Betsy Bird is conducting a big ol’ picture book poll, and you should participate, too.
The Let’s Just Get This Out of the Way Category: Where the Wild Things Are
written & illustrated by Maurice Sendak
This is going to be on A LOT of lists. A LOT. I was going to leave it off of my list, because I knew it would be covered, but I can’t. Is there another book more cited as inspiration for authors and illustrators? Not that I’ve heard. In his talk on Saturday, Brian Selznick pointed out subtle choices Mr. Sendak made to make it all the more wonderful, and I have a new appreciation.
The Favorite Book from my Childhood Category: Tell Me a Mitzi
writtten by Lore Segal & illustrated by Harriet Pincus
This was my go to book as a child. I was a little kid in Wyoming enchanted by the city scenes, the autonomous kids, unique format, and the subtle details in the art. One of the great underappreciated books, in my opinion.
Change of Perspective Category (tie): The Night Worker
written by Kate Banks & illustrated by Georg Hallensleben
More people living in the city! And working at night! Kids like to think that the world turns off when they go to sleep, and this books shows them it’s not true. Mindblowing. Bonus points for non-white characters.
The Araboolies of Liberty Street
written by Sam Swope & illustrated by Barry Root
Extreme neighbors, colorful art, and a challenge to conformity and fascism. Name another picture book like that.
The Diabolical Zoo category (tie): Pssst!
written & illustrated by Adam Rex
Simple, yet sharp, and very, very funny. Great attention to detail.
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Slow Loris
by Alexis Deacon
Never make assumptions about speed-challenged primates.
The Wish We Were There Category (tie): Night of the Moonjellies
written & illustrated by Mark Shasha
This book sparks envy in my kid every time we read it. First, he wants to get a gig in a food stand. Then he wants to take a boat out after dark to find a herd of glowing jellyfish. I do, too.
The Adventures of Polo
by Regis Faller
Polo travels from the depths of the ocean, to outer space, to a monkey party, and beyond. And then, home to read. Wordlessly.
The Pulling a Kid into The Story Category: The Monster at the End of the Book
written by Jon Stone & illustrated by Mike Smollin
What a page tuner. I’ve never met a kid who wasn’t entirely delighted to antagonize lovable, furry old Grover.
The Bedtime Category: The Night Eater
written & illustrated by Ana Juan
I love Ana Juan, and this one is my favorite. Great atmosphere.
3 comments
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March 19, 2009 at 5:00 pm
CocoaStomp
Dang, these are all awesome and 7 of them I’ve never seen.
I can’t read the MITZI book without thinking of you.
April 16, 2009 at 8:58 pm
A pig, a wolf, a lizard and a fair amount of panic. « Wagging Tales
[...] Have you seen the results form Fuse #8’s 100 Picture Book Poll yet? Have any of yours made the list? I’m guessing that there might be…two from my list. [...]
January 7, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Back to blogging « Wagging Tales
[...] it again- with chapter books! Send her your votes for the best chapter books. I had fun making my favorite picture books list, so I’m going to have to give this some [...]