MORE 'BEST-BOOKS' POSTS
#39 The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (2007) 50 points Perfect and artful blending of prose and illustration. – Dee Sypherd No book like it. It reinvents storytelling. It plays with our notion of “the book.” It takes great advantage of the physical nature of “the book.” In the end, the story celebrates […]
#40 Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli (1990) 49 points It’s an old tale. A kid with extraordinary skills simply lives with the ordinary desire to belong. Jeffery is not just a gift to those he touches in the book, but to the readers who champion him. Spinelli’s prose is as rhythmic and swift as his […]
#41 Curious George by H.A. Rey (1941) 40 points Originally published in 1941, It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of Curious George that this title, and its multitude of subsequent books are still widely circulated, and familiar to young readers. I can see why. Kids can relate to George’s innocently mischievous behavior and his […]
#42 Freight Train by Donald Crews (1978) 40 points Trains, colors, simplicity. What a mix! – Angela Reynolds Perfect blend of art and language, from the first line to going, going, gone. – Pat Vasilik Ah. At last we reach another book I like to read to my daughter. Tell me, does anyone else do […]
#43 Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion, ill. by Margaret Bloy Graham (1956) 40 points Harry the Dirty Dog is another of the few picture books that I remember from my childhood. I include it in my “Dirt and Mud” story time for my toddler story time; while it’s slightly longer than the majority […]
#44 The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Audrey and Don Wood (1984) 40 points Great to read aloud and fun to read again and again. Gotta love the expressions on the mouse’s face, the ways he “protects” the strawberry, and the surprise ending. Was there ever a bear? […]
#45 Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman (1960) 39 points I am such a big fan of the truly excellent easy reader. This is another one that blows you away with its perfect simplicity. – Amy M. Weir This has everything. Different animals. A car, a plane. And all the drama and emotion of […]
#46 Grandfather’s Journey by Allen Say (1993) 39 points Love, love, love this book! Was so sad it didn’t make the list last time, I am moving it up on my list! Say’s illustrations are poetic and gorgeous. First time my pick won the Caldecott. – DeAnn Okamura I love the elegance of this book […]
#47 Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans (1939) 38 points What’s not to love about the little girl and her 11 companions who always walk in two lines. – Dudee Chiang Finally. The book that explained how awesome appendix scars really are. Now here is an upset. A strange strange case indeed. Until now we have not […]
#48 George and Martha by James Marshall (1972) 38 points I know this is a Marshall-heavy list, but it’s not my fault that he is the greatest thing to ever happen to picture books. – Shannon Ozimy I didn’t read George & Martha until I became a librarian, but it was irreverent love at first […]