Because the process of coming up with finalist lists is collaborative, every year panelists have ones that they’re passionate about, but just don’t quite make the cut. Having been one of those panelists many times, I understand the pain of having a really good book not quite make it. Which is why we have this post! It’s a chance to …
#Cybils2022 Book Lists: Knights and Dragons
There aren’t as many books about dragons and knights this year as in the past, but there was one that captured my fancy (and the fancy of all the booksellers at the store I work): Knight Owl. So I was quite tickled when it made the fiction picture book finalist list. I am not above admitting that I’ve created this …
#CybilsAwards Book Lists: Celebrating Religion and Faith
A Happy Christmas to all those who celebrate today! As a nod to the holiday, and to be more inclusive, I thought we’d celebrate all the books that embrace religion and faith – no matter what it is – in some way. Enjoy this! Piece by Piece: The Story of Nisrin’s Hijabby Priya Huq Harry N Abrams Huda …
#CybilsAwards Book List: Bird Books
As a bookseller, I (sometimes) notice trends in children’s books, and this year it has seemed to me that there have been a LOT of birding books. (This is not just in kids books; we have a TON of bird books for adults too!) I don’t know if it was the pandemic that made everyone interested in birds and birding, …
WATERCRESS by Andrea Wang #CYBILS 📚🎶
WATERCRESS by Andrea Wang illustrated by Jason Chin Neal Porter Books Winner – Fiction Picture Book 2021 CYBILS Awards The Book Fiction Picture Book Culture & Tradition, Family, Realistic Fiction, Social Issues Watercress is a beautiful lyrical story that transports your mind and heart through words and images. It incorporates a universal childhood desire to fit in while at the …
#CybilsAwards Booklist: Libraries
I am a sucker for books about books and libraries, and there’s quite a handful this year. Though, it seems like it leans younger this year – not too many books for middle grade and YA books about libraries. What we need are more adventures in enchanted libraries out there. Get to work, publishers and authors! Until then, enjoy these! …
#CybilsAwards Book Lists: Classic Tales Retold
In my searching through the nominations/submissions, looking for theme ideas, I noticed that there were a lot of books this year that were retelling or expanding upon classic stories. There are some really fun retellings on this list. Enjoy! Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix by Anna-Marie McLemore Feiwel & Friends Travelers Along the Way: A Robin Hood Remix by …
EVERYWHERE BLUE by Joanne Rossmassler Fritz #CYBILS 📚🎶
Right after we launched our book playlist feature, Joanne Rossmassler Fritz contacted us to share the Spotify playlist her son created for her book EVERYWHERE BLUE. Riya describes it as “stunning.” EVERYWHERE BLUE By Joanne Rossmassler Fritz Holiday House Winner – Poetry 2021 CYBILS Awards The Book Young Adult Climate Change, Family, Growing Up, Mental Health, Music, Mystery, Realistic Fiction …
#CybilsAwards Book Lists: Moon and Sky
I’m a bit late for the eclipse that happened back in October, or even the full moon this month, but I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to highlight the moon (and sky) books! I got pretty literal with this list: if “moon” or “sky” was in the title, it went on the list. Moonlight Prance by Serena Gingold Allen, illustrated …
#CybilsAwards Book Lists: Indigenous Voices
It’s Native American Heritage Month, and like last year we want to celebrate the Native Voices books that were nominated or submitted this year. It’s a good list. Enjoy! Powwow Day by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight Charlesbridge Berry Song by Michaela Goade Little, Brown Books for Young Readers Sky Wolf’s Call: The Gift of Indigenous Knowledge by Eldon …