This is one of our most popular categories and organizer Kerry Millar decided to shake things up a bit this year. Some veteran judges were juggled around to make room for new blood. That's good for everyone involved, particularly those joining us for the first time. Welcome! Round 1 Colby Sharp Sharp Read Jennifer Donovan 5 Minutes for Books Karen …
The 2011 Poetry Judges
Poetry has long been the genre where we've insisted on the most credentials and expertise. It may get the fewest nominations, but it's far from the easiest to judge. Many of our experts are poets themselves and bring their practiced eye to the Cybils. Round One Amy Ludwig VanDerwater The Poem Farm @amylvpoemfarm Susan Taylor Brown Susan Writes …
The 2011 Easy Reader/Early Chapter Book Judges
These are the books that help kids make the leap from hogging Mom's lap at storytime to sneaking a flashlight under the covers. It's an important transition, and including this genre was an acknowledgement that these books didn't properly fit with either picture or middle grade books. They're in a class by themselves, as are the judges. Round 1 Katie …
The 2011 Nonfiction for MG/YA Judges
Geez, some of these headlines are a mouthful. MG stands for Middle Grade and YA for Young Adult, for those of us without an MLS degree. This category has been a black hole for organizers and we tend to lose them at a tragic rate. Fortunately, it’s always been staffed by wonderful volunteers who can be counted on to …
Bookmarks update
Thanks to all who ordered bookmarks. The next batch is slated to ship from the printer on Oct. 3rd and I should have them about 5 days after that. If you haven't already ordered yours, you've obviously still got time! The bookmarks list our 2010 winners in all genres. Shoot me an email at anne (at) inlandempress (dot) com if …
The 2011 Fiction Picture Book Judges
This category is a perennial favorite, but don't let the 32-page limit and all those pretty pictures fool you. It takes a sharp eye and a sharper mind to appreciate how text and illustration work together to create a singular experience for a child (or parent). We're pleased that a number of newcomers to the Cybils are among this year's …
The 2011 NFPB Judges
Erm, that stands for Nonfiction Picture Books, which is rather long to fit in a headline. This year's batch is lead by Fiona Bayrock, herself a nonfiction author. Due to a mistake, this list was accidentally published to Facebook first. This is the correct list. Sorry for the owie. Round One Fiona Bayrock Books and 'Rocks Janssen Bradshaw Everyday Reading …
The 2011 Book Apps Judges
Our newest category is also one of our most exciting. Judges will be looking at book apps that marry the ages-old art of storytelling with emerging technology. Round 1: Jeff BargerNC Teacher Stuff Sara BryceBryce Don’t Play Nicole KesslerNicole’s Book Nook Carisa KluverDigital Media Diet Tasha SaeckerWaking Brain Cells Melissa TaylorImagination Soup Sylvia VardellPoetryforChildren Round 2: Alyson BeecherKidLitFrenzy Kate HannigandotMomming …
Judges Start Posting Tomorrow
A lot of people are waiting breathlessly for the lists of judges. I just wanted to send a quick update to say we're still waiting for YA and Fantasy/SF. Both drew a record number of applicants and I think everyone should feel comfortable with the idea that the selection process is at least thorough, if not particularly speedy. So we …
Join us October 1st through the 15th!
October is around the corner, and that means one thing. No, not pumpkin carving. Okay, two things. No, not Halloween either. So that's three things. Apple cider and donuts! The smell of raked leaves! Enough candy to rot every tooth in America! No, none of those things. Drat my New England upbringing. October means a lot of stuff, now that …