Every month, we’ll post an annotated bibliography of books that were rated ‘Outstanding’ and nominated for our Distinguished List at our previous month’s meeting. Members can see full reviews of these books and many more in the October edition of BayViews.
Picture Books
Poppy the Pirate Dog by Liz Kessler; illustrated by Mike Phillips
Candlewick, 2013.
Poppy, a Dalmatian pup, takes a seaside vacation with her family, where she chooses a skull-and-crossbones bandana and is nicknamed “pirate dog.” This hearty story with pups, pirates and warm family fun is just right for readers getting used to chapter books. (Grades 1 – 3)
Fiction
Counting by 7s by Holly Sloan Goldberg
Dial, 2013.
How can a book with such a depressing premise (parents of outsider die suddenly) leave such a heartwarming impression? Sloan’s strong characterization of a group of misfits finding connection in each other is an absorbing story of overcoming adversity. (Grades 6 – 8)
North of Nowhere by Liz Kessler
Candlewick, 2013.
Giving up her Spring break to help her grandmother after her grandfather’s unexplained disappearence, Mia unravels a 50-year-old secret in this novel full of adventure and mystery. (Grades 4 – 8)
Graphic
Bluffton: My Summers with Buster by Matt Phelan
Candlewick, 2013.
A fictional character named Henry Harrison befriends the young slapstick artist who summers with other vaudeville performers at a lively actors’ colony in Bluffton, Michigan. Pastel water colors pair brilliantly with text to illuminate Buster Keaton’s early life. (Grades 4 – 7)
Gris Grimly’s Frankenstein by Mary Shelley; illustrated by Gris Grimly
Balzar & Bray, 2013.
Gris Grimly’s adaptation and illustration of Shelley’s Frankenstein re-envisions the classic, making it accessible to a new generation. Grimly’s gothic ink and watercolor illustrations have a steampunk edge, bringing the monster and his tormented creator to life while infusing the story with a quirky pathos. (Grade 6 – Adult)
Non-fiction
Where My Wellies Take Me by Michael and Clare Morpurgo; illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill
Templar, 2013.
A scrapbook, a picture book, an artist’s book, a poetry anthology, and young Pippa’s walk in the country – based on co-author Clare Morpurgo’s early life – as she meets wildlife, animals and people. Beautiful artwork by first-time children’s book illustrator and fine artist Olivia Lomenech Gill. (Grades 2 – 5)
– Hayley
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