Rabbit! Rabbit! Rabbit! by Lorna Scobie

Being an only rabbit is the best...until it isn't. 

Thoughts: I love rabbits and the ones featured in this book are the cutest. The story is one I'm sure will resonate with children. Having time by yourself or one-on-one time with an adult is important even for only children. Older siblings will have much in common with the little gray rabbit. The illustrations (made with ink pens, watercolor, and colored pencils) are lovely. Colorful and the characters have such depth of expression. Loved the surprise ending with the fox. I won't ruin it for you, but I was astounded. 

Download an activity kit from the publisher here.

For a sibling themed storytime, pair with any of the following: Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished by Camille Andros, Lift by Minh Lê, Wolfie the Bunny by Ame Dyckman, Maple by Lori Nichols, One Special Day by Lola M. Schaefer, or Brand-New Baby Blues by Kathi Appelt.

For a fox themed storytime, pair with One Fox: A Counting Book Thriller by Kate Read, Rosie's Walk by Pat Hutchins, The Sky Is Falling! by Mark Teague, My Lucky Day by Keiko Kasza, Lousy Rotten Stinkin' Grapes by Margie Palatini, or That Is Not a Good Idea! by Mo Willems. 

Themes: Rabbits, Siblings, Foxes

(Henry Holt, 2020.)

The Longest Storm by Dan Yaccarino

When a storm comes, a family has to go inside. The storm is long. How will one parent, three kids, and a dog occupy themselves until the storm is over? 

Thoughts: So I had a definite sense of déjà vu when I read The Longest Storm. After glancing at the information sent by the publisher I realized that I was remembering  the shutdown of Spring 2020. While a long-lived storm isn't quite the same as a global pandemic, it does give you an avenue to start a conversation with kids about their experiences during that time. The depiction of the family not getting along after too much time together resonated with me as it reminds me of times in my childhood--endlessly rainy summer days when I and my siblings were cooped up inside. We almost always got into fights. That's what kids do when they're bored. The illustrations are great. Colorful and evocative. I love how the colors and style change to suit the mood of what's happening in the story. I think The Longest Storm would pair well with Blackout by John Rocco. Look for The Longest Storm in a bookstore near you on August 31st!

Themes: Rain, Family

(Review copy provided by publisher. minedition, 2021.)

Peek-A-Mood by Giuliano Ferri

Play peek-a-boo with monkeys in this book to discover what their faces look like when they're feeling different emotions. 

Thoughts: I have a toddler nephew and he often struggles to accurately express his emotions. I can't wait to share this book with him. Peek-A-Mood engages readers on multiple levels. The charming illustrations that are soft-colored, expressive, and realistic. I firmly believe everyone (adults included) enjoy lift the flap books. The mirror on the last page adds an interactive element to the story. This will be a nice addition to an emotions storytime. 

Themes: Emotions, Monkeys, Interactive

(Review copy provided by the publisher. Mine Edition, 2020.)

Cybils 2021: Call for Judges

It's time for the 2021 Cybils!!! Poetry is back this year and I am honored to be the Poetry Category Chair once again. 

The official Call for Judges has been announced and you have until Wednesday, September 1 at 11:59pm EDT to apply to be a panelist or judge. Read the Call for Judges here. Anyone who reads and reviews children's and young adult books via a social media platform (a blog, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, GoodReads, Twitter, TikTok, etc.) is eligible to apply. If you can't volunteer to be a judge, help spread the word about Cybils on social media and nominate your favorite books. Nominations open to the public on October 1.

I've served as a panelist 5 times...4 times in Poetry and 1 time in Elementary/Middle Grade Nonfiction. It's a fun process. You get to read lots of great books and discuss them with like minded people. I'm not going to lie: It's also a lot of work, but so rewarding. The beauty of Cybils is that nominations come from the public and the judges are a mix of teachers, librarians, parents, and book bloggers. I like the emphasis that is placed on kid appeal. Often I read major award winning books and I wonder about the amount of kid appeal (or lack thereof) that they have.

I'm going to list all the categories below, but forgive me for recommending my own category. Poetry is fun to read and discuss. It also usually has fewer nominations than the other categories. In 2019 Poetry had 43 nominations. I've been rounding up titles eligible in the Poetry category for 2021 (October 16, 2020-October 15, 2021). So far there are 64 if they all get nominated. 

Cybils Awards Categories

• Fiction Picture Books & Board Books 
• Easy Reader & Early Chapter Books
• Elementary/Middle Nonfiction 
• Middle Grade Fiction 
• Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction 
• Graphic Novels 
• High School Nonfiction 
• Poetry 
• Young Adult Speculative Fiction 
• Young Adult Fiction 

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