and reading as both a solitary and communal experience.

M: Amen! Are we allowed to say that?

Y&M (at once): Two-women!