Each 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 September edition of BayViews. Not a member? Join, come to our monthly meetings, and hear about these Outstanding books in person!
Picture Books
My Papi Has a Motorcycle written by Quintero, Isabel and illustrated by Peña, Zeke; Kokila/Penguin Random House, 2019.
A motorcycle ride through a close-knit community that celebrates father/daughter relationships and childhood memories. This collaboration would be a welcome addition to picture book collections in classrooms and libraries generally, and in those in California in particular. (Grades Kindergarten-3.)
A Plan for Pops written by Smith, Heather and illustrated by Kerrigan, Brooke; Orca, 2019.
A glimpse into the lives of Grandad, Pops, and their grandchild Lou as they navigate some of life’s joys and challenges. Kerrigan and Smith’s collaboration would be perfect for lap reading and is essential for picture book collections in classrooms and libraries. (K-3.)
The Undefeated written by Alexander, Kwame and illustrated by Nelson, Kadir; Versify/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2019.
The Undefeated pays homage to Black Americans who have stood against injustice, accomplished great things, inspired others, served their communities, and more. Alexander and Nelson’s collaboration is a necessary addition to picture book collections in libraries, classrooms, and homes. (K-3.)
Why? written by Rex, Adam and illustrated by Keane, Claire; Chronicle, 2019.
Doctor X-Ray takes over the shopping mall and a small girl defeats him by asking “Why?” after every statement by the doctor. The cartoon ink-with-wash digital illustrations are clever, with the text in dialogue balloons. (PreK-3.)
Fiction
Captain Rosalie written by de Fombelle, Timothée (translated by Gordon, Sam) and illustrated by Arsenault, Isabelle; Candlewick, 2019.
Five-year-old Rosalie is a self-appointed captain who describes her secret mission in her notebook in a classroom of older boys, while her father is at war and her mother works in a factory. Beautiful prose captures Rosalie’s creative imagination and sensitivity. (2-4.)
Room for One More written by Polak, Monique; Kar-Ben/Lerner; 2019.
A Jewish family of four in Canada, the Wolffs have some awareness of the horror that Hitler has unleashed. When they welcome a refugee into their home, their perspective changes immeasurably and fifteen-year-old Rosetta narrates her experience as her new brother Isaac begins to share his past. (3-6.)
Graphic Novels
Queen of the Sea written and illustrated by Meconis, Dylan; Walker/Candlewick, 2019.
An evocative and imaginative fiction based around 16th century England and Queen Elizabeth’s childhood. Featuring an empathetic narrator, this book addresses issues of power and responsibility, love, loyalty, and differentiating between the letter and the spirit of the law. (5-Adult.)
Nonfiction
Summer Green to Autumn Gold: Uncovering Leaves; Hidden Colors written and illustrated by Posada, Mia; Millbrook/Lerner, 2019.
A lovely nonfiction book for older preschoolers-1st graders about pigments and the turning of colors in the leaves of deciduous trees. The scope of the text is limited by the collaged paper illustrations use the transparency and textures of the materials to create eye-catching spreads. (PreK-1.)
Professional
Helen Oxenbury: A Life in Illustration written by Marcus, Leonard S.; Candlewick, 2019.
Children’s book author/illustrator Helen Oxenbury is celebrated in this lush coffee table book, filled with personal photographs and reproductions of her artwork, matched with an enthralling and authoritative text by Leonard Marcus. (Adult.)
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