So... You Want to Pick my CYBILS Brain, Huh?

11/22/2014

Being a picture book writer, I'm always reading picture books. So, participating as a CYBILS Fiction Picture Book Panelist is heavenly. There is a vast range of concepts, characters, and content. There are some that stay on my mind long after reading them. The nominees below are all memory makers. They celebrate a fading character trait in our society: compassion. Do you need to foster some compassion today?

Maddi's Fridge by Lois Brandt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How often does a picture book touch your heart enough to bring you to tears? Maddi's Fridge is a compassionate, hopeful, giving, funny picture book about friendship and real world family issues. With so many families living in low-income situations, this book provides the perfect way to teach compassion. I admire the gradual build to a solution and the way that I became the main character, Sofia, while reading. Sofia is thoughtful and her family's dynamic is realistic. The colorful, cartoon-like illustrations are engaging and convey expression in just the right way. Maddi's Fridge screams, "Reread Me!"

Knock Knock: My Dad's Dream for Me by Daniel Beaty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No matter what form of loss one experiences, the underlying message of pressing on through adversity rings strong in this story. The emotional resonance is greatly present in both art and text. It provides an eye opening view into the compassion and support of the characters and connects straight to the reader's heart.

Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This main character's fear of Nana's city environment lead him on a transformational journey into the unknown. The subtle and endearing guidance of Nana is age appropriate, as is the believable first person voice of the boy. The illustrations paint a bustling city which evoke the senses and explode with color as the boy warms up to the new surroundings. Perfect marriage of art and text.

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. To imagine a day when freedom finally comes to the last of the slaves in the South. It is difficult to put in words how amazing this book is. It is best to let the author and illustrator do it for you. The illustrations and words are so very moving, including the notes shared at the end of the book. Everyone needs to read this book!

Louise Loves Art by Kelly Light
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wonder and excitement surround childhood accomplishments. For Louise there is art at every turn... even her little brother, Art. It's obvious that Art wants to be just like his big sister. Whether Louise find this a nuisance or a blessing is saved for the end. Louise proves that artistic passion is precious,but family is golden. Adorable illustrations will hug your heart.

Here Comes the Easter Cat by Deborah Underwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So much laughter and fun packed into one little cat! Adults, teens, and children will all be entertained by this mischievous, jealous cat who just might surprise you in the end. The nontraditional interaction between narrator and main character, mixed with a unique voice and humor to be admired, makes this a one-of-a-kind picture book that won't be forgotten.

Jacob's New Dress by Sarah Hoffman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometimes a story sits with you, and affects you so deeply that you are not sure what to think. This is a thought-provoking story. No doubt, it will have many different reviews because it addresses a controversial issue in a society full of varied opinions. Although the main mission is to break down gender barriers and encourage free expression, many will interpret this in a different light. Perhaps it is mainly because of the age group a picture book addresses. However, awareness is truly the key to breaking down barriers and creating acceptance. Years ago, when teaching Pre-K, the boys in my dramatic play center loved dressing up in cheerleader uniforms and high heels, toting purses and pom poms as they went about their play. They had a blast. I really like the message in this book and I applaud Ian and Sarah Hoffman for making this project a mission.

View all my reviews

Tell me: What books are making memories for you?

13 Comments

Catherine Johnson link

11/24/2014 01:33:46 pm

Wow, lots of goodies here Carrie! Thanks a lot for sharing them. I'm pretty sure I've ordered the cat one from the library.

Carrie Charley Brown

11/24/2014 03:04:30 pm

Have you read some great memory makers lately, Catherine?

Maria Marshall

2/17/2015 04:49:15 pm

"Easter Cat" is funny!
"Friends for Freedom" by Suzanne Slade is an enlightening book about Susan B Anthony and Frederick Douglass' maintenance of compassion and support of each other, even through intensely heated battles against each other and society to gain the right to vote and women' suffrage.

"Sebastian and the Balloon" by Phillip Stead is a beautiful, quiet, adventure, exploration, and compassion story.

"Maple and Willow Together: by Lori Nichols is a story of competition, cooperation, and compassion between young sisters.

"Imani's Moon" by JaNay Brown-Wood is an amazing book set in an African Maasai village about believing in yourself and reaching for the moon
.
"Litle Elliot Big City" by Mike Curato features a lively "different elephant" who shows compassion for a less fortunate mouse and earns a friend AND a cupcake.

Carrie Charley Brown

2/18/2015 02:22:52 am

Isn't is cool how a funny book like Easter Cat can also pull in compassion? To me, that is just the coolest thing! Kids are drawn to funny, and while they are there, they get a subtle lesson in compassion. :) Love that! You've got some great books listed here, Maria! Thanks!

Julie Burchstead link

2/17/2015 11:28:02 pm

This is where books really shine. There are so many. I love, but here are some I have found powerful:

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson. The main character doesn't begin with compassion, but develops into it. A story reminiscent of The 100 Dresses

The Mitten Lady: An elderly neighbor's kind actions seem to be taken a bit for granted until they stop. (Visibility of the elderly)

Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli (Loneliness)

Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting (Homelessness)

The Three Questions by Jon Muth

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

I Never Knew Your Name by Sherry Garland (PB for older kids-suicide)

I am excited to read some of the newer ones others have posted. I just ordered a Sick Day for Amos McGee.

Carrie Charley Brown

2/18/2015 02:24:13 am

I love A Sick Day for Amos McGee! Thanks for the nice list of recs, Julie! :)

Nicole Popel link

2/18/2015 12:05:12 am

Henry's Freedom Box, the true story of a slave to mail himself to freedom via a box illustrates compassion. With help from others, Henry journeys himself to freedom.

Carrie Charley Brown

2/18/2015 02:25:53 am

I love Henry's Freedom Box, Nicole, and recommend it frequently to critique clients who are studying powerful beginnings that connect right into the main character. The emotional journey is amazing throughout the book. :)

Heather Pierce Stigall

2/18/2015 12:09:22 am

I've read The Easter Cat and am looking forward to reading the rest. Bryan Collier (illustrator of Knock Knock) spoke at the Fall Philly Conference in 2013 and I remember him talking about the book. If I am remembering correctly, he was so moved by the words he approached the author to ask about making the poem into a picture book. As for books about compassion that stand out for me, this is not new, but one that comes to mind is Mo Willems' Leonardo the Terrible Monster.

Carrie Charley Brown

2/18/2015 02:29:09 am

Thanks, Heather! That's a cool story about Bryan Collier...I imagine him sitting there listening to Daniel Beaty recite the poem, and visual images bursting through his mind! It's been a while since I read Leonardo the Terrible Monster. It's time for me to pull it back out and reconnect. :)

Annette Pimentel link

2/18/2015 05:26:22 am

So many books to add to my reading list! Here are a few nonfiction picture book titles with compassion as a theme.

A Home for Mr. Emerson, by Barbara Kerley shows how Ralph Waldo Emerson's community rallied around him at a time of crisis. So affirming!

Anna & Solomon, by Elaine Snyder tells the heartwarming true story of a husband and a wife putting off what they most want to selflessly help others.

A Boy and a Jaguar, by Alan Rabinowitz is an autobiography telling how a boy who has been the brunt of teasing manages to use that negative experience to work wholeheartedly for the good of animals.

Linda Carpenter

2/18/2015 05:59:19 am

i am still working on the 26 book list but will add these too. Keep it coming!
Awesome!

Romelle Broas link

2/19/2015 07:38:39 am

Great list, Carrie! If a book stays in your mind long after you've read them, that says a lot! There are books I've read and can't remember what it's about. Not a good sign.

Carrie Charley Brown

As a children’s writer, and a teacher, my goal is to help you carry on. Sometimes learning is challenging, so why go it alone? Your journey will be more meaningful and comfortable with friends to share it with. Together, we'll get up close and personal with authors, illustrators, and the best of picture books. If we work together, great things will follow!