Best picture books, chapter books, young adult books, graphic novels and non fiction for kids.
Usually I am one to tout the book over the movie, but in the case of How to Train Your Dragon, it was a toss up. I loved both. It’s hard to choose because both are so different and yet each are well done. The iPhone/iPad/iPod ebook app is a well done synopsis of the movie and great as a “book on tape” for reluctant readers.
The books are, themselves, what I’d call “workhorses.” They get the job done covering their said topics in rhyming text but there isn’t anything outstanding about them. They are not exceptionally funny or clever. The color book covers 4 colors. The numbers book covers 1-5, the shapes, 4 basic shapes and opposites 4 pairs.
I found this from Books and Stuff which is the blog for Westerville Library and they give their perspective on the winners at the bottom of this post. Benny and Penny in the Big No-No by Jeffrey Hayes is the 2010 Winner. The information on the Geisel 2010 winners is from the ALSC (The Association for Library Service to Children):
I have to hand it to Random House because it’s a brilliant play to take the Uglydolls and convert them into books — isn’t it usually the other way around — with an edgy attitude which I can only describe as slightly gross (to appeal to boys) and slightly sweet (to appeal to girls).
I do love a good Top 10 List and this chapter book children’s book list for ages 10-14 (middle-school-girl-ish-give-or-take-a-year-or-two) from ChristinaReads is a really good one with her childhood favorites!
Imagine my surprise when I read her new book, Dotty:
There are no chickens involved whatsoever!
The book does not rhyme!
The theme of the book tackles twin issues of growing up and fitting in.
The book celebrates The Teacher Who Makes a Difference!
I believe that all it takes to create a reader is the right book. Finding that tale is the trick. So how do you pick books that will hook reluctant readers? Each child is different, with very particular tastes. Nevertheless, here are some key elements that engage child readers, along with some suggested titles …