Watching the YMAs
Amy: Even thought I was in Denver, I opted to live stream the announcements so I could watch with my colleagues at work. We projected the live stream onto a big screen, drank coffee, noshed on breakfast-y things, and used printed ballots to predict the winners. Even thought I wasn't in the announcement room, I did my fair share of shouting and groaning. But I only had cheers for this year's Geisel results. Charlie & Mouse has held a special place in my heart all year, plus it won every mock Geisel I participated in!
Misti: I watched the live stream from my office, as well. Since I'm in the Collection Development & Technical Services department, I provided a source of amusement (and doughnuts) to my bemused colleagues, as the occasional "Yes!!!" or "What?!" did burst out.
Amanda: I had a reserved seat for the announcements with the rest of the Stonewall Book Award Committee. I have been unabashedly rooting for Charlie & Mouse (and I See A Cat), and was overjoyed when they were announced. I may have been embarrassingly enthusiastic in my congratulations to the committee on their excellent choices.
Charlie & Mouse by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Emily Hughes
Amy: I cannot tell you how happy I am about Charlie & Mouse coming out on top. The timeless illustrations, the carefully considered text, and sweet humor delight me on every reread. Most importantly, as someone who identifies as biracial (Chinese-American mother, Caucasian father), I finally see myself reflected in a beginning reader (25 years late, but who's counting?).
Amanda: Truly, Charlie & Mouse is such a special book, with such a clear sense of place and character - Laurel Snyder and Emily Hughes could not be more deserving for what they have done here and I hope that its win means we will see much more of this duo. As Amy mentioned, in addition to its objective excellence in humor, pacing, and style it also joins the ranks of beginning readers that allow readers to feel seen. Neighbors - like Mr. Michael & Mr. Eric - broaden further the possibilities for readers to find themselves, their families, and their community reflected in this book.
Misti: I was so thrilled to see this book win. Apart from being super excited that our mock winner was also the actual winner (good job, you guys!), I'm a big fan of this book. In my opinion, it has a fresh but classic feel to it, and I hope that many more beginning readers will discover this series due to its Geisel win.
I See a Cat by Paul Meisel
Misti: Okay, I have to admit it: this book is my favorite Geisel contender of the year. The text is so simple, but it works together with the illustrations so very well. I'm always searching for books written at this very-beginning-reader level, and when I find one that manages to be such a delight to read . . . all I can say is, more like this, please!
Amy: Paul Meisel certainly has a knack of engaging canine romps written for the very newest of beginning readers. The font choice in this title is particularly strong, in my opinion.
Amanda: In addition to the simplicity and repetition that make this a strong choice for the emergent reader, as a dog owner it simply feels true to life. This title took to day at my library's Mock Geisel, and I was rooting for its simple brilliance not to be overlooked. A practically perfect book, in my opinion.
King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats, written by Dori Hillestad Butler and illustrated by Nancy Meyers
Amy: I must say, I overlooked this one. Perhaps because it was one of three released in the same year?
Amanda: This was the strongest out of the trio released this year, and is a solid choice for entry into the beginning reader puzzle/mystery lane.
Misti: I took a second look at this one when it got some votes on our first mock ballot, and was favorably impressed. It's definitely designed for readers who are already fairly confident, but not quite ready for big chapter books. The mystery plot works well, there's some quiet humor, and who doesn't love a mystery-solving canine/human duo?
My Kite is Stuck! And Other Stories by Salina Yoon
Amy: By far the strongest of all the Duck, Duck, Porcupine stories, IMHO. The bright colors, bold black lines, and a silly trio make this book a stand out.
Amanda: Charming characters and effectively bold illustrations.
Misti: This one flew under my radar -- I was aware of it, but didn't sit up and take note, exactly. Taking another look at it, the distinguished features Amy and Amanda mention really do stand out. Bravo, Duck, Duck, and Porcupine!
Noodleheads See the Future, written by Tedd Arnold, Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss, and illustrated by Tedd Arnold
Amy: A beginning reader with a list of sources and an author's note about the origins of Noodlehead stories! Be still my heart. I love that both the author and publisher felt that beginning readers deserve all the things found in other formats.
Misti: I can see this book being really popular with young readers -- the authors really do demonstrate respect for the beginning reader's interests and abilities.
Amanda: Tedd Arnold has a proven track record for beginning readers, and Danielle's analysis of this title really helped me to look at it in the larger context of Noodlehead stories and recognize the excellence of presenting that tradition in a way that is accessible to the new reader.
Snail & Worm Again by Tina Kügler
Amy: Hooray for another solid beginning reader friendship duo. I adore Snail and Worm and their encouraging, supportive relationship, that is also humorous and playful.
Misti: You know what I love about this book? Snail's eyes. They are so expressive! This is another great example of text and illustrations working extraordinarily well together.
Amanda: This was another runner-up in our library's Mock Geisel, and I need to give kudos to my colleague, our exemplary Youth Materials Selector, for advocating for its place on our shortlist. Justin, you were right.
Other Thoughts
Amy: One winner and five honors! That means libraries and schools have six easy purchases that all provide beginning readers engaging and supportive experiences. If I could add an honor, it would be Charlie & Mouse & Grumpy. I think it got overshadowed by the first C&M title, but that it has a lot of merit on it's own. If it had been published in a follow year, would it have gotten more love? We can only speculate, but I'd like to think that it would.
Amanda: For Geisel in particular, it is always a joy to see multiple honors. You can tell in the room that even in a room full of the most passionate fans of kid lit, beginning readers don't have the exposure that picture or chapter books do, making it all the more important to recognize and hopefully raise the profile of truly excellent beginning readers. Only I See A Cat is a stand-alone title this year - caregivers of young readers have the opportunity to discover companion titles as well as these winners and expand their selection of funny, heartfelt, and otherwise distinguished books for their newest readers. Incredible work on the part of this year's committee!
Misti: I agree completely -- fantastic selections, and I'm also pleased to see so many of them. And something for everyone, from the earliest beginner to the reader approaching full fluency. Take courage, authors, illustrators, and publishers of beginning readers: your work is important and appreciated! I can't wait to see what the next year will bring.
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