What are you doing this Monday morning? Us? Oh, we’re “March-ing Fourth” with reviews for the 2023 CYBILS Awards finalists and winner in the Fiction Picture Book Category. From “lovely,” “beautiful,” and “powerful” to “funny,” “hilarious,” and “extra outlandish,” our judges not only share their thoughts, but give you some inside scoop on what their kiddos thought, too! Go on …
REVIEW: In a Jar
Today’s featured review looks at Fiction Picture Books finalist In a Jar by Deborah Marcero: Llewellen collects things. In jars. Lots of things. Feathers. Stones. He meets Evelyn, and they collect things together. Things that are hard to hold. Things that they thought might not fit in a jar. But they did… Read the full review on Goodreads by Fiction …
REVIEW: We Are Water Protectors
Today on the Cybils blog, we are happy to feature a blogger review of Fiction Picture Books finalist We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade: I am rarely speechless, but this book nearly achieves that for me. The incredibly symbolic and fluid and moving illustrations are masterpieces, page by page. Click here to read the rest of …
REVIEW: Bo the Brave
The featured review for today looks at Fiction Picture Books nominee Bo the Brave by Bethan Woolvin: Kids are enamored of Woollvin’s subversive reinterpretations of classic fairy tales, and her art’s distinctive color schemes and shapes. Their parents and grandparents are (usually) amused too. Click here to read the full review from Round 1 judge Cecelia Larsen on The Adventures …
REVIEW: The Paper Kingdom
Fiction Picture Books nominee The Paper Kingdom, written by Helena Ku Rhee and illustrated by Pascal Campion, is the subject of today’s featured review: I loved how the parents created a fantasy world for their young son. I love how they advised him to be considerate, kind, and nice when he becomes king. Click here to read the full review …
REVIEW: Love Is Powerful
Our featured review for today looks at Fiction Picture Book nominee Love Is Powerful written by Heather Dean Brewer and illustrated by LeUyen Pham: This very empowering story is a reminder that every voice matters, that each individual counts, and that change happens slowly but DOES happen. The full review was posted on Goodreads by Round 1 judge Sandy Brehl, …
REVIEW: Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots
Fiction Picture Book nominee Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots by Michael Rex talks to young readers about the differences between facts and opinions–an important topic in teaching information literacy: This is the book that both kids and adults alike should take the time to read. It’s a fun, interactive, and informative way to learn the difference between what is a …
REVIEW: Julián Is a Mermaid
Today’s featured review comes from Round 1 Board Books/Fiction Picture Books judge Nicole Levesque, a 4th grade teacher in Maine who blogs at Bluestocking Thinking. One of the books she reviewed for an installment of “It’s Monday! What are you reading?” last year was Fiction Picture Books finalist Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love, which Nicole read to her …
REVIEW: A Fall Ball for All
Friday’s review looked at a seasonal winter title, but fall isn’t over yet! Today’s featured blog review looks at Fiction Picture Books nominee A Fall Ball for All, written by Jamie Swenson and illustrated by Chiara Fedele. Round 1 judge Sandy Brehl reviewed it earlier this fall–she’s an education outreach presenter who works specifically with picture books, and she blogs …
REVIEW: After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again)
Welcome to our last finalist review of the Cybils season before we announce the winning titles on Wednesday! (Be sure to visit the Cybils blog on Feb. 14th for the full list of 2017’s winners in each category.) Today’s featured finalist is from the Fiction Picture Books category: After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) by Dan …