First off, congrats! We were all quite excited that The Family Romanov won. Can you tell us a bit about how you came up with the idea for this book? CF: Thanks for the congrats, Melissa. I’m completely thrilled about The Family Romanov’s Cybils win. I’m also thrilled to be here talking about the book. To explain where the idea …
List Fun: Fun and Funny Fantasy Read Alouds for the Whole Family
Family story time is a special time and if, like me, you have a wide span of years between your kids, finding a book that will satisfy all those young minds and hearts can be a challenge. Here are some books that combine fun adventure and humor sure to appeal and entertain everyone from the youngest kids able to listen …
We Need YOUR Help
Hopefully, you’ve been enjoying the interviews with the winners (I know I have!) and looking over our themed lists as they’ve gone up this past month. We have a lot more in store for you this summer… but we are also looking for participants! If you would like to be a part of the Cybils blog, we are looking for …
Interview with Cece Bell
First off, congrats! El Deafo is a fantastic graphic novel. Can you tell us a bit about how this book came to be? CB: Thanks so much. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the book! And let me give you a big thank-you for this award. It means a LOT to me. I’ve been off Twitter for a while and have …
List Fun: Kid-Friendly Biographies
As a panelist, we always discuss all books on their merits both literary and kid appeal. Sometimes, librarians find picture book biographies to be a tough sell. Not me! I am fortunate in my school to have the opportunity to collaborate with some amazing classroom, special education, and special area teachers. The third grade team at my school has created …
Interview with Maxwell Eaton III
First off, congratulations! Okay, Andy! is an adorable book. How did you come up with the idea for it? ME: Thanks so much! About four years ago I sketched a 32 page picture book about a slightly menacing curmudgeon of an alligator named Andy and an irrepressible raccoon of the same name. I loved the characters but the book was …
List Fun: Read Aloud Fiction Picture Books
Whether you’re snuggled up with your own kids, or you’re seated in the “teacher chair” for a group story time, if you want a lively read aloud experience, you look for picture books that encourage children to think, to notice, and, quite often, to laugh. Here are book suggestions from the Cybils archives. Too Many Toys written and illustrated by David …
Interview with Melissa Stewart and Sarah Brannen
First off, congrats! We were all very excited Feathers won. Can you tell us a bit about how you came up with the idea for this book? MS: Thanks so much! Sarah and I were thrilled to hear that our book had won. While I was doing research for another book, I stumbled across an article in Birder’s World (now …
List Fun: Robot Stories for Elementary Readers
Robots are a perennially popular topic among books nominated for the Cybils. Here are some favorites from seasons past. Boy and Bot by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino Nominee, Fiction Picture Books, 2012 When a boy’s new robot friend falls down and bumps his power switch, the boy brings him home to nurse him back to health, only to …
Interview with Chris Haughton
First off, congrats! We adored Shh! We Have a Plan! Can you tell us a bit about how you came up with the idea for the book? CH: Thanks so much! In all my books I try to think of a sort of theatrical ‘pantomime’ effect when you turn the page. It’s fun to read aloud. In this book I …