December/January Reads

I had hoped to have more to share with you (regarding December/January reads), but for various reasons, I really slacked off with my reading.  I tend to burn out right before the Youth Media Awards, and this year was no exception.  I always get re-energized after the awards are announced. Not only do I have titles to discover from 2013, but we're also receiving the first books in the 2014 publication season!

Banner in the Sky
Perhaps it's because I've just finished a long string of Newbery books that didn't thrill me, but I was quite taken with Banner in the Sky.  Rudi has grown up listening to tales told of his father, the great explorer Josef Matt, who perished in his attempt to climb The Citadel.  Rudi's mother, understandably, is quite against Rudi following in his father's footsteps, despite his natural talent.  Rudi is determined to complete his father's quest and faces innumerable threats and challenges, both physical and emotional, in his test.  Banner in the Sky received a Newbery Honor in 1955; aside from a very few word choices, this doesn't read dated at all.  This would be a great read for those who enjoy adventure stories.

March: Book One
While I'm waiting for the 2014 books to trickle in, I'm making my way through the Youth Media Award titles that I missed last year.  March: Book One appeared on many end-of-the-year lists, but I put off reading it until it was announced as a Coretta Scott King Honor book this Monday.  I'm thrilled that this won.  This is an exceptional graphic novel.  Congressman John Lewis, the sole surviving speaker from the 1963 March on Washington, tells the story of his childhood and involvement in the civil rights struggle to two young boys and their mother while he prepares to attend President Obama's first inauguration.  This is a remarkable read, and I can't wait for Book Two!

Mountain Dog
Margarita Engle is best known for her verse novels featuring stories of Cuban history, so Mountain Dog is quite a departure.  Tony is sent to live with his great-uncle when his mother is jailed for dog fighting.  The remoteness of the Sierra Nevada mountains is a shock for Tony, coming from an inner city Los Angeles neighborhood.  As his uncle is involved with the search and rescue guide dog community, Tony bonds with a special dog, Gabe, and tries to adjust to his new life and the fact that his mother does not want to see him when he visits her jail site.  Told in verse, this is an emotionally powerful and stirring read (and I'm sorry that it was forgotten in Monday's awards).  I particularly enjoyed how much Cowboy Church played a big role in the story; having lived in Texas, I'm familiar with Cowboy Church, and I loved its importance to the story.

Nick and Tesla's High-Voltage Danger Lab
Nick and Tesla's parents have mysteriously vanished!  When they move in with their odd uncle, they are inspired by his wild and crazy inventions and science experiments. Unusual things start occurring in their neighborhood, and it's up to them to solve them, using their inventions to crack the case.  Each adventure features an actual science experiment with instructions.  As these can be quite explosive experiments, author Bob Pflugfelder cautions readers that they are to be done at their own risk, under adult supervision.  This is a wacky, fun, and fast read sure to entice science fans.

Old Ramon
OK. Some people have talked about "Newbery bait."  You know how there are some books that seemed written to fish for a Newbery? Very literary, quiet, etc? Just like some movies are called "Oscar bait" and are about Very Serious Issues. Well, I guess librarians in the 30s-60s might have called children's novels starring a southwestern (U.S.) or South American shepherd boy maturing into adolescence "Newbery bait," because I think this is about the third book I've read that featured exactly that. There's usually an old guy mentor as well.  In Old Ramon (1961 Newbery Honor), an old shepherd and his young apprentice talk about the whys and wherefores of shepherding as they zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.........

Toy Time
Well, this was a fun read.  Christopher Byrne hits on the toy superstars, from the long-standing classics (Barbie), to the long-forgotten flashes in the pan (Johnny Reb Cannon).  While I was familiar with most (Slip-N-Slide, hated by dads everywhere because it absolutely KILLED the lawn), there were a few that completely took me by surprise, like Vac-U-Form (fun with melting plastic!).  Not only does Byrne include the creation and popularity of the toy, he also ends each section with a "Where Are They Now?" tidbit. Some toys have been reintroduced to subsequent generations (Easy Bake Oven, Tonka Trucks), others are only coveted by collectors (Chatty Cathy).  Lots of great color pictures add to the enjoyment of this attractive book.


Oh, WOW. We just received a ton of late 2013 and early 2014 books.  So.much.reading. I'm currently reading my first 2014 (adult) historical fiction, Motherland (I was hesitant about it, but I think I'll finish it) and a fabulous biography of Abraham Lincoln. YES, I am at Lincoln in my presidential reading project. THANK GOODNESS.  I just checked out Laurie Halse Anderson's latest (2014!) YA novel, The Impossible Knife of Memory, in which wartime PTSD plays an important factor. Looking forward to it.

Jennifer Schultz, Youth Services Librarian, Fauquier County Public Library 

To learn more about Fauquier County Public Library's collection, events, and programs, visit us on Facebook, Twitter (Kiddosphere's Twitter account is here), or on our website.

And the Winners Are....

Today is one of my favorite days of the year: the Youth Media Awards announcements! Not only are the Newbery and Caldecott winners announced, but we also learn the winners of other great awards such as the Sibert, the Coretta Scott King, the Geisel, the Belpre, and others. It's a day that launches books into the children's literature canon, and it's a wonderful way to celebrate another fine year in children's/YA literature.

Last night, I participated in an awesome pre-awards Twitter chat.  I'm on record for several picks now! Here's what I favored last night (keep in mind that these choices are purely from the heart):

Geisel: Penny and Her Marble 

Sibert: On a Beam of Light, The Animal Book, Look Up! Bird Watching in Your Own Backyard

Caldecott: Lucky Ducklings, Count the Monkeys, The Dark, Baby Bear Counts One, The Day the Crayons Quit 

Printz: Reality Boy, Rose Under Fire, Boxers & Saints, If I Ever Get Out of Here 

Newbery: True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp, Lulu and the Dog From the Sea (can't believe I forgot The Boy on the Porch, but by this time, I was dizzy from the fast-moving tweets!)

Also threw out Gone Fishing for a hopeful, namely Newbery (Honor).

Belpre: Yaqui Delgado, Gaby Lost and Found, Nino Wrestles the World (also for Caldecott)

So....how did I do?


Newbery Medal:

Winner: Flora and Ulysses

Honor: Doll Bones, The Year of Billy Miller, One Came Home, Paperboy

Caldecott Medal:

Winner: Locomotive (a nonfiction pick!)

Honor: Journey, Flora & the Flamingo, Mister Wuffles



Schneider Family Award (for portraying the disability experience)

Children: A Splash of Red
Middle: Handbook for Dragon Slayers
Teen: Rose Under Fire

Coretta Scott King Awards (African-American authors and illustrators):

Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement: Patricia & Frederick McKissack
John Steptoe Award for New Talent: Theodore Taylor III (Virginia Commonwealth University alum!) for When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc & the Creation of Hip Hop
Illustrator Honor: Kadir Nelson for Nelson Mandela
Illustrator Winner: Brian Collier for Knock Knock: My Dad's Dream for Me
Author Honor: March: Book One, Darius & Twig, Words With Wings
Author Winner: P.S. Be Eleven 

Pura Belpre Award (Latino authors/illustrators):
Illustration Honor: Maria Had a Little Llama, Tito Puente: Mambo King, Pancho Rabbit & the Coyote
Illustration Winner: Nino Wrestles the World 

Text Honor: The Lightning Dreamer, The Living, Pancho Rabbit & the Coyote
Text Winner: Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass



Batchelder Award (for translation)
Honor: The Bathing Costume, Or the Worst Vacation of My Life; My Father's Arms Are a Boat, The War Within These Walls
Winner: Mister Orange

Sibert Medal (for children's informational book)
Honor: A Splash of Red, Look Up! Bird Watching in Your Own Backyard, Locomotive, The Mad Potter
Winner : Parrots Over Puerto Rico 

Geisel Award (for beginning readers)
Honor:  Ball, A Big Guy Took My Ball! Penny & Her Marble
Winner: The Watermelon Seed 

Margaret A. Edwards Award (for lifetime achievement in YA literature, naming specific titles): Markus Zusak for The Book Thief, I Am the Messenger, Fighting Ruben Wolfe, Getting the Girl 

William C. Morris Award for debut author: Charm & Strange

YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction: The Nazi Hunters

Printz (for YA literature)
Honor: Eleanor & Park, Kingdom of Little Wounds, Maggot Moon, Navigating Early 
Winner: Midwinterblood


Did you see that?! Did you see that we have the NEWBERY Medal, the CALDECOTT Medal, AND the PRINTZ Medal winners? WOO HOO!

I am satisfied with the winners. I am happy that A Splash of Red was recognized several times. Well deserved.

Was THRILLED that Look Up! Bird Watching in Your Own Backyard received a Sibert Honor.

I was disappointed that The Boy on the Porch and Boxers & Saints were shut out. A shame.

LOVE that Penny and Her Marble. Mo Willems's Elephant and Piggie books are hilarious and fantastic, but I'm glad the Medal went to someone else.

Super happy that Nino Wrestles the World got the Belpre.  Was not surprised that Yaqui Delgado got the Belpre as well. People might have issues with the title, but it's authentic to the story. Nothing to sugar coat about bullying.

I ordered Flora and the Flamingo AND Parrots Over Puerto Rico at the last minute. Very glad that I made that decision!

I am happy and relieved.  Youth Media Awards is a great morning, but somewhat stressful. I would hate to not have the Medal winning books in our collection and available to patrons and staff.

Onward to the 2014 publishing season! I have some catching up to do, though!

Jennifer Schultz, Youth Services Librarian, Fauquier County Public Library

To learn more about Fauquier County Public Library's collection, events, and programs, visit us on Facebook, Twitter (Kiddosphere's Twitter is here), or on our website.

2013 Favorites: Round Up Edition

I had every intention of powering through my stack of remaining 2013 children's/YA titles. Unfortunately, I lost a good week of reading due to being sick, and didn't have the energy for anything more complicated than Entertainment Weekly. That being said, here are my favorite children's novels, children's nonfiction, and young adult titles from 2013. Lots to get through, so summaries will be quick!

Favorite Children's Novels:

The Boy on the Porch 
LOVE this. My pick for the Newbery.  It's a beautiful and slightly-fantastical story about foster care, community, heartbreak, and family.

Boys Camp series
I get such a kick of out this series, and I'm looking forward to more adventures at Camp Wolf Trail. Funny without resorting to crude humor, realistic portrayals of friendships among boys without resorting to mean taunts, adventure, and celebration of outdoor fun.

Critter Club series
ADORABLE.  This group of animal-loving girls deal with friendship and family issues in an appealing series perfect for readers ready for short chapter books.

Flora and Ulysses
This is a moving and funny novel featuring a quirky comics-loving girl and a resourceful squirrel; although the mother character is redeemed a bit too neatly, I think it's one of DiCamillo's best.

Fortunately, The Milk
What a pity that short and/or funny stories are often overlooked for the Newbery and other children's literary prizes.  Not only is this funny, but it's an endearing portrayal of a father's relationship with his children.  Not to mention that it features aliens.

Gone Fishing: A Novel in Verse
A story featuring a realistic and (eventually!) positive sibling relationship, a fun fishing trip with a father and his children, and examples of types of poetry? Sign me up!  I love this story, and I'm sorry that it was overlooked in many of the end of the year lists.  Too bad. This is a gem.

Lulu series
Hilary McKay's Lulu series was launched in 2012 and introduced two additional titles in 2013.  This is another darling series for short chapter book readers, especially animal lovers (Lulu and the Dog From the Sea is perfection).

One Came Home
This was released early 2013 (January, if I remember correctly), and I hope it doesn't get forgotten by the Newbery committee.  Georgia is a terrific character in this historical mystery (ish) novel.

The Thing About Luck
Multiple starred reviews, winner of the Young People's division for the National Book Award, and regularly mentioned in Newbery 2014 online discussions....will we see this named at the ALA Youth Media Awards this Monday? I would be happy, but I do agree that sections describing wheat harvesting in detail drag down the story line.  However, this is a moving portrayal of Japanese-American migrant workers in Kansas.

The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp
I managed to read this while I was sick; I knew it was a strong contender for the Newbery, so I wanted to read it before the announcements.  If you're familiar with Kathi Appelt, you know that her novels are sophisticated and dreamy animal fantasies.  I've admired her writing, but have never really warmed to her novels until this one (I love her many picture books). The Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast figures prominently in her novels, as it does here (mainly Texas Gulf Coast). Chap Brayburn's bayou community faces multiple threats to its survival, mainly from introduced species (feral pigs, in this case) and developers determined to turn it into an alligator wrestling attraction.  Raccoon brothers Bingo and J'miah are equally determined to save their beloved swamp, and to serve the mysterious Sugar Man of the swamp. This was a finalist for this year's National Book award (Young People's Literature division), and I would be happy if it won the Newbery.

The Worm Whisperer
This is a sweet story about a young boy determined to win the town's annual Wooly Worm Race. It might sound like a silly story at first, but it's a realistic story about a family down on its luck but relying on faith and each other to get them through tough times, the problems that many rural communities face, and friendship issues.

My favorite: The Boy on the Porch, although The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp is a close second.

Favorite Children's Nonfiction: 

Courage Has No Color: The True Story of of the Triple Nickels, America's First Black Paratroopers
This is a fascinating and inspirational look at the brave Triple Nickels.  Tonya Lee Stone  effectively shows that bravery comes in many forms, and isn't just limited to active warfare.

Look Up! Bird Watching in Your Own Backyard
You wouldn't expect a bird watching guide to be funny, would you? Narrated by wisecracking birds, this is a fun, funny, and informative look at bird species and bird watching.  I also love the fact that Annette LeBlanc Cate emphasizes that bird watching can be done anywhere, even in urban backyards, and doesn't necessarily require expensive equipment.

Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song
Another treasure from the Pinkneys! If you need a read aloud for Black History Month, check this out.

My favorite: Look Up! Bird Watching in Your Own Backyard, followed by Courage Has No Color.


Favorite Children's/YA Graphic Novels: 

Bluffton: My Summers With Buster 
This blew me away. Matt Phelan's graphic novels are lengthy and sophisticated in writing and illustration; Bluffton is no exception.  This is a magnificent story about the (fictional) friendship between a young Buster Keaton and Henry Harrison, who thinks Buster's childhood spent performing in vaudeville houses is so much more exciting than his ordinary childhood in a sleepy Michigan lake community.  Buster might think otherwise.

Boxers and Saints
Incredible storytelling from Gene Luen Yang.  These two companion graphic novels brilliantly illustrate both sides of the Boxer Rebellion.

Dogs of War
Books about war dogs are not unusual (Cracker: The Best Dog in Vietnam, Duke,  and the nonfiction Dogs on Duty), but Dogs of War may be the first graphic novel about dogs in war time. Based on true stories, Sheila Keenan and Nathan Fox show the importance of dogs in World War I, World War II, and Vietnam.  As you can imagine, this is sensitive material, especially the Vietnam War section (which deals with a veteran's depression/guilt and the fact that military dogs were left behind in Vietnam).  An emotional read, but a worthy one.

Tommysaurus Rex
And something a bit lighter, but not without an emotional impact: a boy and his dinosaur story!  Great illustrations and a funny/sometimes moving plot make this a graphic novel favorite.

My favorite: Bluffton, followed by Saints.


Favorite Young Adult Fiction/Nonfiction: 
American Fairy trilogy

Sarah Zettel's historical fantasy trilogy started with the dust bowl epidemic; in Book 2, Callie travels to the Golden Age of Hollywood, still hopeful that she'll rescue her mother from the fairy underworld, to which she is heir.  Book 3, out this year, will find Callie in Jazz Age Chicago. Cannot wait! It's rare to find multicultural fantasy, so this is extra special.

Crash
I don't normally read supernatural stories, but this had me hooked from the beginning!  A sixteen year old girl is constantly haunted by images of a horrific car crash involving the son of her family's rival pizza making family.

Hooked
Finding good YA literature about contemporary American Indian characters is difficult, so this realistic story of a American Indian high school golf champ is a bright spot.  When Fred (short for Fredericka) is invited to join her high school's golf team, she immediately faces trouble from the other golf team members.  Not only are they resistant to a girl joining their team, but their prejudice against American Indians is also a barrier. As you can guess, strained relations between the (more wealthy) local Caucasians and the American Indians living on the nearby reservation are key elements to the story (which include a relationship between Fred and a Caucasian boy, which causes conflict and suspicion on both sides) and social issues faced by many American Indians (poverty and alcoholism) are introduced, but it also features positive relationships between family members and friends.  Fichera's follow up to Hooked will be released in May.

If I Ever Get Out of Here
Historical fiction featuring American Indian characters are often set during the western expansion era, so a YA novel with American Indian characters set during the 1970s is quite welcomed.  This friendship story set in a military upstate New York town in 1975 is gripping and enormously heartbreaking; the music of the era plays a big part of the story (a playlist is helpfully included).

Reality Boy
This is definitely for mature readers (for language and situations), but it's such a powerful and unforgettable read about a former reality show child star that I have to include it. With so many "reality shows" featuring children and teens nowadays, this raises important questions about the effect of having childhood moments, emotions, and difficulties forever preserved for a nation's entertainment and mockery.  This is a difficult read at times, and not for sensitive readers.  

Rose Under Fire
This companion novel to last year's Code Name Verity is a sensational and emotionally shattering read, as it deals with female POWs and Nazi "medical" experimentation.  Writing in a journal given to her by her pilot friend, Maddie (the pilot in Code Name Verity), Rose Justice details her friendships with other young girls imprisoned at Ravensbruck, the notorious women's concentration camp.

My favorite: Rose Under Fire, followed by Golden Girl.


It's nearly here! The 2014 ALA Youth Media Awards will be announced this Monday, January 27.  Watch the live webcast here, 8 AM EST.  I'll have a post-awards post ASAP. Crossing my fingers that I've ordered the top winning books!

The 2014 books are starting to come in! Here's what I have my eye on:

Baby Bear
This is quite a departure for Kadir Nelson, who is best known for his gorgeously illustrated and written children's nonfiction books on African-American history.  Already receiving numerous starred reviews, to no one's surprise.

Bad Kitty Drawn to Trouble
Such an awesome series.  Bad Kitty confronts her creator for the first time; quite a meta story! Great reviews, including a starred review from Kirkus. The Bad Kitty chapter books are hilarious, but they also sneak in information about the story's topic (pet care, elections, etc).  This newest title includes information about the writing/illustration process.

The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond
This has already received two starred reviews and other positive reviews, so this is definitely one to watch this season.  Violet, tired of feeling out of place in her school and of people assuming that she's adopted, investigates her late father's African-American heritage.

The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing
Cannot wait for this sequel to Three Times Lucky! 

The Impossible Knife of Memory
Laurie Halse Anderson's latest YA novel about a daughter dealing with her Iraqi War veteran father's PTSD has received multiple starred reviews. Definitely a timely novel.

Jennifer Schultz, Youth Services Librarian, Fauquier County Public Library 

To learn more about Fauquier County Public Library's collection, events, and programs, visit us on Facebook, Twitter (Kiddosphere's Twitter is here), or on our website.

Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday

There is no shortage of excellent children's books about Martin Luther King Jr. Young readers wanting to learn more about the late civil rights leader should definitely check these out: 

I'm a fan of everything created by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney;  Hand in Hand: Ten Black Men Who Changed America  is one of their best.  Beginning with Benjamin Banneker and ending with Barack Obama, this remarkable team tells the stories of ten history-making African-American men through intimate stories and extraordinary illustrations. 

There are several picture books centered on King's "I Have a Dream" speech, but Kadir Nelson's recent edition is the most magnificent.  Not only is King's speech brilliantly illustrated by Nelson's pictures, but a CD recording of the speech is also included.  

Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney's most recent volume, Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song is a fantastic dual-biography of King and Mahalia Jackson.  The importance of their Christian faith is clearly depicted.  Anyone looking for a read aloud for elementary school children should definitely consider this beautiful picture book (it ends with the March on Washington). 

Martin's Big Words  is remarkable in that Doreen Rappaport incorporates a great deal of King's own words into the narrative.  Striking illustrations and moving text make this one of the finest picture book biographies of King to date. 

Jennifer Schultz, Youth Services Librarian, Fauquier County Public Library 

To learn more about the Fauquier County Library's collection, events, or programs, visit us on Facebook, Twitter (Kiddosphere's Twitter is here), or on our website.  

2013 Favorites: Picture Books

2013 was a FINE year for picture books.  I only reviewed 31 picture books, but I only review the books if they really strike my fancy.  Here's what caught my attention this year:

Baby Bear Counts One

Eeek! I ADORE Baby Bear Sees Blue. The creator of the Miss Bindergarten series has written and illustrated another winning series (hoping that we see more of Baby Bear).  As Baby Bear and his mother prepare for hibernation, Baby Bear counts the other animals getting ready for the long winter.  Counting! Hibernation! Bears! Story time winner, right here!

Knit Your Bit: A World War I Story

Deborah Hopkinson writes fine histories, historical fiction picture books, and biographies, among them Annie and Helen, Apples to Oregon, and Shutting Out the Sky.  I love learning about the homefront campaigns of World War I and World War II, so a story about a girls-vs-boys knitting competition was right up my alley.  

Penny and Her Marble

Kevin Henkes's Penny series is actually an easy reader series, but I don't have enough 2013 easy reader favorites to merit a separate section.  Our adorable mouse youngster faces quite a dilemma: what should she do with the lovely marble she finds in her next-door neighbor's lawn? The resolution may surprise you! 

Count the Monkeys

Mac Barnett's Extra Yarn was a highlight of the 2012 publishing year (and a Caldecott Honor title to boot), so Count the Monkeys was highly anticipated.  The reader (YOU!) is invited to count the monkeys on each page--but something wacky inevitably happens. Although this is a "counting book," don't think it's a book for toddlers.  They probably won't get the humor.  Preschool, kindergarten, and even early elementary school students will get a kick out of this. 

Have You Seen My New Blue Socks?

I haven't seen Have You Seen My New Blue Socks? on many Caldecott prediction lists, which leaves me a little bummed. (Not that Caldecott prediction lists mean that much, since the committee proceedings are top secret).  I got such a kick out of this little duck's frantic efforts to find his brand new socks.  Of course, they end up being in the most obvious place.  I can relate to this little dude, which is why I love it. Of course, Eve Bunting is a legend in children's literature, and Sergio Ruzzier's illustrations are top notch. 

Lucky Ducklings

Yes, another cute duck story! Cute duck stories are staples in children's literature.  What makes Lucky Ducklings ahead of the pack (or flock)? Well, it's based on a true story about a community's successful efforts to rescue a flock of ducklings from a storm drain. Add in adorable illustrations of ducklings and practically perfect story telling, and you've got yourself a sublime picture book. 

Ol' Mama Squirrel

David Ezra Stein's Because Amelia Smiled  was one of my 2012 favorites, so I'm pleased as punch that his 2013 offering is quite awesome.  Ol' Mama Squirrel is ferociously protective of her little babies.  Why, her "chook! chook! chook!" has been known to scare off any number of animals and humans alike. That is, until a grizzly bear is determined to stir up trouble!  Ol' Mama Squirrel's not scared, though!  Some "mama and her babies" animal stories can be a little too cutesy-sweet; not this one! Ol' Mama Squirrel is rough, tough, and ready for action.  

Take Me Out to the Yakyu

I really enjoy books that show life in different cultures and countries, so it's no surprise that Take Me Out to the Yakyu is one of my favorites.  Our narrator comes from both an American and Japanese background; although the two cultures are quite different, both families are baseball fanatics.  The baseball game experience is slightly different in both countries, but what remains the same is enjoying special time with grandfathers.  Awwww.  

Peck, Peck, Peck

Lucy Cousins is best known for her delightful Maisy picture book series, but she's created several other creative and off-beat picture books as well, such as Jazzy in the Jungle (also a 2013 publication), Hooray for Fish, and a decidedly unsanitized volume of fairy tales. Peck, Peck, Peck features a little woodpecker who's just mastered the art of pecking--and peck away he does, especially once he pecks his way through a human's house (including pecking at the toilet, which will delight many youngsters).  Cousins's rhyming scheme is smooth and not at all awkward, and the die cuts of holes beg for interaction.  

The Dark

The Dark explores a common childhood fear--fear of the dark--in a deliciously funny and weird way, as can only be expected from the minds of Lemony Snicket and Jon Klassen.  This poor little guy lives in a squeaky and creepy old house, which really doesn't help when one is afraid of the dark.  Fortunately, The Dark is here to help, in a very simple yet hilarious way. 

Xander’s Panda Party

Xander the Panda is ready to throw a party for all the zoo pandas.  After finding out that he's the only panda (awww, but wait for the ending!), he extends the invitation to all bears.  Except that koalas aren't *really* bears, so the invitation is extended to mammals, which is further extended to birds, and so on and so on.  Classification of animals has never been so cute, or so clever!  

The Day the Crayons Quit

Duncan's crayons have had enough.  They're tired of the way he's been treating them! Can Blue get a break from being used for all those bodies of water? Orange and Yellow are fighting over who should represent the sun, and Pink has had enough of his neglect.  Each crayons writes (in crayon, natch) a complaint letter to Duncan; luckily, Duncan finds a way to make ALL crayons happy.  Another one that's not for toddlers; even elementary school children would find this funny. 

Nino Wrestles the World 

Nino is a world class lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) fighter.  Nothing can stand in his way...until he faces his biggest opponents.....his little sisters, fresh from their naps! Las Hermanitas' battle cries are "constant and loud." And they are FEROCIOUS....ticklers.  Love this. If you like this, check out Dino Wrestling, another cute-but-not-cutesy wrestling story that shows different styles of wrestling, including lucha libre.

Lottie Paris and the Best Place

This is the second Lottie Paris story, so I'm hoping that Angela Johnson will continue her darling stories of Lottie Paris (and her Papa Pete, whom I'm guessing is her grandfather).  Lottie Paris and Papa Pete are going to one of their favorite places--the library!  Not only does Lottie Paris find some awesome books, but she makes a new friend.  I appreciate that there's no "boys vs. girls" mentality in this story, and no "teachable moments" about their gender and ethnic differences.  Just a great story about the fun of books and friendship. 

The Passover Lamb

Stories about Jewish children that aren't historical fiction (immigration or the Holocaust) or set in urban areas are not easy to find, which is why The Passover Lamb is quite special.  One of the traditions of the Passover Seder is the asking of the Five Questions by the youngest child.  Miriam is finally old enough to have memorized the questions and cannot wait for the Seder at her grandparents' house. But, when you live on a farm, especially during lambing season, you live on the animals' time. And when triplet lambs are born, and their mama needs human aid to care for the babies, the helpless babies must come first....Seder or no Seder. Miriam is devastated, but there's not much her family can do. Thankfully, Miriam finds a way to take care of the babies AND observe Passover.  This is a beautiful, tender, and funny story that many will enjoy, even if they do not observe Passover.     

Building Our House

This tale of self-sufficiency is on the long side, but well worth a read when you have the time to enjoy the story and scrutinize the illustrations.  This family is determined to build their new home from scratch (with help from friends and relatives), during which they experience the setbacks, confusion, tiredness, and eventually, immense satisfaction that comes from such an undertaking.  This is a heartwarming story about teamwork, family, and a job well done. 

And now to pick my favorite of 2013! Each one is absolutely fantastic, but my favorite has to be Lucky Ducklings. It's such a wonderful package of delightful illustrations and storytelling that I'm hard pressed to name anything that matches it. Second favorite is The Dark, followed by Xander's Panda Party. But really--read them all!  

Next week, I'll name my favorite children's novel of 2013.  Only 18 days until the Newbery and Caldecott winners are announced! 

I also blogged about books I read for last Wednesday's "Warm and Cozy" story time over at the ALSC blog.  

Jennifer Schultz, Youth Services Librarian, Fauquier County Public Library

To learn more about the Fauquier County Public Library's collection, events, or programs, visit us on Facebook, Twitter (Kiddosphere Twitter account is here), or on our website.