Wolf in the Snow
By: Matthew Cordell
Medal Winner
Reviewed by: Sandy Hall
This is a satisfying story of friendship, a frightening situation resolved by helping one another. The book is almost completely wordless except for some "sound" words like Bark! or howl… which actually provide a good opportunity to talk about a very big word: onomatopoeia. Because the book is mostly wordless, it appeals to little ones.
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★
REVIEW TEAM FAVORITE
Big Cat, Little Cat
By: Elisha Cooper
Honor
Reviewed by: Lara Lleverino
Recommended age: 6 - 12 years of age
Also read and recommended by: Deanna Knoll, Sandy Hall
For anyone who has loved a pet and faced the shortened lifespan our animal friends have, this poignant story speaks to the bitter-sweet experience it is to love and let go.
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
By: Derrick Barnes
Illustrated by: Gordon C. James
Honor
Reviewed by: Deanna Knoll
This picture book uses the unusual form of the second-person narrative to describe a trip to the barber. This young boy gets a new "do" and it injects him with confidence in front of his friends and teachers, acquaintances, and strangers. The art is modern but not so much that one doesn't recognize himself in each picture.
A Different Pond
By: Bao Phi
Illustrated by: Thi Bui
Honor
Reviewed by: Deanna Knoll
Recommended age: Ages 4-10
As an occasional traveler to other countries, I can understand, even just a little, what a new immigrant must feel when they try to assimilate into a new culture, language, and geographical space. This book captures so many beautiful concepts—special time between father and son, the importance of hard work, trying to fit in while holding onto one's cultural heritage, caring for younger siblings without complaint, and the magic of spending time in nature. This is a wonderful story worth reading.
Grand Canyon
By: Jason Chin
Honor
Reviewed by: Deanna Knoll
Jason Chin presents this incredible natural wonder in all its splendor, complete with cutouts identifying various rock formations and fossils and then tops it off with a double foldout of the Grand Canyon. This book takes an evolutionary view of the various fossils and this is noted several times throughout the book. With the author/illustrator's splendid art coupled with the images of a father and his child taking a backpacking trip down through the various layers, it's no surprise this was an honor winner.
