Books Travel the World

Librarians are on the move! From Colombia to Kenya and Syria to Thailand, real-life librarians bring books to children who don’t have easy access to a library.

Traverse seas, cross deserts, and brave jungles in this adventurous book. Discover how by boat, by bicycle, or even by biblioburro, these intrepid educators go to the ends of the earth (quite literally!) to put books into the hands of children who need them most.

All around the world, children wait for books.

So…         

            Book lovers cross seas.

            They trek up narrow trails,

            down steep, rocky paths,

            over swift rivers,

            and through dark forests.

            They journey by foot,

            on sturdy animals,

            and with unique vehicles,

            delivering books to children.

Joan Schoettler’s writing demonstrates a global view as her stories traverse the world. Her focus of interest is inspired by true people, intriguing actual events, and the lived experiences of people from diverse backgrounds. The Honey Jar: An Armenian’s Escape to Freedom, her first middle-grade novel, received the California Book Award, Juvenile, Gold Medal Book 2024. Joan’s other picture books include Ruth Asawa: A Sculpting Life, A Home for George, and Good Fortune in a Wrapping Cloth. Joan earned a master of arts degree in reading and language from Fresno Pacific University. She taught children’s literature and storytelling at California State University, Fresno. Joan lives with her husband in California where they raised three sons. Her grandchildren continue to inspire her writing. Visit her at joanschoettler.com.