This adorable Seuss-like beginning chapter book tells the story of Gilbert and his favourite read, Raymond the Buffalo. Gilbert takes his treasured book everywhere with him until he discovers the appeal of dinosaur books and ignores Raymond. To make matters worse, poor neglected Raymond is accidentally returned to the local library. Children will delight as Raymond gathers the courage to escape the drop box by jumping out of his book, avoids a trampling herd of children, and discovers a huge jar of delicious lemony pickles in the library kitchen. Raymond is found by Nicole the librarian, and they become the best of friends. Years pass and when Nicole retires, she places Raymond’s book in the lost-and-found case and reminds him not to give up hope that his boy might one day return to claim him. Who shows up as the new librarian? Gilbert – creating an unexpected and satisfying ending about friendship.

48 pp., 6.5 × 8.5", colour illustrations

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - BC Books for Schools (2021-2022)

????Lou Beauchesne is an author and illustrator of over twenty books for young readers, including La princess cowboy and La guerre des suces. She began writing and illustrating small books that she sold to her neighbors and has been doing this ever since. Lou writes and draws from her home in Quebec.

Lou Beauchesne's profile page

Kate Chappell is a freelance illustrator living and working from her home in Lincolnshire, UK. She graduated from Falmouth University with a degree in illustration in 2013 and uses a mix of traditional textures and digital techniques to create fun, dynamic characters and illustrations. Kate has created art for Google, Stella Artois, Nespresso, Dove and many others and tries to include elements of humor in her work whenever possible.

Kate Chappell's profile page

• Nominated, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Award
• Commended, BC Books for BC Schools

“With his wily eyes and endearing grin, plucky Raymond offers a lesson in enduring friendships, old and new. An unusual, touching adventure involving a book, a library, and a friend.”

Kirkus Reviews

“This endearingly awkward book has a good heart, and with its unconventional ­humor, will appeal to tender-hearted readers.”

School Library Journal