These are fascinating books, but the ads about writing between EVERY book was extremely distracting. It's an article, for heaven's sake; treat it as such.
60
So beautiful; the illustrations make this reader want to share these, not only with friends with children, but also those with a taste for the original and unique.
Halloween has come and gone, and a treat was enjoying Edward Gorey's small illustrated gem of a flip-flop book on the above. He would have understood the craft and magic it takes these illustrators to help children of all ages, learn that while life may be complex at times, there is always a note of hope to be found in one's path.
To our Birds of Paradise with colorful edges to their wings, inspired to give us some joy.
6
Such lovely books! I’d also suggest this exquisitely illustrated book: Grandad Mandela.
Written by Ambassador Zindzi Mandela with Zazi & Ziwelene and illustrated by Sean Qualls.
7
Go Covell!!
1
I take just as much pleasure in reading a beautiful children's book to my middle school students as I do a novel. In years gone by, even grade 12s appreciated them. What a rich experience for all of us. This selection looks just as promising.
14
What wonderful moments I just spent reading this list and admiring the art. I doubt many would admit it, but I want some of them for myself. To view the world as a child can is a respite that I find invigorates the mind and softens the heart.
51
Such beautiful themes and illustrations.
2
Laurie Hernandez's new book, She Got This, should be included. An inspirational read for little girls. Love it!!
10
How did you miss Mighty Moby, illustrated by the legendary Ed Young? He is far and away beyond any of the ones you've chosen.
2
For my son, No More Noisy Nights and Digger and the Flower were the best books of the year.
2
This list is amazing. For children of any age, book illustrations are really their first exposure to art of any kind. The illustrations in these books enhance the text and would certainly inspire a child to make art.
7
I would add Jennifer Sattler's book "Bully". Beautiful and expressive.
12
Check out “Too Many Tails” by Dr Peter Swartz
6
A wonderful selection. I also love A Moon for Moe and Mo by Jane Breskin Zalben, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini.
5
These are lovely! Thanks for the suggestions. I'd add "Hector the Collector" to the list. A favorite from this year for sure.
7
This is so delightful. Thank you!
2
Delightful. The best part of reading books to your young ones is often savoring the great design and art in between the covers. It isn't always about the story alone. Brilliant illustrations equally captures the imagination and attention of us all.
9
I want to buy them all!!
5
Kudos for this but I agree that it would be very helpful to know appropriate age range for each one.
13
Thank you.
2
Very pleased to see Yuyi Morales top your list. While working as a public school librarian in an urban Mexican-American school district, I always enjoyed sharing her books with my elementary students. My personal favorite was Just a Minute which I read aloud every Día de los Muertos. Even my jaded fifth grades enjoyed shouting "Just a minute, Señor Calavera!" and counting in Spanish and English as Grandma Beetle foiled Señor Calavera's attempts to "take" her with him.
I was fortunate to speak with Ms. Morales briefly after it was published at a Texas librarian conference. She was seated in the exhibit hall at a table and there no large crowds then. She was very gracious. Her work is deserving of the national recognition and awards it has received since my brief encounter with her all those years ago. I hope she continues to achieve success writing and illustrating such clever and creative books that portray the Mexican culture in such a positive light.
36
Thank you Holiday shopping list just completed! All children love a beautifully illustrated books opening the imagination to the world of all kind of possibilities.
5
@ Yuyi Morales (if you are reading this)
I'm thrilled to see your work included in this list! It's Abby, your old neighbor from Maybelle Drive.
34
Kudos to the judges. Looking at every illustrated children's book that came out in a year must have been a full-time job in itself. It's a lovely job but hard to choose amongst so much beautiful art.
30
I taught high school art for 30+ years. Teaching illustration was part of that job. Airbrush, watercolor, acrylic, pen and ink, colored pencil, plan old Ticonderoga #2 and just about any thing that would take the student to where they wanted to go. Illustrated children's books were a mainstay for a certain population of students. I still have autographed copies of their final products.
I see in the imagery from your article what I was seeing 30 years ago. I hope one day one of those artists shows up on your list. Be watching for them. They range in age from 28 to 58. I have a deal with them: The first million they make is their's free and clear, after that they must send 10% to me. Cashier's checks are preferable if any of you have already made the big time.
37
I always love your reviews of books for children as well as samples of illustrations and info on the artists.
One Request:
Please, oh please, include appropriate ages young readers.
71
Such brilliant, wonderfully inventive work.
25
Would like to see the recommended age ranges along with the summaries please.
46
Lovely.
7