Kelly’s 2011 picks for favorite Kid’s books
We are sharing our 5! Count ‘em! 5! Favorite Childrens’ Books of 2011!
Click the pics- they’ll take you to the books’ sites.
I’m gonna go 5 to 1 - cause let’s just lead up to my absolute favorite… oh! the anticipation is killing you!
5. 
Liesl and Po written by Lauren Oliver
Illustrated by the supernaturally talented Kei Acedera
I am a sucker for a ghost story. Especially one in a big old victorian house.
This one is all about love. A little girl’s love for her deceased Dad that is so powerful it reaches beyond the grave.
The illustrations are well, TO DIE FOR.
© HarperCollins Publishers
4.
Heart and Soul
The Story of America and African Americans
written and illustrated by Kadir (freakin’) Nelson
No disrespect Sir. I can’t help but insert (freakin’) every time I utter your name. I do believe that he is our Norman Rockwell. He is a great. He is our NC Wyeth. Our Howard Pyle. - I do kvell. He does deserve it.
He is also a quiet, dignified, thoughtful soul. - Just pick up this book. Feel it’s heart beat. He’s made one for the ages.
3.
Grandpa Green
Roaring Brook Press
Wonderstruck, by Brian Selznick
Did anyone think Brian Selznick could do it again? Did anyone think it would be….. better?
I didn’t.
It is.
I loved Hugo Cabret. Loved. Like- built a shrine to it - kind of loved.
I read Wonderstruck as an ARC - and nearly exploded like a lightning bolt of joy. The 1970’s in the Museum of Natural History?? Are you kidding me! I was there!
My 11 year old ate this book up and went around telling every kid at school for weeks. Called her cousins. Convinced her non-reading Dad to read it.
It’s brilliant.
Scholastic
OK- Are you ready… Drum roll……
1.
All the Way To America: The Story of A Big Italian Family and A Little Shovel
by Dan Yaccarino
Yes -it beat out Grandpa Green!
I have to say - I went to see Dan Yaccarino speak at the New York Tenement Museum in NYC. My daughter and I had taken a tour of an Italian family’s apartment earlier that day. That day is a day we will always remember.
It is a sentimental favorite. Dan told his own family story and managed to tell the story of so many. It’s a celebration of knowing, remembering and honoring where we come from. It’s a book, but it’s also a touchstone. A 32 page reminder of what really matters.
2011 Knopf Books for Young Readers
And that - is my list. I also loved about 5,500 more… and I didn’t ask the daughter cause this would go on forever.
Here’s to 2011 and the books that came out and the books that were written that will come out- and the people who dared to put pencil to paper! Happy New Year Everyone!
