ALA Children's Notable Books

Holm, Jennifer L. & Holm, Matthew. (2005). Babymouse: queen of the world! New York: Random House.

Summary:
Using simple black and white illustrations with the subtle use of the color pink, Babymouse and her best friend Wilson are introduced. Babymouse thinks her life is missing glamour, excitement, and adventure. She uses her overactive imagination to add these things to her life. Babymouse has always wanted to be “Queen of the World” or to be like Felicia Furrypaws. But on this day, she would just love to be invited to Felicia’s upcoming sleepover. After many unsuccessful attempts at being invited, Babymouse finally gets invited. After building up the excitement of attending the sleepover, Babymouse is disappointed over and over again and realizes that her life is great and she was already a queen.

Genre: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Suggested Grade Level(s): 3rd – 6th
Awards:
2006 ALA Notable/Best Book

Seegar, Laura Vaccaro. (2007). Dog and bear: two friends, three stories. Connecticut: Roaring Brook Press.

Summary:
Laura Vaccaro Seeger uses simple text and simple illustrations to tell three short stories about the friendship of Dog and Bear. Young readers will enjoy the simplicity of the stories and the bright colors used for Dog and Bear. Laura Seeger has created a great book for emergent readers.

Genre: Animal Fantasy
Format: Picture Book
Suggested Grade Level(s): K – 3rd
Awards:
2008 ALA Notable/Best Book
2008 2x2 Reading List

Shannon, David. (2006). Good boy, Fergus. New York: The Blue Sky Press.

Summary:
Even though Fergus does not come when he is called, eats potted plants, hides when it is time for a bath, begs, chases motorcycles, and will only eat his food with whip cream on top he is a ‘good boy.’ David Shannon introduces Fergus the dog with simple text and brightly colored illustrations.

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book
Suggested Grade Level(s): K – 3rd
Awards:
2007 ALA Notable/Best Book

Willems, Mo. (2005). Your pal Mo Willems presents Leonardo the terrible monster. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.

Summary:
As the title says, Leonardo is a terrible monster. He cannot scare anyone and he is not like the other monsters he knows. Then one day he comes up with an idea – he will find a kid that can be scared easily. Leonardo finds Sam and gives it all he has. When Sam begins to cry Leonardo believes he has been successful, but soon realizes Sam is just having a bad day. In the end, he decides to be a good friend rather than a monster. Again Mo Willems uses simple illustrations and muted colors to tell a great story and to teach children to try their best and if they do not succeed either try again or try something new.

Genre: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book
Suggested Grade Level(s): K-3rd
Awards:
2006 ALA Notable/Best Book