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BEST BOOKS OF THE
YEAR
Best of Year 2009
Notables from 2007
Notables from 2006
Notables from 2005
Notables from 2004
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THEMES
Adventure
Animals
Anthologies
Classics
Favorites
Fiction for the Young
Folk Literature
Friendship
Historical Fiction
Holiday/Special Days
Humor & Nonsense
Insects
Nature
Non-Fiction
Oceans, Lakes, Rivers,
& Ponds
Poetry
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Toddlers
Preschool
Kindergarten
First Grade
Second Grade
Middle Grades
Upper Grades
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3rd - 5th Grade
Reading to children should not stop as they progress
through the elementary grades. Children's picture books are wonderful
at any age, and life would be very dreary without them. Picture books
for older children are longer in length now, contain more complex
themes, and sophisticated artwork.
Depending on interest children may enjoy comedy, mystery, adventure,
fantasy, spellbinders, poetry, non-fiction, historical fiction, and
science fiction books.
Whether they read extremely well or not, the family storytime should
continue. Children's listening abilities are still beyond their reading
abilities.
CLASSICS: When children become familiar with the classics, they have
a foundation for making comparisons to other stories. Not all books
will be excellent, but children will know a story's possibilities
when they have been exposed to great literature; literature in which
laughter, pain, hunger, satisfaction, love and joy are found. Read
stories in their original versions, not the watered-down versions
that lack drama or life.
HUMOR: Even the most reluctant reader cannot resist a book that is
hilarious. Books that end on a note of despair are not suitable for
this age group. Books should portray the world as a place where, despite
all its serious problems, there is still hope. Fractured fairy tales
are appropriate now. These stories slightly resemble the traditional
tales, but they challenge readers to compare, contrast, and think
while laughing.
FANTASY: This is a world of wonder, and strange powers, where anything
can happen and often does. Books of fantasy are sometimes gentle,
sometimes wild, sometimes humorous, and sometimes deadly serious,
however, at this age be careful that the content is appropriate for
the child's age level.
HISTORICAL FICTION: Facts, date, names and places are usually too
dry for children. However, children do have an interest in the past
when the focus is on people and how they lived. The everyday details
of how adults and children worked, played, dressed, and lived makes
for a compelling story. When history is presented this way, kids can
better connect with the past in significant ways.
MYSTERIES: Mysteries have special page-turner appeal. These books
are built on action and suspense, and less on character development.
They provide a simple plot, familiar characters, and welcome support
to independent reading. Many adult readers acknowledge that this is
where their love affair with books began.
FOLK TALES: Now that children are secure in their understanding of
real and make-believe, they find safe thrills with witches, dragons,
and the unknown. These are the years when tall tales with humorous
exaggeration, fairy tales, and myths are most appealing. Through such
characters children will encounter danger, overcome fear, taste courage,
and triumph over all odds. Try introducing folktales from many countries
and cultures. These stories are not only entertaining, but the different
versions provide opportunities form children to understand how universal
these stories are.
PICTURE BOOKS FOR OLDER CHILDREN: These illustrated storybooks tend
to be longer than most picture books but shorter than novels. It's
not only the length that separates these books, but it's more a matter
of content. These books have more complex stories with a kind of literary
sophistication that is beyond younger children.
POETRY: Until now poetry has probably been limited to listening and
chanting some familiar rhymes. Although they can read it themselves,
poetry still should be enjoyed together. |
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STAND TALL, ABE LINCOLN
written by Judith St. George, illus. by Matt Faulkner, (Philomel
Books, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-399-24174-1), 48p, Ages
7+.
For younger children, this telling is a good insight into the
childhood of one of America's greatest presidents. Born February
12, 1809, into Kentucky backwoods poverty, Abe was a smart child
who loved books but even at a young age, he was expected to
do many chores. At age six, he fetched water, swept out the
fireplace, hoed weeds, and gathered nuts. After his mother died
when he was ten, his father brought home a stepmother, Sally
Bush Johnston, who was a turning point in Abe's life. Sally
understood Abe, and gave him books, encouraged him to return
to school, and saw to it that he had fewer chores. It was under
Sally's tutelage that Abe "gained confidence to take his sense
of fairness, his careful way of thinking, his hatred of cruelty,
and his ability to settle quarrels out into the world". As stepparents
are rarely credited with influencing famous people, much less
the course of a nation, this picture book is a positive influence
for blended families and a good addition for a child's home
library. |
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ORDINARY BASIL: ATTACK OF THE VOLCANO
MONKEYS
written/illus. by Wiley Miller, (Blue Sky Press, $14.99, ISBN
978-0-439-86132-8), 128p, Ages 7-10.
For children who liked the first book, "The Extraordinary Adventures
of Ordinary Basil", this second installment will be enjoyed
even more. The story is set on Monkey Island, which looks like
a lush, tropical island with a volcano in the middle, but in
reality, it is a scientific laboratory with resembling a huge
barge with propellers and rudders to keep it moving. Told in
flashback scenes by Basil, the island is home to a hidden civilization
of intelligent monkeys, which are being trained by the evil
Euric von Röttweil to take over the world. Basil, his friends,
and the leader of the resistance movement help defeat the Monkey
King and his army and return rule to the resistance monkeys.
There are also great themes of showing compassion to one's enemies
and seeking justice not vengeance. As in the previous book,
the mechanical contraptions and inventions are marvelous for
children to behold. Stunning full-color illustrations on every
page make this a wild, exciting page-turner. |
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A VERY IMPROBABLE STORY: A Math Adventure
written by Edward Einhorn, illus., Adam Gustavson, (Charlesbridge
Publishing, HC $16.95, ISBN 978-1-57091-871-1,
PB $7.95, ISBN 978-1-57091-872-4), 32p, Ages 7-10.
What are the odds of awaking with a talking cat on one's head?
One morning Ethan wakes up with Odds attached to his head, and
apparently, the cat won't leave until Ethan wins a game of probability.
With a soccer game imminent, Ethan tries everything to pull
the cat off (cats do not like showers), but nothing works, until
he agrees to pay Odds' game. Ethan tries many probability games:
picking a penny from coins on a high shelf, (he picks a nickel),
picking two matching socks without looking, (he loses), and
picking two white marbles from a stack with his eyes closed
(one was yellow). Finally, Ethan chooses two breakfast cereal
shapes that are the same. Odds leaves and Ethan decides to apply
the lesson to his soccer game. End papers give a history of
two French mathematicians who developed the theory of mathematical
probability in 1654. This is a very improbable story about a
challenging math concept. |
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THE SECRET GARDEN
written by Frances Hodgson Burnett, illus. by Inga Moore, (Candlewick
Press, $21.99, ISBN 978-0-7636-3161-1), 272p, Ages
7+.
Spoiled and selfish ten-year-old Mary Lennox, orphaned when
her parents perish in a cholera outbreak in India, finds herself
a ward of a strange uncle on the Yorkshire moors in England.
Lonely and struggling with her new life at Misselthwaite Manor,
Mary meets her invalid cousin and realizes that he needs encouragement,
and she determines to get him walking again. They discover an
overgrown, hidden garden that begs for tender loving care. As
the garden blooms and changes, so do Mary and Colin, as well
as Mary's emotionally distant uncle. For families who value
the classics and love reading aloud, this story should be in
their home library. |
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MVP*: *Magellan Voyage Project
written by Douglas Evans, (Front Street, $9.95, ISBN 978-1-59078-625-3),
232p, Ages 8-10.
Adam Story, a twelve-year-old computer geek, loner, and palindrome-loving
kid, is challenged to play in an international contest by circling
the world in forty days, without an adult, to win four million
dollars. Recruited by Prince Oh from the kingdom of Babababab
and producer of the MVP, Adam discovers that he is one of twenty-four
entrants competing to win the Great Global Game. Adam meets
all the requirements. "The ideal candidate is someone who has
excellent knowledge of the world, someone who is brave but not
foolhardy, cunning but not cruel, and cuts a unique path without
wandering too far." Adam accepts (mom thinks that he is at summer
camp), is supplied with an unlimited credit card, a cell phone,
and a Global Positioning System tracking unit. There are a number
of rules, danger from capture by one of the twenty-three other
teams, tranquilizer darts, and unscrupulous adults. Adam crosses
paths with another contestant as well as several colorful adults
who are not part of the game. Skypoke Crisp, a fisherman from
Finland, takes Adam into Russia along with second-hand clothes
for Moscow's homeless children. Pap, a ship's cook, allows Adam
passage from Hong Kong to Seattle in return for galley duty.
The dastardly Baron von Sheepsbottom is another ex-royal who
cheats and breaks rules to win. Adam manages to cross all twenty-four
times zones and return to San Francisco with only the clothes
is wearing, but does he win? Part adventure, part intrigue,
part fantasy, and geography lesson, this fast-paced story and
quirky characters make Adam's journey most enjoyable. |
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LADY LIBERTY: A Biography
written by Doreen Rappaport, illus. by Matt Tavares, (Candlewick
Press, $17.99, ISBN 978-0-7636-2530-6), 40p, Ages
6-10.
The origin and development of America's famous national symbol
in New York Harbor is told from various viewpoints of historical
figures that were responsible for its creation, design, and
completion over a twenty-year period. In 1865, Professor of
law, Édouard De Laboulaye tells of his dream of erecting a monument
to commemorate the American Revolution and to celebrate the
friendship between France and the United States. Ten years later,
Sculptor, Auguste Bartholdi discusses the various models used,
from clay, wood, and plaster to copper shells. It took another
eleven years to design the copper sheeting and engineer the
internal steel structure of this hundred-foot structure. Publisher,
Joseph Pulitzer, tells of the lack of enthusiasm from New Yorkers
for the project and campaigns for funds. When funds come in,
Pulitzer publishes the donor names and their amounts in his
newspaper. Endpapers contain information on the statue's dimensions,
important events in chronological order, author and illustrator
notes, and selected sources. This historical account of the
fervor and ingenuity of many individuals who took part in creating,
designing, and completing a wonderful project, plus stunning
illustrations work well to make a rewarding experience for those
who read the book. |
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THE ADVENTURES OF SIR LANCELOT THE
GREAT
written by Gerald Morris, illus. by Aaron Renier, (Houghton
Mifflin Co., $15.00, ISBN 978-0-618-77714-3), 96p,
Ages 6-10.
Of all the knights in Arthurian England, "there was none so
fearless, so chivalrous, so honorable, so . . . shiny as the
dashing Sir Lancelot." In nine chapters, the humorous adventures
of Lancelot the Great surround his obsession with sparkling,
spotless armor, his capture by a jealous knight, his subsequent
escape using acorns, his abduction by four queens, and more.
Weary from confrontations, he retires and becomes a hermit,
only to return to save Queen Guinevere's honor. Lancelot ultimately
learns that tournaments and shinning armor are for other knights;
plain armor will do, as long as he can defend the helpless and
protect the weak. Oh yes, and take an afternoon nap. This is
a good book for reluctant readers and a great read-aloud. |
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CHICKEN FEATHERS
written by Joy Cowley, illus. by David Elliot, (Philomel Books,
$15.99, ISBN 978-0-399-24791-0), 160p, Ages 9-11.
When dozens of eggs on the Miller's hillside farm go missing
each day, young Josh suspects that it's the work of a crafty
fox. According to his talking pet hen, Semolina, the fox is
using extortion to force the hens into giving away their eggs.
Neither Josh's father or grandmother, who is helping out while
his mom in is the hospital awaiting the birth of a baby, believe
that Semolina can talk, much less help herself to grandma's "brown
water" brew. However, using Semolina's instructions, Josh locates
and closes the hole where the fox snuck into the hen house.
When Semolina is attacked and carried off by the fox, friends
and family rally around Josh in sympathy for the loss of his
beloved pet. Discover how one sassy-talking, liquor-sampling
hen manages to outwit the fox and wind her way into everyone's
heart. This warm and touching tale is also a great read-aloud
for the whole family. |
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THE PENDERWICKS ON GARDAM STREET
written by Jeanne Birdsall, (Alfred A. Knopf, $15.99, ISBN
978-0-375-849090-6), 320p, Ages 9-12.
This charming sequel to The Penderwicks returns readers
to the Cameron, Massachusetts home of four sisters and their
professor father. Rosalind, the romantic twelve-year-old, Skye,
the temperamental eleven-year-old, Jane, the dramatic ten-year-old,
and Batty, the incorrigible four-year-old learn that their deceased
mother left a letter for their father about dating. When Aunt
Clair recruits bind dates, the four hold an emergency MOPS (Meeting
of Penderwick Sisters) to discuss the situation and hatch a
Save-Daddy plan, which involves finding perfectly horrible women
for their dad. Even Batty contributes to the scheme, when she
and Hound stow away in the backseat of dad's car to spy on his
newest date. Professor Penderwick even decides to make up fictitious
dates to placate everyone. So caught up in the plan to save
their dad, the girls overlook a new widowed neighbor and her
toddler son, who are the perfect solution to the dating dilemma.
Adding to this humorous drama, Rosalind struggles with her feelings
for a neighborhood boy. Skye and Jane switch homework assignments,
which lead to a performance of Jane's Aztec play starring a
terrified Skye. When the truth becomes known, hearts are mended,
actions are forgiven, and the Penderwick family honor is restored.
Humorous situations and tender moments abound leaving readers
longing for more. |
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THE DRAGON IN THE SOCK DRAWER
written by Kate Klimo, illus. by John Shroades, (Random House,
$14.99, ISBN 978-0-375-85587-0), 176p, Ages 8-12.
"The world is talking to us. Everything in it has a story to
tell. All we have to do is sit quietly and listen. This story
begins with a rock . . ." During their summer vacation, ten-year-old
cousins, Jesse and Daisy, discover what they think is a thunder
egg or geode. When the egg suddenly hatches and a very loud,
green baby dragon emerges, they assume responsibility of raising
Emmy. An internet search leads them to "foundadragon.org," which
explains that they are now "Dragon Keepers" and must protect
Emmy from a centuries old legend, Saint George. This black-cloaked
stranger stays alive by drinking the blood of dragons, and he
desperately searches for Emmy. The loveable dragon has a mind
of his own and thwarts Saint George in a very unexpected way.
Children will look forward to the next installment. |
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PADDINGTON HERE AND NOW
written by Michael Bond, illus. by R. W. Alley, (HarperCollins
Publishers, $15.99, ISBN 978-0-06-147364-7), 176p,
Ages 8-12.
After a thirty-year break, Paddington Bear returns in a series
of humorous adventures about an accident-prone, extremely polite,
and hopelessly optimistic small bear. Born in Darkest Peru,
Paddington now lives at number thirty-two Windsor Gardens with
the Browns, who found him on a railway platform and took him
home. As Paddington would explain, "Things happen to me: I'm
that sort of Bear." In seven chapters, Paddington's adventures
involve losing his shopping cart on wheels and a mix-up at the
police station, which almost lands him in jail. He accidentally
locks a crabby neighbor out of his house on Halloween. Paddington
finds himself on stage at a concert because a promoter mistakenly
believes that he is a concert pianist, and a telemarketer misinterprets
Paddington's responses to his questions, which makes for exciting
news in a local paper. Since his first adventure in A Bear
Called Paddington, this marmalade-loving little bear with
a heart of gold has entertained children for fifty years. The
gentle humor, double meanings, and clever wordplay will have
fans clamoring for more Paddington adventures. |
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KENNY AND THE DRAGON
written/illus. by Tony DiTerlizzi, (Simon & Schuster, $15.99,
ISBN 978-1-4169-3977-1), 112p, Ages 8-12.
Reminiscent of The Reluctant Dragon, a curious, well-read
rabbit named Kenny, a cultured, crème brûlée-loving dragon named
Grahame, and a bookstore owner/retired dragon slayer, George,
devise a plan to prevent Grahame from being killed. When they
first meet, Kenny is initially wary of Grahame, but he soon
realizes that the peace-loving dragon would never think of eating
anyone. As their friendship grows, Kenny introduces Grahame
to another friend, George, who has been selected by the King
to slay the monster. With their shared love of books, the three
plot to trick the townspeople and king into viewing a fake battle
to end all battles. With the themes of friendship, not judging
others, and doing the right thing, Tony DeTerlizzi has created
charming characters that children will love and desire to read
more about. |
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SNAKE AND LIZARD
written by Joy Cowley, illus. by Gavin Bishop, (Kane/Miller
Book Publishers, $14.95, ISBN 978-1-933605-83-8), 94p,
Ages 8+.
Originally published in New Zealand, the adventures of two unlikely
friends surround their personalities, differences, moods, perspectives,
lifestyles, and eating habits. Snake is self-centered and aggressive.
Lizard is exuberant and friendly. Even though they disagree,
argue, and complain, a long-lasting friendship is developed,
and they become inseparable companions. "You're my dearest friend,
Lizard. You have first call on my time. When you need help,
just let me know." The two friends go into a helping business
and take payment for services rendered in beetles, flies, and
quail's eggs. They help a skunk cross the "River of Death" (a
busy highway), advise a jittery mouse to move home with relatives
due to her fear of snakes (Lizard's advice), and counsel a rabbit
on how to evict a pesky tortoise from his burrow. With subtle
humor, fifteen simple and touching tales mirror a bit of human
life. Bishop's colorful illustrations are a wonderful addition
to a great first chapter book. |
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TOY DANCE PARTY: Being the Further
Adventures of a Bossyboots Stingray, a Courageous Buffalo, &
a Hopeful Round Someone Called Plastic
written by Emily Jenkins, illus. by Paul O. Zelinsky, written
by Emily Jenkins, illus. by Paul O. Zelinsky, (Schwartz & Wade
Books, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-375-83935-1), 176p, Ages
6-10.
The lovable toys from Toys Go Out are back in six new
escapades and adventures. Stingray and Plastic join together
to brave a snowstorm and rescue Lumphy, who has ventured out
in search of their owner, a little girl named Honey. They save
the toy mice from the vacuum cleaner, and they have an all out
dance party in the basement with Frank, the singing washing
machine. Dryer needs repair and is grumpy. A new character is
introduced, garbage-eating Shark, and together with Sheep they
start the Chewing Society of North America. With their little
girl growing up and preferring Barbies, the toys feel neglected.
When they deliberately create a nail polish mess, Honey takes
the blame, and they realize that she truly loves them. "I know
I haven't played with you much lately. . . but I love you. And
I will always keep you." Their adventures, human-like emotions,
and faithful friendship make this first chapter book a great
read-aloud. |
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MADAME PAMPLEMOUSSE AND HER INCREDIBLE
EDIBLES
written by Rupert Kingfisher, illus. by Sue Hellard, (Bloomsbury
Children's Books, $15.99, ISBN 0978-1-59990-306-4), 96p,
Ages 8-12.
Once upon a time, there was a young girl, who spent each summer
working in her uncle's Paris restaurant, the Squealing Pig.
Young Madeleine was an excellent cook, but her jealous Uncle
Lard relegated her to the kitchen for clean-up duty. One day
while on an errand to purchase Mixed Innards Pâté, she discovers
a strange shop, Edibles, where two unusual chefs, Madame Pamplemousse
and her white cat, prepare mysterious, rare, and exotic delicacies.
One delicacy in particular is sold in a tiny jar with nothing
written on the label. "The label is blank and the ingredients
are a secret, since it is the single most delicious, the most
extraordinary, the most incredible-tasting edible of them all."
It is in Edibles that Madeleine finds comfort, companionship,
and creativity. Together they use a bit of culinary magic to
prevent Madeleine's uncle from stealing Madame Pamplemousse's
valuable recipes. The pen and ink illustrations are marvelous.
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A BEAR CALLED PADDINGTON: 50th Anniversary
Edition
written by Michael Bond, illus. by Peggy Fortnum, (Houghton
Mifflin Harcourt, $18.00, ISBN 978-0-547-13351-5), 144p,
Ages 9-12.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of one of the great stories
in children's literature, this enduring tale of a small, marmalade-loving
bear from darkest Peru has been reissued with full color illustrations
for another generation to enjoy. Found in London's famous Paddington
Station by the Brown family, Paddington takes up residence at
number thirty-two Windsor Gardens, learns about manners and
etiquette, develops a taste for sticky cream buns, makes new
friends, and adjusts to British life. In a series of messes,
mishaps and misunderstandings, Paddington encounters bathtubs,
escalators, department store windows, a trip to the beach, and
the theater. Stumbling from one hilarious escapade to another,
Paddington always maintains a strong sense of right and wrong
and defends those who he feels are being mistreated. This humorous
tale should be on every list of children's literature to read
aloud as well as read. |
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THE SNOW QUEEN
written by Hans Christian Andersen, Adapted by Naomi Lewis,
illus. by Christian Birmingham, (Candlewick Press, $16.99, ISBN
978-0-7636-3229-8), 64p, Ages 6-10.
"Once there was a wicked imp-he was the devil himself-who had
made a magic mirror with a special power: everything good and
beautiful that was reflected in it shriveled up to nothing,
but everything evil and ugly seemed even larger and more hideous
than it was." When the mirror splinters into millions of pieces,
two pieces enter the heart and eye of a small boy. Lured from
his home by the wicked Snow Queen, Kay goes willingly, but his
childhood friend, Gerda, begins to search for him. On the way,
she encounters sympathetic animals and humans, who are touched
by her innocence and purity and show her the way to the Snow
Queen's palace. With angels for protection, Gerda recites her
evening prayers, finds a cold and lonely Kay in the palace,
and frees him from the evil spell. Written around 1845, this
Danish fairy tale is one of the most popular of Han Christian
Andersen's stories of good triumphing over evil. (Ages 6-10).
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