Joseph Had a Little Overcoat
By: Simms Taback
Medal Winner
Reviewed by: Deanna Knoll
Recommended age: 4-8
This book is a delight. Each page spread is a fresh search for the cutout which identifies what Joseph is making from his worn-out item of clothing. Even at the very end, when the last fragment is lost, he has something he can salvage from it. I love the themes of creativity and thriftiness that come alive through the pages without making it seem like the book is trying too hard.
A Child's Calendar
By: John Updike
Illustrated by: Trina Schart Hyman
Honor
Reviewed by: Deanna Knoll
Also read and recommended by: Sherry Early
I find the beautiful poetry combined with the illustrations a wonderful addition to our morning reading in our home. Highly recommend.
Sector 7
By: David Wiesner
Honor
Reviewed by: Sara Masarik
Sector 7 by David Wiesner is a wordless picture book full of imaginative charm and visual delight. A mischievous little cloud leads a boy to a cloud-shaping factory in the sky, where clouds long to break free from their assigned forms. The boy sketches playful alternatives—fish, stars, and sea creatures—and soon the skies are filled with wonder. Wiesner’s art is expressive, joyful, and full of movement. This is a perfect book for creative storytelling between parent and child, or for a young non-reader to explore on their own. Highly recommended for families, classrooms, and anyone who loves the magic of visual narrative.
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The Ugly Duckling
By: Jerry Pinkney
Honor
NOT REVIEWED
From that day on, everyone knows that this duckling is different. Teased for his awkward appearance by even his own brothers and sisters, he steals away, friendless, marching on bravely through obstacles at every turn. The seasons change, and so does the duckling—but not until an exhilarating moment one spring does he realize the glorious truth about himself.
One of Hans Christian Andersen's most heartfelt tales, The Ugly Duckling speaks resoundingly to all about the patience that is sometimes necessary to discover one's own true beauty. Caldecott Honor artist Jerry Pinkney's watercolors lovingly reveal the pain and triumph, the humor and compassion, in this wise and timeless fable.
From the dust jacket
When Sophie Gets Angry - Really, Really Angry
By: Molly Bang
Honor
NOT REVIEWED
Everybody gets angry sometimes. And for children, anger can be very upsetting and frightening.
In this book, children will see what Sophie does when she gets angry. Parents, teachers, and children can talk about it. People do lots of different things when they get angry.
What do you do?
From the dust jacket
