Award Season on the Horizon: Nerdy Book Club

Within a few days the Cybils Awards will be announcing the finalists in all categories, including FICTION PICTURE BOOKS. Participating as a first round panelist has been a privilege and honor, as well as a remarkable learning experience. 

The only negative aspect of serving as a judge was knowing that SO MANY books deserved recognition, but only a few could move ahead to the finals. After the announcement at the first of the year I'll resume posting my own notes about many of those outstanding titles that I read, enjoyed, and highly recommend. For now, though, I'm excited to see so many of my favorite titles making an appearance on other lists. 

I'm particularly excited to share award winning titles from a source I find easy to recommend, for two reasons. First, each category includes multiple titles, not a single winner and a narrow field of finalists. Second, the top titles represent the favorites of teachers, librarians, readers, parents, authors, and others involved in using books with young readers. It's a win-win list, since the selections are undisputed in terms of their value and appeal, so there are no losers among them. 

Here are links to the 2015 NERDY BOOK CLUB lists in two categories of picture books: fiction and nonfiction.  In each case the lists are long, but overflowing with excellence.
The first is fiction, and I'm thrilled to see that every title included was among those at the very top of my lengthy "best of" lists before narrowing to the final cut. Take time to click and explore these amazing and wonderful offerings, please.

THE 2015 NERDIES: FICTION PICTURE BOOK WINNERS ANNOUNCED BY TERI LESESNE AND DONALYN MILLER.

Then move on to explore the remarkable titles recommended in the nonfiction category. Most of these I've also read, but I look forward to giving them closer scrutiny now that my responsibilities in round one of the CYBILS Awards are over. 

THE 2015 NERDIES: NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK WINNERS ANNOUNCED BY KAREN TERLECKY.

One reason I sometimes pass on review-requests for this blog is that not every book will appeal to me, and some may not rise to a level that, in my humble opinion, merits the strongest recommendations. And yet I firmly believe that ANY given book, even one that may never be considered for any awards, might turn out to be the exact right book for a particular child on a particular day. Not because of its literary merit, visual quality, design elements, or any other objective criteria. 
Perhaps the odd-looking pup featured has the very same name and color as the child's dog who was recently "put to sleep". Or the story involves a situation that somehow speaks to the young reader's own experiences. Maybe it is just the sparkle in the cover art, or a reference to bodily functions. If, for whatever reason, a book tugs at a reader's heartstrings I never want a post or review of mine to suggest it has no value.  

On the other hand, books found on these two award lists have made their way there for the very reason that readers have consistently found them to be "that book", have recognized in them something that speaks to their hearts and minds. I'm convinced they will do the same for you and the readers in your lives. 
Pass it on.

Back-To-School- Alphabetically

Let's start out easy- as easy as A-B-C.

I'll say "Chicka Chicka" you say...

"Boom Boom" of course! Everybody knows that!

I have no doubt there are some kids (and teachers/caregivers) who can start with
"A told B and B told C, 'I'll meet you at the top of the coconut tree.'"
then recite every word of the remaining text as readily as they could sing the traditional ABC song.

That's because alphabet books, like so many quality picture books, have power. Many alphabet books are  varied, appealing, rich, informative, entertaining, stimulating, and downright beautiful. And the best not only survive repeated readings, they invite it. What better time than back to school to tout the use of some of the best, aiming for every age.

BeachLane Books, 2000

CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert, is a must for any pre-readers or emerging readers. The driving rhythm, natural rhymes, colorful pages, humor, and readily available musical renditions will give anyone an earworm, which is precisely the point with young learners.

The many related "chicka-books" will be devoured by established fans, too.

Puffin, reprint 1999

ALPHABET CITY by Stephen T. Johnson has stood the test of time with readers of all ages. A Caldecott honor book, the illustrated images so closely resemble scenes from natural and urban settings that anyone would have to look repeatedly to be convinced that these are illustrations rather than photographs. The concept is addictive, too. Readers will be on the lookout for letters of the alphabet everywhere in the environment. A good thing, yes?

Alfred A Knopf, Random House

Traveling all the way back to 1968 is worth the trip to read and share THE ALPHABET TREE by Leo Lionni. On the simplest level it makes a fun caparison to Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, with the letters living in a tree. It also bears comparison to Lionni's Swimmy, reflecting one wise little leader suggesting the strength of banding together to resist attacks (from feeder fish, or in this case, strong winds.)
This is a wonderful "next step" of letter understanding, that letters combine to make words, and words combine to make sentences. In its unexpected conclusion (especially when considering the intensity of the cold war in 1968)  the words combine in a sentence of REAL importance: Peace on Earth and good will toward all men.

Scholastic, 2002

ALPHABET UNDER CONSTRUCTION by Denise Fleming incorporates Fleming's characteristically intense colorful and creative illustrations. It also manages to focus on verbs rather than the more typical nouns or adjectives selected to illustrate each letter.
I can't help but think of how well this creative and busy little mouse would fit in with the kids in Liz Garton Scanlon's recent book on making art, THINK BIG.

Scholastic, 2011

For older audiences alphabet books are an accessible format for informational text, the non-fiction reading that comprises so much of Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Just a few of the many available examples that fit well in literary and content area instruction include:
BUGS A TO Z by Caroline Lawton,  GONE WILD: AN ENDANGERED ANIMAL ALPHABET by David McLimans, and V IS FOR VANISHING: An Alphabet of Endangered Animals by Patricia Mullins

Walker Publishing, 2006

In each case these books provide a combination of intriguing and informative illustrations or photographs, accurate terminology, multi-leveled text demands, scientific terminology, back matter, and text elements such as an index or glossary.

Margaret Hamilton Books, 1993

These examples barely scratch the surface of non-fiction informational text presented in the format of an alphabet book. When attempting to introduce topics, gather reference resources, develop vocabulary, share accurate images and scientific drawings, why not examine quality  alphabet books before racing to a google search?

Harper Collins Publishers, 1963

Since this year is  the 50th anniversary of Harold and the Purple Crayon, let's not forget HAROLD'S ABC by Crockett Johnson, which was published the next year, 1963. Timelessness is a quality nearly impossible to define, but easily recognized. Toddlers to teens find Harold's creativity fascinating and funny, but never forgettable.

Timeless is a well-deserved description for this 2012 release,  Z IS FOR MOOSE by Kelly Bingham, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. I posted a review of this book and an interview with it's creators when it released earlier this year. This is a perfect back to school book on so many levels: organizing, taking turns, cooperation, frustration, personality patterns, and friendships.  Oh, and alphabet and humor, too.



If you're planning which books to feature in the first weeks of school, alphabet books and otherwise, check out Colby Sharp's Nerdy Book Club blog post. You have until August 31 to submit a picture of yourself with a favorite "back-to-school" feature book.  Then check their site on Labor Day to view a video of "first book" photos. I'll be watching to see if any of these titles turn up!