New York Times Book Best Illustrated Children's Books of 2009
I usually feel like I exist and read in an alternate world of children's books when I scan the pages of the intermittent children's section of the New York Times Book Review. However, this year, I am pleased to say that I have heard of all but two of the ten titles on the list of Best Illustrated Children's Books of 2009, read five at story time and even reviewed one! I am familiar with all but one of the winning illustrators, Komako Sakai, and have reviewed books by most of the others, including Lucy Cousins, Marla Frazee, Emily Gravett, and Shuan Tan. Anoitnette Portis, a relatively new author/illustrator on the scene, is the creator of two of my favorite story time books I am remiss in never mentioning before now:NOT A BOX and NOT A STICK. Rush out and read these to your 5 and unders immediately!!!
For a chance to read the rest of the section, in which many of the winning books are reviewed, as well as books for older children and teens, click here. Also, be sure to check out my Best Picture Books of 2009, which I think will not be quite as massive a review as my first ever "Best" list, Best Picture Books of 2008, in which I couldn't bear to leave any book out...
Yummy: Eight Favorite Fairy Tales by Lucy Cousins
All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon,
illustrated by Marla Frazee
The Snow Day by Komako Sakai
The Odd Egg by Emily Gravett
(Gravett is a favorite of mine, click her name for my reviews of all her books)
MOONSHOT: The Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca
White Noise by David A. Carter
A Penguin Story by Antoinette Portis
The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
(winner of the 2010 Caldecott Medal)
Only A Witch Can Fly by Alison McGhee,
illustrated by Taeun Yoo
Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan