It was so much fun to judge the final round of the Cybils for Best Easy Reader and Early Chapter Book. I felt like our committee really pondered long and hard to come up with the winners in a multi-step process:
- We procured the books, mostly from the library (copies were sent by publishers if your library didn’t have it)
- We read all the books within about a 3 week period
- We shared notes on each book via a shared Google Doc
- We ranked the books within each category on the Google Doc
- We meet via Google Chat to discuss and choose winners (about an hour)
- The winners were written up with editing from the group
And the Cybils winners are …
Cybils 2014 Easy Reader Winner
Okay, Andy! (Jump-Into-Chapters) by Maxwell Eaton
Blue Apple Books
Nominated by: Tasha
Preston and Andy are friends, though Andy might not admit it. While Andy spends his days in the forest hunting rabbits, going about his day, and trying to catch up on sleep, Preston would much rather spend his time doing fun things with his friend. And though playing tag, collecting found items, and impersonating other animals might not be Andy’s idea of fun, that certainly won’t squelch Preston’s enthusiasm.
Eaton’s story is told in three paneled chapters and introduces readers to two characters who are as different as can be, yet who clearly are a pair. Amid terse dialogue, these characters make an impression on readers that is both unique and memorable. Readers of all ages will find something to enjoy in Okay, Andy, and our early readers will revel in the knowledge that it was written just for them.
Cybils 2-14 Early Chapter Book Winner
Lulu’s Mysterious Mission by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Kevin Cornell
Atheneum
Nominated by: Freya Hooper
Lulu has seemingly put an end to her tantrum-throwing days. But then her parents drop a bombshell announcement: They’re leaving for a week-long vacation without their precious Lulu. To make matters worse, they leave her with the intimidating Mrs. Sonia Sofia Selinksy. There’s no holding Lulu back now! Just as soon as her parents leave, Lulu puts into action a slew of complex ideas to not only bring them back but also to get rid of Mrs. Sonia Sofia Selinsky for good. Just when Lulu’s plans are starting to make an impact, she finds out an intriguing secret about her babysitter. One that has her rethinking the final outcome of her schemes.
Eeny meeny miney mo,
That babysitter’s got to go.
This third installment by Judith Viorst is full of mischief, spunk, and a can-do attitude of stubbornness that will tickle your funny bone. With an addictive chant that seems to grow with each chapter, Lulu’s resilience and determination are to be admired as she pulls out all the stops to get her way. But just how far will she go? Readers of all levels will find the characters memorable, the illustrations humorous and the storyline engaging.
Both these books were not actually my first picks. I tend towards chickens! The shortlist for the 2014 Cybils both Easy Reader and Early Chapter Books both had outstanding chicken books that topped my list!
In the Easy Reader Category, Extraordinary Warren was my favorite! It lost because it was “high” for the category. I totally agree that this is not a typical Easy Reader … it’s sort of an Early Chapter Book/Graphic Novel hybrid.
I think that because it’s hard to categorize, it got a little lost in the awards department. That’s too bad because it will get kids reading for ages 6 and up.
Extraordinary Warren: A Super Chicken by Sarah Dillard
Aladdin
Nominated by: Mrs. Heise
In this inviting graphic novel-narrative book combo, Warren’s life is boring – endless peck, cluck, feed. He wants excitement in his life; he wants to be Chicken Supreme, a superhero. And that’s just what he becomes when he and his best friend, Egg, thwart the devious rat Millard’s plans to barbecue him and the other chicks. (No Chicken Supreme dinner for Millard. Phew!) We love bold illustrations and kid-appropriate humor. Warren’s a superhero to whom we can all relate – a lovable and curious seeker of adventure whose ultimate success comes from valuable life lessons and a little help from a friend.
The Easy Chapter Book category was much more difficult for me. Is it bad that I loved all the books?! One drawback of a few of the books was that they were girl-oriented. This is not a bad thing, but the category had quite a few books that really would appeal only to girls. Sadly, those got knocked out for a single-sex audience.
I really liked Nicola Davies’ The Lion Who Stole My Arm. It was the first book I read for the Cybils and it was an exciting read with a great environmental message. Our committee wasn’t sure if kids would get this message but I never underestimate kids!
My first choice, however, was another chicken story. Out of many of the short list of funny books, this one really stood out for me: The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure by Doreen Cronin.
The other strong contender that I also loved was Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon. It was a very long discussion to come up with a final winner.
I honestly can say that you can’t go wrong with any of the books on the 2014 Cybils Short List in any of the categories! Each book was lovely nominated by a reader, and carefully vetted by first-round judges.
I really liked how our panel discussed the books. We all had strong opinions but were open to lively debate. And, when push came to shove, it was all about what KIDS would like, not adults. Which books would really feel like a new discovery to a child to get them excited to read?! I’m all about that! I ended up loving our winners but I hope that you will also check out my chicken favorites!
If you think that judging the Cybils sounds fun — it is!! It’s really not that time consuming and it’s very well run! I hope that you will apply next year; applications come up towards the end of August. The best way to find out is to subscribe to the Cybil’s newsletter.
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My books:
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Massachusetts Book Award Long List
- Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
- Starred review from School Library Journal
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award Long List
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Enjoyed your post about the selection process. Glad the focus on what “kids would like.” At first I thought the Early Readers and Chapter books were combined, which bothered me. But, now I see they weren’t. I liked the “Chicken Squad.”
Hi Patricia,
It was a fun conversation via typing in Google but I liked how we all wrote up comments in advance and then there was a very polite back and forth to pick the winners from the final 3ish books. It was cool how we all converged on the same books and how we tried to “sell” our favorites to the other judges. I’m happy with the results but I wanted the major contenders to get some eyes on them too. There were so many great books!! Everyone wins!
You always come up with fantastic books and lists! Lulu’s Mysterious Mission looks mysterious and kids will flock to it. I agree that The Lion that Stole my Arm will be one that kids understand. Many times we don’t give them the credit for thinking on their own! Thanks for sharing on the Kid Lit Blog Hop!
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks so much! I’m glad that the books I loved from the Cybils’ short list are getting attention. There were too many great ones to only highlight the winner! I wish the Cybils had honor books too!
How fun that you got to be part of the committee choosing the winners! I would have such a hard time picking the best. Thanks for sharing your post in the Kid Lit Blog Hop!
Hi Renee,
It’s such a fun conversation to try to come up with winners I have to say! Very polite but also strong opinions! The groups always seem to come around to agreement without a stalement or the moderator intervention though. I always love my group of judges too. It’s fun to meet more KidLit lovers this way! You should do it next year!!! Sign up is in August.