Today's Read Contributor On August 5, 2025, acclaimed author Jeanne Birdsall made a triumphant return to children’s literature with the release of The Library of Unruly Treasures, her first book since concluding the beloved Penderwicks series in 2018. The new middle-grade novel marks a creative renaissance for Birdsall, who once believed her writing days might be over. In recent interviews, she confessed to feeling emotionally and creatively “spent” after finishing her five-book series that followed the lives of the Penderwick sisters—a saga that became a modern classic and earned her numerous accolades, including a National Book Award.
Birdsall’s latest novel is deeply rooted in the magic of childhood imagination, a quality that has long defined her work. Inspiration for the story came unexpectedly, through a child’s casual comment about fairies and skirts. That seemingly minor remark stirred something in Birdsall’s creative mind, leading her to envision a world both whimsical and wise. What emerged was a fresh tale filled with wonder, featuring characters who navigate loneliness, bravery, and the transformative power of storytelling.
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Set during a quiet summer, The Library of Unruly Treasures introduces readers to Gwen MacKinnon, an eleven-year-old girl suddenly sent to live with her distant Uncle Matthew after her parents become unavailable. Gwen’s world shifts rapidly from uncertainty to enchantment when she discovers a mysterious group of beings called the Lahdukan hiding within the town library. Unlike traditional fairies, the Lahdukan are ancient, intellectual, and fiercely private creatures who are normally only visible to children under the age of six. For reasons neither she nor they can fully understand, Gwen is the sole older child who can see them.
With the help of her uncle’s talkative dog, Pumpkin, Gwen embarks on a mission to help the Lahdukan find a new home after their previous sanctuary is threatened. As she becomes increasingly entwined with their plight, Gwen must summon the courage to stand up for others and trust in her own ability to make a difference. The story blends fantasy and realism, using magical elements as metaphors for real-life challenges faced by children—especially those dealing with feelings of abandonment, identity, and belonging.
Birdsall, now in her sixties, brings to this novel the same warmth, humor, and lyrical prose that defined her earlier work, but with a deepened sense of reflection. In her writing process, she collaborated closely with illustrator Matt Phelan, whose gentle, expressive drawings bring the characters—especially the Lahdukan and Pumpkin the dog—to life. Birdsall has spoken fondly of this creative partnership, noting that Phelan’s sketches influenced some narrative shifts, especially Pumpkin’s expanded role, which grew from a supporting character into a major presence in the book.
Thematically, The Library of Unruly Treasures is an ode to the power of reading. Birdsall has long advocated for the importance of books in childhood development, and her new novel is no exception. The library setting serves as a beacon of discovery, where the walls hold both literal and metaphorical treasures. It is within this space that Gwen finds confidence, friendship, and a deeper understanding of herself.
Critics have been quick to embrace Birdsall’s return. Early reviews from major literary outlets like Publishers Weekly and Booklist have praised the novel’s emotional resonance and its careful balance of fantasy and grounded storytelling. Described as “a warm hug of a book” and “a quietly powerful tale,” The Library of Unruly Treasures has already earned several starred reviews, with particular attention given to its intergenerational themes and its deft exploration of what it means to be seen and heard.
Birdsall has cited literary influences such as C. S. Lewis and Robert Louis Stevenson, writers known for weaving adventure with moral insight. Like their works, The Library of Unruly Treasures offers more than escapism; it challenges readers to reflect on empathy, loyalty, and the meaning of home. The novel also echoes timeless themes of classic children’s literature while remaining firmly rooted in a contemporary context that speaks to today’s readers.
This book represents more than just a new title in Birdsall’s bibliography—it symbolizes a creative reawakening. After years of doubt, Birdsall has reconnected with the joy of storytelling. She has noted in interviews that writing this book reminded her why she started writing for children in the first place: to inspire wonder, to celebrate the magic of words, and to affirm that stories still matter in a world increasingly filled with distractions.
In a cultural moment when reading for pleasure among young audiences faces growing competition from digital entertainment, Birdsall’s latest work stands out as a loving defense of the written word. The Library of Unruly Treasures invites children to step into a world of curiosity and courage, proving once again that stories have the power to change lives—especially when shared at just the right time.
