105 Ways to Give a Book

The Cybils Experience

On Wednesday I met one of the judges of the Cybils Fiction Picture Books and handed over five copies of titles from my library for her to use. On Thursday, I mailed my review copies to three other judges to fill in the books they couldn’t find at their libraries. While I’m not done in my overall role as organizer, I’m feeling like I’ve passed the torch to the next set of bloggers.

I could tell you what it’s like being a Cybils Fiction Picture Book panelist, but Stephanie at Children’s Literature Book Club has such a fantastic write-up that I feel safe in directing you there for the description of the process and experience. I’ll add that I love being part of this panel because I enjoy shortlists of awards more than the final winners. Plus I like the challenge of finding and reading so many books.

The Cybils represent a balance of literary quality and kid appeal. I’d say that the shortlists also need a balance of the best representations of that goal and the best shortlist of books are diverse in style, culture, and reading level. I find working under both mandates to be challenging and exciting. I think that we’ve passed along a wonderful list of books for our judges to consider.

My absolute favorite books did make it on the list. I also had some compromises of books I didn’t love, but thought were good additions. In a perfect Cybils world, the three books I would have liked to see included are Little Mouse’s Big Book of Fears, One Hen — How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference, and Sourpuss And Sweetie Pie.

I’d love to say more about each, but instead I’m off to work. IOU three reviews. ’kay?
Category: 8 comments

8 comments:

Becky said...

Oh, I loved Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears. :)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for all the work you've done to make this a great experience for children's book readers.

My favorite's included

In a Blue Room (number one!)

Cat Nights

Birthday for Cow

How Mama Brought the Spring

I'm still reading from the list so I'm sure to tweek my favorites a bit.

Susan T. said...

I look forward to reading that other Cybils picture-book writeup. Thanks, MR.

I really wish "The United Tweets of America" had made the cut, but oh, well, that's a contest for ya.

Shelli (srjohannes) said...

its nice to see the balance between the 2. thx for the time you guys put into this.

Cheryl Reif said...

Thanks for including the other three books. I've always thought there should be a PB on microloans--just ordered it from my library to read it!

Franki said...

I LOVED Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears too. Might be my absolute favorite from the year. Every time I read it, I notice some other clever thing. The Cybils list was great. Can't wait to see which are selected from the finalists.

Sherrie Petersen said...

How fun to be part of the process -- lucky you!

Saints and Spinners said...

You work so hard! Thank you.