The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library

June 19, 2017
Bailey’s eponymous hero, Eddie, is a bright green bug who lives with his 53 siblings in a crack in the wall of Room 19 of Ferny Creek Elementary School. When his Aunt Min goes missing, it’s up to Eddie (whose mother writes him off as “a dreamer, a fool—a nincompoop!”) to maneuver through treacherous hallways full of “Squishers” to the library to find her. But Eddie’s challenges are only beginning: Min is injured and unable to travel, and the school’s insect-hating new librarian threatens to make Ferny Creek a book-free zone. Encouraged by the brave characters from his Aunt Min’s stories, Eddie resolves to save the library and his aunt. Avid readers will enjoy the plethora of references to beloved children’s tales, as well as the adventures of an unlikely champion who overcomes human-size obstacles. The danger is mild, but Eddie delivers an entertaining bug’s-eye perspective on the larger world, and Jamieson’s b&w spot illustrations match the story’s energy and sense of adventure. Ages 8–12. Author’s agent: Hilary McMahon, Westwood Creative Artists. Illustrator’s agent: Paul Rodeen, Rodeen Literary Management.