As a panelist, we always discuss all books on their merits both literary and kid appeal. Sometimes, librarians find picture book biographies to be a tough sell. Not me! I am fortunate in my school to have the opportunity to collaborate with some amazing classroom, special education, and special area teachers. The third grade team at my school has created …
Interview with Maxwell Eaton III
First off, congratulations! Okay, Andy! is an adorable book. How did you come up with the idea for it? ME: Thanks so much! About four years ago I sketched a 32 page picture book about a slightly menacing curmudgeon of an alligator named Andy and an irrepressible raccoon of the same name. I loved the characters but the book was …
List Fun: Read Aloud Fiction Picture Books
Whether you’re snuggled up with your own kids, or you’re seated in the “teacher chair” for a group story time, if you want a lively read aloud experience, you look for picture books that encourage children to think, to notice, and, quite often, to laugh. Here are book suggestions from the Cybils archives. Too Many Toys written and illustrated by David …
Interview with Melissa Stewart and Sarah Brannen
First off, congrats! We were all very excited Feathers won. Can you tell us a bit about how you came up with the idea for this book? MS: Thanks so much! Sarah and I were thrilled to hear that our book had won. While I was doing research for another book, I stumbled across an article in Birder’s World (now …
List Fun: Robot Stories for Elementary Readers
Robots are a perennially popular topic among books nominated for the Cybils. Here are some favorites from seasons past. Boy and Bot by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino Nominee, Fiction Picture Books, 2012 When a boy’s new robot friend falls down and bumps his power switch, the boy brings him home to nurse him back to health, only to …
Interview with Chris Haughton
First off, congrats! We adored Shh! We Have a Plan! Can you tell us a bit about how you came up with the idea for the book? CH: Thanks so much! In all my books I try to think of a sort of theatrical ‘pantomime’ effect when you turn the page. It’s fun to read aloud. In this book I …
List Fun: Read Aloud Non-Fiction
In recent years there has been an upsurge in nonfiction that’s great for reading aloud to preschool and kindergarten-age kids, either one-on-one or in classrooms and storytimes. Here are a few great read-aloud titles that Cybils has taken note of. Feathers: Not Just for Flying by Melissa Steawart: The 2014 Finalist and Winner in the Elementary/Middle Grade Nonfiction Category is a great read-aloud. Simple sentences make …
The 2014 Cybils Awards
As another Cybils winds to a close, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who played a part in it this year, from the round 1 panelist who spent countless hours reading to the round 2 judges who spent time debating and discussing to choose the winners below to the organizers who spent hours making sure that everything ran …
Review: Death Sworn
Young Adult Speculative Fiction Judge Cecelia, who blogs at Adventures of Cecelia Bedelia, is a voracious reader of all types of books, from adult down through middle grade. Back in April of last year she reviewed her category finalist Death Sworn, by Leah Cypess, writing: I own Leah Cypess’ two previous novels, but I never made a concerted effort to …
Review: Pointe
Today’s review of Young Adult Fiction finalist Pointe, by Brandy Colbert comes from round one panelist Brandy, who blogs at Whimscially Yours. She gushed about Pointe, writing: This is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I know. But, it’s the truth. You know how some books just speak to you? How from the moment you open them you know …