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.
A celebration of animals with sripes shown through lively, eye appealing illustrations in their natural habitat. The rhyme scans well and changes up as does the format, with double page spreads interspersed at regular intervals. End pages give credit, additional information and a matching activity for careful eyes. Up to Seven. Edie Ching
Ten diverse American illustrators celebrate the words written by Katharine Lee Bates. Each double page spread has one line from the first verse of 'America the Beautiful' and is wonderfully illustrated. Each page also has a white panel with a quote from a president. All the verses are included at the end. A lovely patriotic tribute. Up to Seven. Ruth Anne Champion
Caldecott-medalist Raschka takes a familiar childhood rite of passage and infuses it with his trademark watercolors. A young girl and her father choose a bike and haltingly go through the stages of becoming a proficient rider. Readers are urged on by the fluid illustrations that mimic the forward energy of a bike in motion. After she has finally mastered the skill, a final parenthetical grace note will bring a smile to every adult reader's face. Up to Seven. Todd Krueger
Youngest readers will be introduced to a few farm animals in this board book. Each animal shape is depicted in white and embossed on the right page against a colored background, and the left page shows that animal shape repeated in a pattern. The text is simply the name of each animal. Up to Seven. Ruth Anne Champion
Percy loves every kind of balloon. He likes to play with them but when he does the balloons always pop. Did I mention Percy is a porcupine? Therein lies the problem but Percy is determined to circumvent it. Percy thinks and thinks and finally comes up with a solution that works for him. This tale of doggedness is deftly illustrated with light pencil sketches of a porcupine most children might be able to draw for themselves. The soft, pastel palette makes the problem Percy faces not nearly as daunting as one might think. A real charmer for the young readers. Up to Seven. Joan Kindig
Cute little Quick Duck quacks his way over under and through stones, the hedge and the reeds leaving his muddy footprints all along the way. This simple board book is illustrated with cartoon style illustrations and a very simple text hand lettered by the author. Pair with "Slow Snail." Up to Seven. Ruth Anne Champion
Slow Snail moves S-L-O-W-L-Y over, under and through objects close to the ground, like a stone, a boot and a stick. Board book with a very simple text and bright cartoon style illustrations. Pairs opposites with "Quick Duck!." Up to Seven. Ruth Anne Champion
With a nearly monochromatic palette (a touch of blue is found on each page) McClure creates a beautifully simple story with stunningly simple illustrations. Mama cat is showing her kitten all of the things cats do. Each page (or spread) has one word depicting what the cats are doing. From stretch to explore to dream, each page is a visual stunner. This simple story does have a problem when the kitten gets separated from Mama while chasing a butterfly but on the very next page the frightened kitten is found. This is a book that little ones will pore over and maybe even pick up a sight word or two. Up to Seven. Joan Kindig
Laszlo is a little boy who has always been afraid of the dark. Windows seem friendly during the day but at night they become scary. And the basement is completely creepy! When the Dark comes to visit him in his room one night, Laszlo faces his biggest fear head on. This story of facing one's fears is perfectly complemented by Klassen's understated art work. Up to Seven. Joan Kindig
A family of ducklings,following their mother, fall through the grate into a storm sewer but are rescued by the townspeople. Then, "Fireman Dennis knew just what to do." In words and pictures, this homage to Make Way for Ducklings is satisfying storytelling based on an actual incident in Montauk, NY. Up to Seven. Kathy Isaacs
