About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
Walking with her mother on the way home from school one day, Lily runs straight into a gruff and untidy-looking man selling papers on the street. Lily is afraid of the man, but when the weather turns cold, she starts to see the Paper Man differently—she sees his bare toes through the holes in his boots and his thin shirt through the holes in his coat. As she lies in her cozy bed at night, she wonders how the Paper Man stays warm. Then Lily comes up with a wonderful idea – she’ll make him a gift of warm clothes.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 5 to 8
- Grade:
- k to 3
- Reading age:
- 6 to 8
Awards
- Winner, ForeWord Book of the Year Award
Editorial Reviews
"The book is neither saccharin nor preachy and avoids clichés, like one person can 'make a difference.'"
— Counterpoise
"This tale is perfect for reminding children about helping those less fortunate than themselves."
— The Chronicle Herald
"Colorful unframed pictures, created in line and watercolor, juxtapose the ragged paper man on the sidewalk with Lily, her snug home, and her fun in the rain and snow. The compassionate, realistic story will involve preschoolers, who may recognize not only that the joy of stormy weather depends on having shelter but also that they can do something besides avert their eyes from someone else’s suffering."
— Booklist
"This sensitive, gentle tale with its bright, visceral illustrations is about homelessness and one child's reaction to the reality of it."
— The Globe and Mail
"A gentle story about the value of compassion."
— Midwest Book Review
A thoughtful story of a child's initial encounter with the existence of poverty and homelessness.
— ForeWord Magazine
"The sensitive text and matching illustrations blend well to create a story of making a positive difference in our world today."
— CM Magazine
"Of course poverty and the other social ills that lead to homelessness can't be solved with one bag of clothes, but Upjohn's straightforward tale and Benoit's nicely unromantic illustrations give kids some ideas for practical action. The story's a good reminder that even in the post-holiday season, the world needs generosity and sympathy of spirit."
— Toronto Star
"Young readers will find much to discuss as they evaluate this thoughtful story of a small child’s initial encounter with the existence of poverty and homelessness. The realistic and detailed watercolor illustrations capture Lily’s emotional journey from fear to confusion to determined resolve to improve the life of the Paper Man, whose name, she learns, is Ray...Like Eve Bunting’s classic Fly Away Home, Lily’s story makes an excellent starting point for discussions of poverty and helping others, and the age of the main character and the gentle, brightly colored illustrations add to the appeal of this story for the very young, who, like Lily, may need adult help in voicing their concerns about injustices they notice in the world."
— Foreword Magazine
"Lily and the Paper Man is an absolutely charming winter tale that will warm your heart as the cold winds blow the October cold out and welcome the November freeze in... I would give it six stars if I could but for now I shall have to content myself with five...Hopefully it will inspire others to be just as kind and generous to those less fortunate as Lily was to the Paper Man."
— Sarah's Stars
"The emotion and candor captured by this story are brought to life in Benoit’s soft yet bright watercolors."
— Canadian Children's Book News
"This story is very moving. Make sure you have a box of tissues handy so that you can furtively wipe your teary eyes while reading this book to your child!"
— Kidding Around Toronto
