Monday Books | #CYBILS2023 Reviews 2.5.2024

Lions and tigers and cats, oh my. Sorry, we couldn’t resist. But it’s true. Today’s roundup has those three creatures. But there’s more! This list of 2023-nominated books includes  include stories of family, friendship, feelings, and, well … see for yourself. And have a FANTASTIC Monday. Book cover and summary excerpt from Goodreads. Click to see more details and reviews. …

Monday Books | #CYBILS2023 Reviews 01.29.2024

This week? Books for all your senses. With a nod to nature: a textured board book (watch out for the cactus) to things we cannot see (hold onto your hat, there’s a breeze today) to where colors come from! And a nod to creativity, ingenuity, and family: There are makers and artists, a party planner, birthdays to celebrate, and some …

Monday Books | #CYBILS2023 Reviews 01.22.2024

What do we have this Monday? Lots of questions, mistaken identities, extraordinary animal award winners, an enchanted forest, a tall tale, and oh, a skunk for Valentines Day! Summary excerpted from Goodreads. Click book cover to see full summary and more reviews. Board Book Brooke @ Goodreads – A board book introduction to space that has a simple section (which rhymes) …

Monday Books | #CYBILS2023 Reviews 01.15.2024

Without really intending to, we’re shooting for the stars with today’s selection of featured reviews. From the literal making of stars to wishing upon a star to (kidlit) star power, we explore the concept in all its brilliance! Summaries excerpted from Goodreads. Click the cover to see full descriptions. EARLY CHAPTER BOOK The Mountain Bookie @ Goodreads – This book …

Monday Books | #CYBILS2023 Reviews 1.8.24

It’s time to get back to the books … the #CYBILS2023 books, that is. We’ve introduced the finalists for each of the categories. Truth is, they are a small portion of the books that readers nominated and believe are CYBILS worthy. So we’re going to keep going. If a reader nominated it and a (round 1) judge wrote a review, …

CYBILS 2023 Nonfiction Finalists

ELEMENTARY Glitter Everywhere!: Where it Came From, Where It’s Found & Where It’s GoingChris Barton, Chris, illustrated by Chaaya PrabhatCharlesbridgeNominated by: Gary Anderson Strong opinions about glitter are common, but whether you love it or hate it, this book is a fascinating look at the history and science of all things sparkly! Readers will learn what iridescence is, how it …

CYBILS 2023 Graphic Novel Finalists

ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE-GRADE A First Time for EverythingDan SantatFirst Second BooksNominated by: Maria Marshall In this humorous and heart-warming middle-grade graphic memoir, Dan Santat recounts the life-changing “firsts” of his middle school life: first time being ridiculed, first party, first school trip to Europe, first Fanta, and of course, first love. It is impossible not to get swept into Dan’s story, and …

CYBILS 2023 Speculative Fiction Finalists

ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE GRADE FINALISTS Conjure IslandEden RoyceWalden Pond PressNominated by: Amber Delphinia Baker is happy with her life, living with her grandmother and her dad who is deployed, moving often from military base to military base, but when her grandmother falls ill, Del finds herself in a place she never thought she’d be – at a magic school run by her …

See Me Read! | #CYBILS2023 Book Reviews 12.28.2023

Today’s featured books draw on classic styles of storytelling. They meet young audience not just where they are as readers, but also offer them choice in the kinds of stories they want to read. One of our judges likened Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories to Winnie the Pooh and Frog and Toad. Classic stories from our youth …

Wee Ones Wednesday | #CYBILS2023 Book Reviews 12.27.2023

Hint: According to our reviewers, young kiddos are going to be captivated by – and draw a lot from – the illustrations in these two picture books. Be prepared to read these again and again, as these books will engage young readers in similar, yet unique ways.  Firehouse Rainbow explores colors, but it also gives young readers a day-in-the-life look at …