Friday’s Five: Favorite Authors’ Newest #Cybils Nominated Books

We live in a fairly small house, especially considering that there are five of us in the family. During the times that I’ve served on a judging panel for the Cybils Awards, I’ve had to make some changes to our regular setup to provide space for all the picture books that come in day after day from the library. Right now, the alphabetized pile of books sits under a side table in our dining room, 100+books deep!

This week, I’m opting to share five nominated picture books written and illustrated by some of my personal favorites. You’ll surely recognize the names here, and if you didn’t realize that these talented authors and illustrators had new books published in the last year, then hopefully you’ll be heading to your own library soon, too.

1. Again! by Emily Gravett — I’ve long loved Gravett‘s cleverness with picture books, for there’s always a unique feel to her work. In this one, the request for a beloved bedtime story to be repeated again and again leaves Cedric the dragon’s mother feeling exhausted, and with each telling, she shortens or adapts the story in a way that I’m sure will make many parents smile with understanding. Cedric, however, is not so much a fan of the quicker versions, and he begins to heat up. Literally. Kids absolutely LOVE the surprise ending that leaves the back cover a bit different than most books!

2. Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld — When I see either of these names on a picture book, I’m delighted, but when they work together, it’s picture book perfection. Most everyone knows Duck! Rabbit!, but I think my favorite of theirs might be the lesser known The OK Book, both funny and innovative picture books. Her words and his illustrations are a match made in heaven. With their newest collaboration, they actually make punctuation fun, and especially young elementary school aged children will giggle along at all the puns and plays on words. Somehow Lichtenheld has brought whimsy to simple illustrations– swipes of black on a background of children’s lined writing paper actually convey emotions and are entirely engaging. Totally fun all around!

3. Crankee Doodle by Tom Angleberger and illustrated by Cece Bell — If you’ve got a reader in the 8-12 age range, then you’ve likely heard of Angleberger’s Origami Yoda series, and I can’t tell you how happy I am that he has brought his wacky sense of humor to picture book audiences. Some children today might need a little introduction to the traditional song “Yankee Doodle” in order to fully understand the jokes in the book, but once you’re familiar with that silly song (“call it macaroni”??), then this take on an irritated version of Mr. Doodle will surely hit the right note. Oh the fun that can be had with this one on a read aloud.

4. Cheetah Can’t Lose by Bob Shea — There’s no way to pick a favorite Shea book, for his collection is huge and much loved by young children. In this book that was released last February, two little kittens are preparing for a race with Cheetah, even though Cheetah has an established record of never losing a race. But, the kitties have a plan and they sneakily give Cheetah lots of “prizes” for the mild competitions that precede the big race that actually end up slowing him down. Will the kitties have a change of heart when it comes to breaking the news to Cheetah that he can indeed lose?

5. Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great by Bob Shea — Don’t worry, you didn’t read that wrong, it is indeed another book by Bob Shea! Two books in one year, and two really quite funny ones at that. Here, Goat laments how the arrival of Unicorn in his neighborhood has made him feel not so cool, for when he compares himself to the awesomeness of the unicorn, he feels that he falls short. While he’s busy being resentful, Unicorn actually approaches him, drawn by the delicious smell of his goat-cheese pizza, and quickly Goat discovers that it’s not that easy being Unicorn either. This one is definitely a different take on the “grass is greener” concept, and presents a whimsical tale of an unlikely friendship.

If you’re looking to read through the nominations like me, check out the entire list of nominated picture books. You, too, can have your home overtaken with library books! (Or you could be a reasonable person and just check out twenty or so at a time. It’s up to you.)

All opinions offered here are mine alone, and do not represent the Cybils Awards.

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