Lost in the Library

A Story of Patience & Fortitude #1

by Josh Funk, Stevie Lewis (Illustrator)

Steadfast Fortitude and curious Patience are waiting every morning to greet visitors of the Library.

That is until, one early morning, when Fortitude finds Patience is missing. The city is about to awake, and the lions absolutely must be in their places before the sun rises. Now, Fortitude must abandon his own post to find his best friend in the Library’s labyrinthine halls.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Books About Books, Fiction, New York, Friendship

40 pages, Hardcover

First published August 28, 2018

About the author

Josh Funk is the author of the Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast series, the How to Code with Pearl and Pascal series, Dear Unicorn, Dear Dragon, My Pet Feet, the It's Not a Fairy Tale series, Lost in the Library and more. His books have sold more than half a million copies worldwide and been translated into a dozen languages.

Josh grew up in New England and studied Computer Science in school. Today, he still lives in New England and when not writing Java code or Python scripts, he drinks Java coffee and writes manuscripts. Since the fall of 2015, Josh has presented (or virtually presented) at over 850 schools, classrooms, and libraries.

Josh is terrible at writing bios, so please help fill in the blanks. Josh enjoys _______ during ________ and has always loved __________. He has played ____________ since age __ and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by a __________.

For more about Josh Funk, visit joshfunkbooks.com and at @joshfunkbooks on socials.

Reviews

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first met Patience and Fortitude over thirty years ago when Venkman and Stanz passed them on their way to meet Egon and spend some quality time with the library ghost. I learned their names this week. I’ve wanted to live in the New York Public Library since my first Ghostbusters experience. Now that I’ve read this book I know that if I ever get to visit this wonderful place I will be imagining Patience and Fortitude’s adventures as well as keeping an eye out for my favourite spectral librarian.

One morning Fortitude wakes before dawn and discovers that Patience isn’t sitting on his plinth. Concerned, Fortitude enters the library and searches for his friend. He asks for help from those he meets inside including the statue called Frolicsome Girl. Fortitude knows he needs to find Patience before dawn so they can return to their posts and greet the library’s visitors.

This is one of the best kid’s books I’ve read this year. The rhymes are lovely, the story is about friendship, the setting is a library, the illustrations are beautiful and the answer to the mystery of Patience’s location is bookish! I’ve read this book twice so far and I’ve smiled my way through it both times. My eyes may have gotten a little misty towards the end of my reread; it’s just such a beautiful story!

What I found especially interesting was the Get to Know the New York Public Library! page at the end of the book. I was able to learn about the different rooms Fortitude visited in his search for Patience, as well as the statues and paintings he spoke to. The dot points made the story really come alive for me and solidified this library’s place on my bucket list. My favourite fact was about Patience and Fortitude, which reads in part:

They have perched there since 1911 and were given their names in the 1930s by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia in recognition of the qualities he felt New Yorkers would need to survive the Great Depression.

I have to buy this book and find a kid to read it to!

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is always something magical about being in a library. But being in the library with Patience and Fortitude, the infamous lions in front of the the New York Public Library, that is even more special. A beautiful book that will be so fun to share with young readers.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers who loved the after-hours view of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler will find their heart in Josh Funk's latest picture book as Patience and Fortitude, the lions who keep watch over the New York Public Library, go on an after-hours adventure of the building they protect.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Josh Funk, the picture-book author responsible for Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast and its sequels, returns to rhyming form in this adventures featuring Patience and Fortitude, the two stone lions who stand guard outside the New York Public Library's famed 42nd Street building. When Patience isn't on his plinth early one morning, Fortitude goes searching for him, exploring the library and discovering a few things about his friend's habits. Eventually he finds Patience reading, and learns that these wonderful books, housed in the library, are the source of the marvelous stories his friend likes to tell him...

Every weekend, without fail, I take myself off the NYPL's Rose Reading Room, where I spend my time reading and researching in this majestic space:



I often pass Patience and Fortitude on my way, as they stand so faithfully on guard, so I picked up Lost in the Library: A Story of Patience and Fortitude with a heart ready to embrace it. I have enjoyed other books by Funk, and expected to enjoy this one as well. Despite all of that, somehow this one just wasn't as appealing as I'd expected it to be. Stevie Lewis, who also illustrated Prince & Knight , contributes cute artwork, and I liked the story idea, but the rhyming text felt awkward to me. Perhaps my expectations were simply too high, but this one ended up being only so-so for me. Still, tastes vary, and this is one I would recommend, especially for children who might be visiting the NYPL's Astor Hall sometime soon.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a delightful romp through the NY Public Library. I loved it and I loved leaving children with the enchanting thought that those two stone lions are not only protecting but learning from the library.

[Leann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute idea, but the execution is off. The rhyme scheme is weird and it feels like one more for the adults than for the kids.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

New Yorkers and those familiar with the New York Public Library will probably find this picture book delightful, but those who aren't familiar with the place or its treasures, rooms, and floors will probably not find it as appealing. Two lion sculptures grace the entrance of the library, and on one particular morning, one of them--Fortitude--is surprised that his counterpart--Patience--is missing. He sets out to find his friend and moves through several parts of the library until he finds the children's section where Patience is reading. Youngsters are sure to be charmed by the idea of two lions sneaking into the library to read at night, especially since they are reading some of their own personal favorites. Back matter explains some of the areas into which the lions travel. The digital illustrations make the lions and the library quite inviting, but the rhyming lines didn't quite work for me. For children who live outside NYC, the book would require quite a bit of explanation.

[Christina Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

We enjoy Josh Funk’s books a great deal in my K-5 library and we can count Lost in the Library as one of our new favorites! It is such a sweet story that celebrates the love of reading while introducing the reader to the iconic lions, Patience and Fortitude that are just outside of the New York Public Library. The rhyming is fun and cleverly done and the illustrations are such a joy to experience. All ages would enjoy this book! This is for all lovers of libraries, their families and friends, and would be a good fit in an elementary library or classroom.

[KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

A darling story centered around the NYC public library and its two iconic mascots-the stone lions; Patience and Fortitude.

[Peacegal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book starring the NY Public Library lions and of course, the love of libraries and reading. A hidden gem!

[Chance Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A love letter to the New York Public Library. I do like how one lion learned all his stories from other books. The illustrations of Amelia Bedelia, the Magic Pebble, and Caps for Sale are cute too.

[Francis Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lost in the Library,what an amazing book...it's has been one of my favorite.

[Jeimy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ode to the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.

[Newly Wardell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite Josh Funk book. I truly think it showcases all the things that will no doubt make him a household name. It's flipping charming and about something familiar in a different light. There are two lions outside the library. One night a lion notices that his counter part isnt standing next to him and he has to go inside the library to find him. It's a brilliant rhyming story about lost friends finding each other in an unlikely place. But it also a love letter to the New York Public Library.

And dont even get me started on the brilliant illustrations from Stevie Lewis!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you love books? Do you love libraries? Do you love New York City? Well, I love all three and I love this book! It felt magical and fun to be transported to this famous library!

[Almira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story in rhyme about Patience and Fortitude, the NYC Public Library lions who guard the entrance.

Fortitude wakes to "find" Patience missing from his plinth. Fortitude is perplexed by the fact that in all their time together, Patience has never been late from his nightly wanderings. Fortitude does exactly what any good friend would do, he goes looking for Patience in the library. High and low, but Patience is not to be found on any of the "upper" floors, just only place left is the ground floor, lo and behold, this is the children's section of the library...…. Who do you suppose is reading these books?

The illustrations are done in a lovely pastel wash. At the very back of the book there is a lovely description of the various rooms and art work involved in the story.

Was going to use this at story time this morning, however, the group of children today were a bit young for the length of the book, and probably would have missed the nuances of the story.

[Patricia Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this PB book with its Clever rhyme and beautifully illustrated pages. Josh Funk reminds us how important our need is to share stories with those we love. Lost in the Library is a perfect book to give as a gift—it will be treasured.
Stevie Lewis’ illustrations brought me back to my days spent in the NYC library as a researcher. The majestic 5th Avenue address with Patience and Fortitude out front and the substantial flight of steps leading up to the triple arched entryway welcomed me and other book enthusiasts. Stevie Lewis reveals with her authentic illustrations that the interior of this great building is just as magnificent as its exterior—the stonework, the vaulting; the special historical aspects are the aesthetic heart of the NYC library.
A Must Have Book in your classroom library!

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A loveable book for library fans - the NY library looks incredible in the illustrations and the rhyming story about Patience and Fortitude, the guardian lions who go in the library to read books is a lot of fun. Kids enjoyed this story.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the night ends, Fortitude, one of the guardian lions of the New York public Library, awakes to find his friend Patience gone. Worried that his twin won't return in time, Fortitude enters the library. Unfamiliar with the layout, he speaks to the statues and portraits, but no one knows where to look. With the right map though, the appropriately named lion finally finds the right room, where his friend is engaged reading. Lost in the Library is a sweet adventure set in a real location. Some extra information about the New York Public Library is in the back. Lewis uses his digital images to portray some of highlights of the architecture and furniture that make this beautiful building, while Funk focuses on the story of Fortitude, telling it from his perspective. It is a fun adventure all around, and a fantastic story about the statues that children can now share with each other. Here's hoping that there will be more adventures for this pair.

[Arielfranchakyahoo.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the story, love the message and love the illustrations! I love books that love books and this book is all about two lions who love sharing stories. And now that I completely overused the word “love,” I’ll just mention one teeny tiny detail that I didn’t exactly love, although, overall this book is still very well-deserving of 5 out of 5 stars! I have to (embarrassingly) admit, I was slightly confused the first time I read this book. Maybe it was because I got lost in the rhymes and beautiful illustrations and missed some of the plot. But the first time I read it, I wasn’t so sure how I felt. I used this book as a read aloud for #classroombookaday and read it to several more groups of students. Each time I read it, I starting liking it more and more and more. After about the 3rd reading, I was in love! I love how Fortitude the lion, never gives up on trying to look for his friend, Patience. Meanwhile, Patience was busy reading in the library, trying to find more stories to share with his friend. Ultimately, both lions share friendship and the joy of stories with each other and who could really ask for anything more in a picture book?

[Shecki B]

Pre-reading books that might make good read alouds for the school library.

I thought it was cute. It gives a glimpse of a very BIG library. If I do share this with the students, we’ll have to talk about how some libraries (like ours) are just a single room, others are whole buildings with many rooms.

I liked how it reinforced the concept that books can open up the world to you.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

How could I not read a book about Patience and Fortitude!? Not only a cute rhyming story, but comes with a bonus: it gives a good tour of the NYPL. Especially the children’s section where (spoiler alert) Patience is enjoying himself some Amelia Bedelia. Art was delightful; a flat gouache with fun and mod mid-century skewering.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story told in a classic way. All our kids (11 - sped, 7, 2) enjoyed the story of the two brothers/friends. The melodious use of words didn’t give way to using baby language. This exposed my children to words that are new, and opens discussion for vocabulary as well as ones character. Superbly done, and the illustrations captivated my varietal audience.

[Amanda]

This was longgggggggggggg. Both Alessio and I were getting over it (only read once during the week we borrowed it and even that was a stretch). But it was an interesting concept ! And I think other people might like

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book because Fortitude looks and looks for his friend Patience and he found him where the place for kids are supposed to be.

The End.

[Casey Lyall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun library adventure with beautiful illustrations!

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely great book!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

This is a story about the two lions, Patience and Fortitude, outside of the NYPL on 5th Avenue, and the adventures that they get up to at nightfall.

[Library Lady Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such rich vocabulary!!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lions in front of the New York Public Library (Fortitude and Patience so named by President Roosevelt during the Depression!) are good friends. Patience likes to tell Fortitude stories and Fortitude enjoys listening. But where is Patience getting these stories? One night when Patience is late coming back from inside the library, Fortitude tracks Patience down and discovers something amazing. This is a beautiful book about the endless possibilities of storytelling and books. The end paper explains many of the sights at the New York Public Library. Wonderful!