Every month, we 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 August edition of BayViews. Sorry for the late post everyone!
FICTION
Full of Beans written by Holm, Jennifer L.; Random House Books for Young Readers 2016
Holm offers another memorable contribution to historical fiction, spinning off the story of ten year old Beans, a cousin of Turtle from “Turtle in Paradise” (Yearling, 2011). The reader is transported to Key West as it undergoes a transformation from a shanty town into a tropical paradise during the New Deal. (2-6)
Ms. Bixby’s Last Day written by Anderson, John David & illustrated by Yarlett, Emma;
With their favorite teacher in the hospital battling cancer, Brand, Steve, and Topher hatch a plan to comb the city collecting some of Ms. Bixby’s favorite things to bring to her. An amusing “caper” dotted with hilarious setbacks, this is one of those cleverly done stories that slowly reveals itself. (4-7)
PICTURE BOOK
Hare and Tortoise written and illustrated by Murray, Alison; Candlewick 2016
Murray’s beautifully simple text and bright digital illustrations update the classic fable, The Tortoise and the Hare. With humor and emotion throughout, the animals find a satisfying and friendly conclusion to the race. (PS-K)
Near, Far written by Borando, Silvia; Candlewick 2016
One by one, seven animals are portrayed thus: first spread is an extreme close-up, second spread is a close-up and third spread shows the entire animal. Children and caregivers will love trying to guess the animals. (B/T-K).
Sam and Jump written and illustrated by Mann, Jennifer; Candlewick 2016
Simple, expressive water colors and minimal text show the deep affection a child feels for a special toy, the sorrow of losing it, and the joy of finding a new and caring friend who brings them together again. Sam with peachy skin and his new friend Thomas with brown skin are simply drawn and the expressive illustrations tell most of this reassuring story. (PS-2)
NON-FICTION
Bubonic Panic: When Plague Invaded America written by Jarrow, Gail; Calkins Creek 2016
A well researched, and excellent presentation of the Bubonic Plague – its history and its emergence in the United States. (5-12)
Prairie Dog Song: The Key to Saving North America’s Grasslands written and illustrated by Roth, Susan L.; Lee and Low Books 2016
This informational collage picture book has a dual narrative: the main poetic text in larger print is written using the pattern of the cumulative folksong “The Green Grass Grows All Around,” while the smaller text idescribes facts about prairie dogs in North America, including their endangered status and their habitat. With abundant back matter. (K-5)
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