Okay, I admit it. This is my favorite list, and not just because I’m on it. I actually keep trying to get off of it, but organizer Sheila Ruth insists I add something to the mix. Probably chocolate but I can’t tell. This is the group that once had a judge give birth mid-season — via c-section — and debated …
The 2011 Graphic Novel Judges
Can I confess that I used to know one of the organizers for ComiCon and she kept trying to throw free tickets and parking passes at me? And someone who shall remain nameless kept making me turn them down because San Diego was a whole two-hour drive away (!) and maybe all those costumed hordes would scare the baby. Seriously. …
The 2011 Middle Grade Fiction Judges
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 …
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 …
Judging Deadline
While the deadline to apply for judging for this Cybils season isn't until Thursday, it looks like we have nearly enough applicants in every category. A few genres, like Poetry and Nonfiction, have once again needed to recruit people to fill empty slots. Young Adult and Science Fiction/Fantasy usually have far too many candidates and the winnowing process is tough …