A year’s worth of visually stirring, heartfelt gems
A baby monkey with a knack for detective work, a mysterious green creature that takes up residence in an Australian farmhouse and a 9year-old stuck in a Russian-style summer camp are among the chief attractions of an exciting year in children’s literature.
There’s also a book-length poem about feeling different from your classmates by National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson, and a wise and witty take on finding your first friends by Newbery Medal winner Kate DiCamillo.
“Bob” by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead, illustrated by Nicholas Gannon, Feiwel and Friends, 208 pages, $16.99, ages 8-12
At age 10, Livy returns to Australia with no recollection of the little green creature who has been waiting for her in the closet since her visit five years earlier. Livy is Bob’s only friend, and Livy comes to realize that it’s up to her to help him find his way home. A magical tale, told in two compelling voices, “Bob” delights from start to finish.
“Baby Monkey, Private Eye” by Brian Selznick and David Serlin, illustrated by Brian Selznick, Scholastic, 192 pages, $16.99, ages 4-8
Full of crosshatched depth and detail, “Baby Monkey” is an irresistible early reader that also can be read to the little ones. A scamp ensconced in an office befitting an old-time private eye, Baby Monkey meets colorful clients and solves mysteries. The pictures tell most of the story, and the silliness will have the kids in stitches.
“Be Prepared” by Vera Brosgol, First Second, 256 pages, $12.99, ages 10-14
Vera Brosgol’s graphic novel about a 9-year-old from a Russian immigrant family, determined to fit in despite economic and cultural barriers, is full of hope and pain, adventure and love. Vera attends a camp for kids of Russian descent, but when she gets stuck in a tent with cliquey older girls, her confidence wavers. Beautifully drawn, this book deftly captures the pain of homesickness and power of friendship.
“Good Rosie!” by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Harry Bliss, Candlewick, 32 pages, $16.99, ages 5-8
Part picture book, part chapter book, part graphic novel, this story of a dog in search of her first friends is wise, endearing and full of hard-won insights. Rosie, a wistful Jack Russell terrier, wants to get to know other dogs, but the dog park intimidates her. DiCamillo endows the dogs with pitch-perfect voices, and Bliss’ watercolors tell their own vivid story. Rosie has to overcome her fears; she is rewarded when she does.
“The Day You Begin” by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael Lopez, Nancy Paulsen, 32 pages, $18.99, ages 5-8
Jacqueline Woodson, a National Book Award winner, explores the uncertainty of feeling different, in a poem that’s funny and heartbreaking, soaring and intimate. A little girl with brown skin and curly black hair feels different from her classmates, who also feel different for their own reasons. Woodson’s powerful voice and Lopez’s exuberant illustrations take us to places near and far, and bring us back home, stronger than before.