One town’s trash becomes the dump man’s treasure in this inspiring tale by award-winning author Lynn Plourde. Mr. Pottle, who oversees the town landfill, just cannot bear to see books thrown out and destroyed, so he rescues and recycles them for the community to enjoy. When Mr. Pottle takes a fall one day and is injured, that community—especially the children—comes to his rescue. The townspeople bring books to speed his recovery—and are amazed to discover that the book-loving man cannot read. That’s when a town full of eager readers helps Mr. Pottle to fully enjoy his treasures.

Illustrations by Mary Beth Owens are packed with details that capture the chaos and beauty of a dump and show Mr. Pottle’s determination to let nothing of value to go to waste. Little ones will love the way favorite items keep showing up in different places around the dump.

An enjoyable picture book in its own right, The Man Who Saved Books also delivers a heartwarming message about the treasures to be found in books, in reading together, and in friendship.