This view shows all of the books in this age group that have been selected in years past and nominated for the current year (but not yet selected). The nominations are marked by a "Nomination(not yet selected):" label.
Fun first chapter books are few and far between--and this one fills the bill quite nicely. The cover asks, "Can a wolf and three pigs ever be friends?" The cheeky text and slap-stick illustrations answer with a resounding 'yes.' That's not to say there isn't some huffing and puffing along the way, not to metion a little gulping and slurping...but Wilfong and the three Pygg brothers prove that inter-species harmony is not only feasible but funny as well. Kristi Jemtegaard
I love books when the children (and in this case, the jungle animals too!) outsmart the grown-ups. On an African adventure with his Uncle, Peter is constantly reminded to have gumption and keep pushing through the tougher parts of the jungle. Broach creates a strong character in Uncle Nigel. He is humorous in an almost British-sounding voice: "I say! Jolly good!" and seems to be in control of the jungle trek, but it's Peter who reaps the full benefits of the safari. The illustrations are key to the story, and infact tell half of the story. Young children will be able to "read" the pictures even if they can't read the words. Anne Pettit
Dog is really good at running and swimming and digging holes. He's also really good at bragging about his talents. His friends don't appreciate all that boasting and attempt to put Dog in his place. The colorful illustrations are bold but not overwhelming. The faces of Cousins' characters truly capture pride, sadness, disappointment, and eventually the joy of friendship. The theme of humility is adeptly presented and it's done with humor! Nomination: Anne Pettit
A little girl decides to show her grandmother how her day at school went, rather than tell her. Thus begins a parade of teachers, friends and even the class pet. The beauty of this picture book is in the creative way everyday items such as candy wrappers, magnifying glasses and an old bent pencil are used to represent the characters. And what is the best part of this little girl's day at school? Going to the library (of course!!!) Anne Pettit
A ball, a beach and three seals make up the sum total of this picture book. Using just a few words and simple illustrations, Laura Vaccaro Seeger manages to tell 3 different stories that could generate a book discussion for preschoolers. Jamie Watson
A rainy city begins this alphabet book for older readers; roads and clearer skies lead us out of the urban landscape to the pastoral. A few of the themes represented here are the bucolic—“barn cats”, “hay”, and “pigs”—but the contemporary rural setting is this book’s force. “Inoculate” and “ammonia fertilizer” are terms a country kid would be acquainted with (and a suburban kid might want to learn about). This is a busy book as carefully etched depictions of an active farm community are accurately revealed. Along the bottom quarter of this book is a continuous pathway leading us not only through this town but through the four seasons. Nomination: Tony Carmack
Young Henrietta Hen lays her first egg and not knowing its importance gives it away to a crafty fox. She must now find a way to get it back. She learns a difficult life lesson and the reader learns the many ways that eggs may be cooked. The color palette of red and orange seems warm and inviting and yet also suggests a certain amount of caution may be wise. The farm scenes change slightly with each animal that advises Henrietta. The text is on white pages facing the illustrations and is large and simple enough to encourage beginning readers to enjoy on their own, but it should also be a great storytime read. Bridget Harvey
When Rocket encounters a pushy bird in the park who wants to teach him to read, he couldn't care less. Why would a dog want to read, really? But when the bird reads a story aloud, Rocket is all ears. Before long he realizes that he can have stories all the time if he can read them himself. While bird is off south for the winter, Rocket practices and practices so that he can get better while his friend is away. This is a perfect book for teachers to use to open their year in September. It's all about what a treat reading is and the adorable Rocket will charm the youngsters reading it. Joan Kindig
Wiesner's latest is both a tale of two lizards AND an exploration of "who, what, and where is Art?" Arthur is a multi-layered (literally), but traditional painter. Max, his young protoge, does not know where to start. When Art suggests "...you could paint me," Max's literal response ultimately leads to an uncovering of Art's veneer. In a humorous deconstruction, viewers witness a layer of acrylics, pastels, and watercolor, until all that remains of Art is an inked outline that unravels. The process of re-construction involves a vacuum cleaner that spews Jackson Pollack color streams and a Pointillist version of Art. His fresh look appears to inspire new vision too. Highly original, clever, funny, full of potential for fascinating conversations.
L M N O Peas is a delightful look at the alphabet through the eyes of some very hard working and humorous peas in a variety of occupations and hobbies. From acrobats, artists and astronauts to zoologists the possibilities are endless as the peas giggle and dance through the book. Each letter is a dominating four inch high back drop for the "peo-ple" to enjoy life's choices. The text itself is bouncy and rhythmic. The illustrations are bright and energetic. Bridget Harvey
