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October 1, 2019 by Betsy Bird

Odd Pairings of 2019 Children’s Books

October 1, 2019 by Betsy Bird   5 comments

In the next two weeks my library’s 101 Great Kids Books committee will attempt to reduce all the wonderful children’s books of the year into a mere 101 titles. It’s a grueling process, cutting out the titles you love. Yet wonderful training for professional committee work and, truth be told, I really love it. Right now we’re doing a last minute cram of all the books we missed. My head is spinning a little. And, because I was trained as a children’s librarian, I can’t help but draw connections.

Today I am presenting you with a rather odd list of 2019 books where there is some element that connects them. Some are obvious. Others may require that you read the book. Enjoy.

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Beatrix Potter: Frightmaster


Or, If you Prefer, Polar Opposite Red Riding Hood Tales


Say, Girl, Now That Mom’s Gone How About You Do EVERYTHING For Your Dear Old Dad?


What to Give? What to Give?


Talent Shows, Talent Shows, Talent Shows!


Mmmm. Pie and Cake, Cake and Pie


Crocodile Oh My Croc Croc Croc . . .


Motoring. What’s Your Price for Flight?


I Take It Back. Motorcycles Are Terrifying


Blissfully Ignorant Scouts


There Is Something REALLY Wrong With This House


Because You Can Never Have Too Many Giant Bug People


So Apparently Hephaistos Is Having a Moment?

Technically a YA novel, but it just fit in so well with this theme that I couldn’t resist including it.

Good Trees


Bad Bad Killer Trees


Admit It. Eventually, Everyone Works for Disney


Never Trust a Bog Body, That’s What Me Muther Always Said


Girls Looking Up


I See You . . .


No Bones About It (I’ll See Myself Out Now . . .)


Dandy Lions


It Followed Me Home. How Can I Shake It?

That last one is strictly for folks who have read the books, of course.

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About Betsy Bird

Betsy Bird is currently the Collection Development Manager of the Evanston Public Library system and a former Materials Specialist for New York Public Library. She has served on Newbery, written for Kirkus, and has done other lovely little things that she'd love to tell you about but that she's sure you'd find more interesting to hear of in person. Her opinions are her own and do not reflect those of EPL, SLJ, or any of the other acronyms you might be able to name. Follow her on BlueSky at: @fuse8.bsky.social

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About Betsy Bird

Betsy Bird is currently the Collection Development Manager of the Evanston Public Library system and a former Materials Specialist for New York Public Library. She has served on Newbery, written for Kirkus, and has done other lovely little things that she'd love to tell you about but that she's sure you'd find more interesting to hear of in person. Her opinions are her own and do not reflect those of EPL, SLJ, or any of the other acronyms you might be able to name. Follow her on BlueSky at: @fuse8.bsky.social

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. jules says

    October 1, 2019 at 10:34 am

    The Trix chapter in Heidicker’s book may be my favorite thing about 2019.

    • Elizabeth Bird says

      October 1, 2019 at 2:27 pm

      I’m still shivering.

  2. Angie says

    October 1, 2019 at 2:15 pm

    What a fantastic list! I’ve only read a few so far…now to hit up the library! 😉

  3. Loretta Caravette says

    October 3, 2019 at 2:09 am

    You did go a little crazy but its a fun romp!

  4. Teresa Robeson says

    October 5, 2019 at 10:30 am

    I see so many of my friends on the list…yay!!

    At the risk of seeming presumptuous, may I recommend my book, QUEEN OF PHYSICS: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom, because there is a dearth of #POC #WomenInSTEM books? 🙂

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