A Ball for Daisy
By: Chris Raschka
Medal Winner
NOT REVIEWED
Any child who has ever had a beloved toy break will relate to Daisy's anguish when her favorite ball is destroyed by a bigger dog. In the tradition of his nearly wordless picture book Yo! Yes?, Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka explores in pictures the joy and sadness that having a special toy can bring. Raschka's signature swirling, impressionistic illustrations and his affectionate story will particularly appeal to young dog lovers and teachers and parents who have children dealing with the loss of something special.
From the publisher
Blackout
By: John Rocco
Honor
Reviewed by: Deanna Knoll
I'll admit, I went in negatively biased against this book because I didn't love the art (and yes I know, it won the Caldecott for the illustrations!) but...after finishing this book, I loved it. A little girl feels so alone because everyone else is busy and doesn't have time for her. A serendipitous power outage brings the whole family together by candlelight. I loved the message of this book and appreciated the reminder as an adult, to slow down and enjoy the people around me, even when there's not a power outage.
Grandpa Green
By: Lane Smith
Honor
Reviewed by: Deanna Knoll
The book description uses the word "enigmatic" to describe it, I choose the word "confusing." While the idea of a grandson and grandfather walking in the garden together, reminiscing and trimming bushes sounds magical, turning every bush into a memory just seems a bit farfetched. I think there are other books that convey the concepts of sharing memories together much better.
Me…Jane
By: Patrick McDonnell
Honor
Reviewed by: Deanna Knoll
Recommended age: ages 4-8
With simple drawings and prose, Patrick McDonnell tells the story of Jane Goodall's childhood dream of living in Africa writing about animals. The story is easy to follow and relate to and worthy of sharing with little ones who have big dreams.
