five fun fiction books for friday

Guess what?  Tomorrow is the day!!  The 2010 Cybils finalists will be announced, and I'm thrilled to hear how folks react to the seven books we chose for the Fiction Picture Book finalists.  I think they're all fabulous, and I am excited to find out how the round two judges make this challenging call!

Here are five additional nominees to check out- they've already been approved by my own little ones!

1. Lots of Dots by Craig Frazier -- So colorful, this book calls to kids from the bookshelf.  I love the wobbly guy illustration, personally, and the simple rhyming text makes this a great read for young readers.  I could see this being transformed into a board book at some point, as well, but since my kiddos are past that point, I like the larger picture book format.  I believe this will be a perfect book for the kids when they're first learning how to read on their own, as well, and I bet that time isn't too far off for us!

2. Subway by Christoph Niemann -- I really adore this book!  Even though my kids have just minimal experience with the DC Metro system and zero knowledge about the NYC subway system, with just a few bits of explanation, they completely understood what was going on with this super cool book.  When Dad takes his kids for a day-long subway ride, they criss-cross the system, jumping from one line to another, and they have a blast doing it.  I love the illustration style that highlights the way in which subway lines are marked (look at the S, B, and A in the title), and the people figures look like they do on traffic signs, which cracks my kids up.  I think any child would enjoy this, but it seems to be a must-have for city families!

3. Chicken Big by Keith Graves -- It's not necessary to know the Chicken Little tale to appreciate this one, but my kids happen to love that story, so the title of this one alone made them laugh.  When a chick hatches that just isn't like the others, the chickens just don't know what to do.  They've got a variety of ideas of just what this creature could be, some more hilarious and silly than others.  Good for giggles!

4. Drum City by Thea Guidone, illustrated by Vanessa Newton -- I have to admit that this is a newer addition to our library borrowings, and I haven't read it to the kids just yet, but I am absolutely certain that they will both love it!  I'm a fan of Newton's illustrative style after seeing this and another of her books among the nominations, and I love the natural diversity of the characters here.  Younger kids will find their groove with the rhythm of this story, and there's so much to look at in the illustrations that I think it will appeal to older kids, too.

5. Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Daniel Jennewein -- Oh, this is a unique and cuter than cute take on the 'ready for school' theme of picture books.  Getting prepared for kindergarten can be a scary process, and the humor of this book helps to lighten the mood while trying to give an idea of what kids might expect from their first school experience.  The illustrations make me laugh, and I can't say that I can think of many other buffalo book characters!


For more fun picks, check out the list of picture books that have been nominated for the 2010 Cybils Award.  And don't forget to check in throughout the day for the finalist announcements that will be rolled out tomorrow!



Loving me some picture books,