In 2008, I went back to my first love (Fiction Picture Books). Here are the
CYBILS winners for that year...
Abe Lincoln Crosses A Creek
: A Tall Thin Tale (Introducing His Forgotten Frontier Friend) written by Deborah Hopkinson illustrated by John Hendrix
In a year abundant in releases about our 16th president, this picture book title stands out for its originality, vibrant illustrations, and interactive flair. While the setting is historical, the mood is thoroughly modern in this clever celebration of the oral storytelling tradition.--Travis Jonkers, 100 Scope Notes
The Big Bad Bunny
written by Franny Billingsley illustrated by G. Brian Karas
No rushing stream or mucky swamp can stop Big Bad Bunny and his long sharp claws. Through the tangly
bushes he marches, fierce and scowling--and a worried mama mouse has just discovered her baby
mouse is missing. Suspenseful pacing, engaging art, and a delightful twist ending make this an enchanting
tale for the preschool set. --Melissa Wiley, Here in the Bonny Glen
Chester’s Back written and illustrated by Melanie Watts
A sublimely pushy cat vies for attention and control with his author and illustrator in this wildly funny
book. With creativity and innovation, the author allows her persistent character Chester to scrawl over
her illustrations and text with a red marker, creating immediacy, tension, and humor. --Cheryl Rainfield
How to Heal a Broken Wing
written and illustrated by Bob Graham
When a pigeon is injured in the middle of a busy city, no one stops to help until a little boy and his family take the bird home to heal it. Told mainly through pictures with minimal text to drive the plot forward, the story is touching one of kindness, patience, and humanity. --Pam Coughlan, MotherReader
Katie Loves the Kitttens written and illustrated by John Himmelman
The dog Katie can’t contain her desire to play with the new kitten companions in her home, but unfortunately
her exuberance is overwhelming to the tiny creatures. With redirection and restraint, Katie finally finds a
way to show her love for the kittens. The humor in, the situation, the story-telling, and illustrations will
engage kids of all ages in this fun, romping story. --Pam Coughlan, MotherReader
The Sea Serpent and Me
written by Dashka Slater illustrated by Catia Chien
An extraordinary friendship begins when a sea serpent drops from a faucet into a little girl’s bath. As their friendship grows so does the sea serpent, until the girl
has to admit that this creature belongs in the sea. This charming tale of friendship is propelled by lovely, energetic watercolor illustrations that create a world
full of whimsy the reader will find hard to leave. --Stephanie Ford, ChildLit
A Visitor for Bear
written by Bonny Becker illustrated by Kady Denton
When a mouse ignores the sign on Bear’s door that reads “NO VISITORS ALLOWED”, Bear can’t get back to business as mouse continually reappears in Bear’s home finally making Bear wonder if he really prefers to be alone after all. The text begs to be read aloud and the subdued watercolor, ink, and gouache illustrations chock full of personality that creating a tale every member of the family will adore. --Stephanie Ford, ChildLit
Wabi Sabi
written by Mark Reibstein illustrated by Ed Young
A Japanese cat searches for the meaning of her name, and discovers that beauty can be found in simple,
ordinary things and experiences. The text shows many layers and depth, the haikus are well-integrated into
the story, and the collage illustrations are astonishing in their texture and beauty. --Cheryl Rainfield
by Shannon Hale. I would pull it off the shelf now and then and consider it for our next read-aloud, but the right time hadn't arrived.
