This month, we feature a few award-winning titles from the good people at Powell's Books. There is no shortage of book awards given every year, but these are the absolute best of the bunch. If you haven't discovered these fabulous books, run to your nearest library or bookstore!
There Is a Bird on Your Head
by Mo Willems
The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, given annually to the best beginning-reader book, went this year to the much-deserved There Is a Bird on Your Head! from the popular Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems, featuring an optimistic (and sometimes reckless) pig and a cautious, pessimistic elephant. Filled with charming illustrations, a wicked sense of humor, and an endearing tale of friendship, this book is a "winner" for any young one.
Thank you, Bear
by Greg Foley
The Charlotte Zolotow Award is given annually for outstanding writing in a picture book and this year's winner is Thank You, Bear. Greg Foley uses simple text to appeal to the youngest readers and his ability to navigate the emotional terrain of a three-to- seven-year-old is astounding. Bear feels sad when others are unenthusiastic or even critical about the box he found. All is forgotten when Bear's friend, Mouse, thinks the box is "the greatest thing ever!" A sweet lap book to read to your little one.
Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad
by Ellen Levine, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
This year's Caldecott Honor Books are all wonderful, but this one stands out. Inspired by an antique lithograph, Kadir Nelson has created dramatically luminous illustrations that portray Henry "Box" Brown's ingenious design to ship himself, in a box, from slavery to freedom. A wonderful book to illustrate the power of hope and to open a dialogue about an important time in American History.
