Top 10 Picture Books of 2011

This took longer than expected. As I mentioned in my last post, selections this year were hard. In addition, I discovered I needed to segregate picture books for little kids (babies, toddlers, preschoolers) from those for school-age children. While some books could overlap between the two age groups, there was no way for me to compile a fair list if I lumped them all into one group. For books where I couldn’t find an age listing, I put them where I felt they fit best. I’ll start off with my Top 10 for the youngest category and then list the Top 10 in the older category.

Top 10 Picture Books for Preschoolers and under

• Ricky’s Christmas Tree by Guido van Genechten
• A Cat’s Alphabet Book by Sally O. Lee
• My Daddy by Guido van Genechten
• Going to the Beach with Lily and Milo and Going to the Zoo with Lily and Milo by Pauline Oud (I reviewed these together, so I am counting them as one.)
• One Little Blueberry by Tammi Salzano
• Oops! by Leo Timmers
• 1-2-3- Count with Me and A is for Apple by Georgie Burkett (Again, I reviewed these together and count them as one.)
• Ricky is Brave by Guido van Genechten
• Thankyouplease by Pierre Winters and Barbara Ortelli
• Ian’s New Potty by Pauline Oud

There are repeat names on this list, but I felt these authors and publishers truly knew how to create books attractive to this market.

Top 10 Books of 2011 for Ages 3 and up

• A Dog is A Dog by Stephen Shaskan
• My Mom Has X-Ray Vision by Angela McAllister
• Will & Kate: A Love Story by Ink Robin
• Sea Monster’s First Day by Kate Messner
• The Butt Book by Artie Bennett
• Not Fat Because I Wanna Be by LaNiyah Bailey
• The Dancing Clock by Steve Metzger
• Humbug, A Christmas Carol by Lee Baker
• My Name is Not Alexander by Jennifer Fosberry
• Fifo “50 States” by Hayley Rose

Honorable Mentions

• A Christmas Secret by Candace Hall
• Frederico, The Mouse Violinist by Mayra Calvani
• The Ice Cream King by Steve Metzger
• Marta’s Gargantuan Wings by J. Aday Kennedy
• Every-Day Dress-Up by Selina Alko
• Freckleface Strawberry Best Friends Forever by Julianne Moore
• Limelight Larry by Leigh Hodgkinson
• Don’t Worry Douglas! by David Melling
• Cinderfella and the Furry Godmother by Dixie Phillips
• Tumbleweed Christmas by Beverly Stowe McClure
• Secret Service Saint by Janet Ann Collins
• Seven Miles to Freedom by Janet Halfmann 

Marta’s Gargantuan Wings by J. Aday Kennedy

A little book that contains a big message is what you’ll find in Marta’s Gargantuan Wings by J. Aday Kennedy.

Aljor the bird teases Marta about her gigantic wings. She knows a brown Pegasus that looks more like a mule isn’t very beautiful, but she can’t help but be hurt by his cruel words. Even her friend Stajon, the monkey, coming to her defense doesn’t help. When a fire breaks out in the forest, Marta’s gargantuan wings might be what saves the day.

Just as she did with Klutzy Kantor, Kennedy creates a lovely story of friendship with characters that young readers will easily relate to. Readers are treated to an enjoyable tale that helps children realize our differences can often be what makes us the most special. They follow along as Marta has a chance to use her “flawed” appearance to help out in a time of need.

Talented artist, Eugene Ruble, created the illustrations for Marta’s Gargantuan Wings. His unique style stands as the perfect complement to Kennedy’s moving prose. It’s one of the reasons I was so thrilled to have him illustrate my book.

This is a great book for the home or classroom.

Rating:  🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

• Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc
• ISBN-10:1616330937
• ISBN-13: 978-1616330934
• SRP:  $9.95

An ecopy of this book was sent to me by the author in exchange for my honest opinion. I received no monetary compensation to provide this review.

Klutzy Kantor by J. Aday Kennedy

Klutzy Kantor is a magical and fun story your little ones will enjoy.

Kantor Pegasus is tired of being such a klutz. When he discovers the leprechaun Cobbledom McSweeney will grant a wish to the winner in a battle of wits, Kantor decides he just has to do it. With the help of his friends, Kantor trains to beat the lucky leprechaun who has won 321 battles. With a bit of faith in himself, Kantor just might do it.

This is a charming story of friendship and determination. J. Aday Kennedy draws readers in with characters they’ll love and understand, and they’ll be rooting for Kantor all the way.

Artist Jack Foster provided the illustrations for Klutzy Kantor. I can honestly say I have never seen a book he’s worked on that I didn’t love. The bright colors, the big round eyes, and the expressions he manages to capture on his characters’ faces, make me enjoy the book even more.

I’m sure your children will be delighted by this one. I know I’m eagerly awaiting Kennedy’s next book!

Rating: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc

ISBN-10: 1616330511

ISBN-13: 978-1616330514

SRP:  $10.95

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