Awards

Ten dogs, big and small, spy a link of ten sausages on a table. Tongues are out before the turn of the first page, and readers will laugh as they follow the dogs’ quest for a tasty treat.  From a double-page spread with one dog having all the sausages to another showing only one dog without, readers can count down from ten in this funny, clever counting book.  Added numeracy vocabulary such as “all,” “couple,” “more/less” and “half” are included to extend the learning.

Readers will stretch their bodies and their minds when reading this unique alphabet book that incorporates movement and letters. Adult and child pairs representing inclusive and diverse ages, skin tones, and abilities, bend their bodies to form each upper and lowercase letter of the alphabet. Upon a closer look, readers can also find objects that start with each featured letter and stretch their vocabulary, too. Occasional verse in gentle rhyme guides the reader through the letters, with a culminating prompt asking readers to consider the shapes they can create.

This almost wordless book uses the title phrase to illustrate the bond a child shares with their stuffed teddy bear. Since the very beginning, this duo has shared a daily routine and are rarely apart. Readers can relate to the feelings this little child has when facing the first day of school without bear. Their uncertainty at the start of the school day transitions to a story of resilience, as the child carries bear with them, not physically, but in their heart and through their actions.

This clever counting book teaches readers to count to one, and cautions them not to even think about going higher.  Whether they choose to keep this rule or break it, readers won’t be able to keep from smiling as they count to one…or one hundred! Within the pages of the book, as well as the end pages, there is so much to see, name, and count. The temptation to taunt the narrator by pointing out and counting the fish in the sea, noodles in the soup, or rocks in the fishbowl is just too strong to resist -- you can count on that!

In this story, a cohort of frogs encounters a dragon in their pond. Based on what they see and what they have heard, they decide with certainty that the dragon is, in fact, a frog. When the dragon becomes so frustrated that he emits a burst of fire, the frogs are finally convinced and apologize for their misjudgment. Watercolor illustrations, handwritten text, and honest and expressive characters will draw readers into this tale of listening and understanding. The frogs say this book is a great choice, but don’t take their word for it. You need to find out for yourself!

Imagination runs free in this story of fantasy and fun, as a child imagines what it would be like to become a horse. Readers will delight in the illustrations that depict the majestic horse not only enjoying green pastures and rainy fields, but also interacting with siblings, refusing a wash in the bathtub, and parading through the living room. Creative and fascinating, this story invites readers to come along with the narrator, escape for a while, and enjoy the ride.

When the children in room 2B arrive to school on the first day, they do not see a teacher in the front of the class, but they do see an impressive sandwich. As the morning goes on, the students begin to wonder if the sandwich might indeed be the mysterious “Mr. S” who is charged with leading their class. After all, sandwich begins with the letter “S!” Adults and children with both get a kick out of this comical and mysterious tale, which to the careful observer, also has a second storyline taking place outside the classroom window.

This book permits young readers to stay up late and visit nighttime in the city. While some people end their day and prepare for bed when evening comes, others are awake and ready to keep the city safe and clean.  Cityscape illustrations depict panels with glowing windows, featuring the routines of nurses, bakers, firefighters, and other community members preparing to go to work. Readers will find something new at every re-read, and might even notice some connections among the diverse characters that reinforce the important role each member has in their community.

Time to settle in for some cozy reading! Meet Ruffles, an adorable little pup who loves sniffing, chewing, sleeping, and all the other good stuff pups love to do. The colorful illustrations convey Ruffles’ expressions and emotions so well that readers will notice that this pup is not a fan of loud noises. When thunderstorms crash, flash, and boom, readers will feel for Ruffles as they skitter and seek cover behind a racket, under a chair, and in a box. Finally, comfort and quiet are discovered in a familiar and cozy place…Ruffles’ own bed!

This story is based on Aesop’s “The Dog and His Reflection”, and cleverly incorporates humor into the antics of this furry, sweet main character. When Simon the dog finds a great little bone, he is perfectly content until he finds a dog with a better bone. By designing the book to be held and read vertically and strategically using the book’s gutter (the the blank space between where the left and right pages of an open book meet) as a division point, the author reveals that Simon is bargaining with his adorable, yet frustrating, reflection in the pond.

Amanda and her mom make their way from their apartment on the fifteenth floor to the street below with a box filled with colorful chalk. Amanda not only begins to draw an image, but draws attention from other children, too, as they join and expand the artwork. Soon, the sidewalk is filled with palm trees, clouds, an alien invader, and much more, all overseen by a Queen of Swirls. Even the neighborhood dog takes creative license and adds to the drawing. A rain shower at the end of the day does not dampen the community spirit and creative collaboration.

Rosie, Tulip, and their parents are ready to welcome the perfect kitten to their family. Unique from many other books, this story is told from Mommy’s perspective.  Mommy gently narrates the journey, as she gathers information from her family on whether to seek a young kitten or an older cat and what name might be a good fit. Readers will quickly become invested in the search, and connected to the feelings of excitement, disappointment, waiting, and finally, rejoicing. We are letting the cat out of the bag – this book is one you don’t want to miss.

Cat and Duck are great friends, and are excited to visit the playground together. When they notice a big, new, spiral slide, Duck is ready to try it out and Cat is not so sure. Duck listens carefully to Cat’s cautions, and when a decision is finally made, Cat has some thoughtful moments about friendship. Colorful illustrations, expressive text, and a double-paged spread of the setting invite readers into the playground along with the characters. Readers will not be disappointed with how this story ends…weeeeeee promise!

Readers, get ready! For transportation vehicle lovers and beyond, this book has something for everyone. Through rhyme and bold illustrations, readers will gasp as a truck hauling a massive twenty-ton load slides in the mud and blocks passage through a narrow island road. Travelers on both sides of the truck are desperate to get to their intended destinations. Trust, friendship, and creative problem solving save the day in this fascinating story based on a real community in Maine.