The Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2017

​This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award — and the first year of the Times’ partnership with the New York Public Library on the honor. We’re unveiling a new name: The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award. The Times and NYPL share a mission: to recognize the best in children’s literature and bring great books to young readers.
As always, the winners were selected by a panel of three judges, who based their decision purely on artistic merit. The 2017 judges are Steven Guarnaccia, an associate professor of illustration at Parsons The New School for Design and the author and illustrator of numerous books; Marjorie Priceman, the author and illustrator of many children’s books and the winner of two Caldecott Honors and two New York Times Best Illustrated Books Awards; and Louise Lareau, the head librarian of the New York Public Library Children’s Center.   New York Times November 2, 2017

On a Magical Do-Nothing Day 
Written and illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna

Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos
Written by Monica Brown Illustrated by John Parra

King of the Sky
Written by Nicola Davies Illustrated by Laura Carlin

Feather
Rémi Courgeon

Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R.B.G. vs. Inequality
Written by Jonah Winter Illustrated by Stacy Innerst

A River
​Marc Martin

The Way Home in the Night
Akiko Miyakoshi

Plume
Isabelle Simler

Town Is By the Sea
Joanne Schwartz Illustrated by Sydney Smith

Muddy: The Story of Blues Legend Muddy Waters
Michael Mahin Illustrated by Evan Turk

Young People's Poet Laureate
​Margarita Engle

Congratulations Margarita Engle, named by The Poetry Foundation as Young People's Poet Laureate "in recognition of a career devoted to writing exceptional poetry for young readers."  This Cuban American author is the first Latino to receive the award.  She will serve at Poet Laureate for a period of two years. ​Here are some of my favorite images of Margarita Engle. They capture her gentle manner and her love of nature.​

I distinctly remember my introduction to the work of Engle. While strolling through the book displays at an American Library Association conference, a small volume caught my eye. The title The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano and the stunning cover art by Sean Qualls intrigued me. I picked up a copy and was immediately entranced. What a remarkable man! I left that day with a copy of the book and a determination to seek out the works of Engle.

I had the honor to serve on the YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award committee for 2016.  Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir​ was selected as an Honor Book.  I had the opportunity to read this volume many times, taking copious notes. The more I studied this book, the greater my appreciation for the depth and strength this memoir and the elegant poetry she employs to tell her story.

Look what's on my desk: Titles from Margarita Engle, Young People's Poet Laureate and all published in 2017. This trio of books explore and celebrate Hispanic literature, history and culture. Her work is indicative of her "passion, knowledge of nature, and curiosity about the world." Here is a brief glimpse at these three exciting new poetic works. While each of these books have been published for children, the subject matter and the exquisite language and art are suitable for readers of all ages.

​All the Way to Havana
by Margarita Engle ill Mike Curato

"Cara cara" Cars! Beginning with the fabulous end papers, readers are treated to images of some amazing retro cars. But this book is about more than cars. It is a story of family and resourcefulness, a story of finding joy and pride in simple things. Take a trip to Havana in a blue 1953 Chevy. This is one ride you will want to take again and again. Mike Curato visited Havana to research this book and his attention to accurate detail shows on every page.

Miguel's Brave Knight: Young Cervantes and His Dreams of Don Quixote
​by Margarita Engles ill Raúl Colón

"No giant or dragon  is bigger or stronger  ​than the human imagination" The life of young Miguel Cervantes is brilliantly captured in a series of poems highlighting his struggles and dreams. Engles does not shy away from including the painful episodes of his childhood: an absent father, a family struggling to survive, the threat of the plague, and limited opportunities for schooling. This is counterbalanced by Cervantes imagination, love to story, and desire to learn. Colón's gorgeous ink and colorwash illustrations are the perfect blend of reality and fantasy.

Bravo! Poems About Amazing Hispanics
by Margarita Engle ill Rafael López

"So many, so varied, such a beautiful mixture of dreams!" This compilation of poems celebrating the contributions of Hispanic Americans highlights famous as well as lesser-known individuals. ​​Back matter includes additional information as well as a listing of "more amazing Latinos."  Strong colorful graphic art by López enriches the poetry. Kudos to the publisher for simultaneously publishing this book in Spanish and English.

Enjoy the wide range of books that Engles has created for a variety of audiences Engle's poetry and prose are a gift to young readers everywhere.  They have timeless appeal and will remain classics for years to come.

Ape and Armadillo Take Over the World by James Sturm

​Each year during the San Diego Comic-Con, winners of the prestigious Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards are announced. Recognition is awarded to outstanding comics and comic-related materials published during the previous year. Among the many categories, this year's nominees include a stellar group of comics published for early readers. ​Take a look at one of the nominees for this year's award.

Ape and Armadillo Take Over the World by James Sturm introduces readers to the playground antics of two friends: Ape and Armadillo. As Agents of Evil, they devise a scheme to combat the evil forces of the world. However, there is a problem. Armadillo has developed his own special plan. Ape will combat the evil-doers. Armadillo will sweep in afterward, assuming the role of the conquering hero. This is not working so well for Ape and he objects. It's unfair! There follows a discussion on the meaning of "unfair" and what is a "good idea" entails. Eventually the friends compromise, negotiating a plan that both agree will work. Engaging characters, sparkling dialog that zings when read aloud, great action scenes which include a space cannon, plenty of gentle humor, and ice cream, make this a sure-fire hit for young readers. Bonus: There are also dogs. Lots of dogs. World domination like you've never experienced it.

I have planned a few workshops and storytimes to take place this summer. One workshop will be with a group of teens and a separate storytime will be for children whose ages span a wide range. I plan to use this book along with the comic panel templates and prompts. While the book is specifically geared to younger readers, the concepts translate well with middle grade and teens interested in creating their own comics. ​Thanks James Sturm and Toon Books for this fantastic leveled comic for early readers.

Why yes. I do have a signed copy!

Companion Books

Burt's Way Home ​by James Martz

The Creeps: The Trolls Will Feast ​by ​Chris Schweizer

I'm Grumpy ​by Jennifer L. Holm & ​Matthew Holm

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea ​by Ben Clanton

YALSA's 2016 Award for Excellence in Nonfiction

Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War written by Steve Sheinkin, and published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan’s Children’s Publishing Group Sheinkin’s latest is a thrilling journalistic account of government insider Daniel Ellsberg, who leaked the Pentagon Papers and exposed the questionable decisions that led to the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War. This cinematic work simultaneously recounts a history of the Vietnam War, details the complete reversal of one man’s loyalties, chronicles the downfall of a presidential administration, examines First Amendment rights, and explores honor and morality. A timely exploration of American history that crackles with tension and excitement.

Symphony for the City of the Dead:  Dmitri Shostakovich and the Siege of Leningrad written by M.T. Anderson, and published by Candlewick Press Dmitri Shostakovich’s Seventh Symphony was completed during the horrors of the 900-day Siege of Leningrad during World War II. Anderson’s sweeping history of the first half of the twentieth century in Soviet Russia and his focus on the life of the slight, bespectacled composer is dramatic, challenging, and immersive. Political and cultural revolutions and upheavals enveloped Russia over the decades during which Shostakovich grew into one of the West’s most celebrated composers. Meticulous research and a captivating narrative celebrate courage, perseverance—and music.

Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir written by Margarita Engle, and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Cuban? American? Lush island paradise or fast-paced city living? These are the two worlds that Margarita Engle eloquently describes through lyrical, free-verse poems as she attempts to define herself, her family, and her country within the context of being biracial during the United States’ invasion of Cuba at the Bay of Pigs. The power of this book lies in the emotional connections and vivid imagery evoked by observing the simple differences between Engle’s two families as she deftly explores both cultures’ customs and traditions.

First Flight Around the World: The Adventures of the American Fliers Who Won the Race written by Tim Grove,  and published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, an imprint of ABRAMS In 1924, a team of American aviators embarked on a race to circumnavigate the globe. During their 150-day journey, the crew faced hostile weather, pesky reporters, mechanical failures, and agonizing disappointments. Drawing on archival materials, Grove enlivens this story of historical achievement with humor and fascinating travel anecdotes, while portraying the perseverance and dedication of the crew. This suspenseful tale is a visual feast with heart.

This Strange Wilderness:  The Life and Art of John James Audubon written by Nancy Plain, and published by University of Nebraska Press John James Audubon traveled the length and breadth of North America in service of his monumental Birds of America, the work that marked his lasting reputation as a naturalist. Plain’s account, drawn from Audubon’s journals and letters, conveys the artist’s determination (some regarded him as a madman) to document the continent’s rich variety of birds and other wildlife. This elegantly designed book deftly blends art and ornithology, and includes lovely reproductions of Audubon’s work.

2016 Excellence in Nonfiction Vetted Nomination List

And the finalists are...

Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman

​Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War by Steve Sheinkin

Bone Gap by Laura Ruby

Nimona by Noel Stevenson

The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin

Now that I am officially a Texan, it seems fitting to feature a Lone Star State author. So...introducing the books of  Chris Barton. I remember reading Shark vs Train for the bazillionth time to the youngest grandchild and marveling that the story never seemed to get old, for him or for me. I enjoyed his 2010 Siebert Honor Award-winning story of The Day-Glow Brothers. Imagine my surprise when I located Attack! Boss! Cheat Code! for Reading Style Guide resource and discovered that it was written by (yes that's right)  Chris Barton. I started to become aware of how versatile Chris is. He seems to find the most interesting projects - ones that would never occur to me. When I read his books, his special way of looking at events shines through with "energy and life” (The Day-Glo Brothers author's note). This year Chris has published not one but two books for young readers: The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch "It's the story of a guy who in ten years went from teenage field slave to U. S. Congressman" (author's note). and The Nutcracker Comes to America: How Three Ballet-loving Brothers Created a Holiday Tradition.  I wonder: Could this be a contender for longest picture-book-title of 2015?

The Nutcracker Comes to America: How Three Ballet-loving Brothers Created a Holiday Tradition by Chris Barton illustrated by Cathy Gendron

Front end papers: setting the scene

The brothers first began performing in vaudeville.

Nutcracker image from Gendron's website.

Nutcracker program covers.