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Here at Smithsonian Magazine, we're reviving a tradition: our annual selection of outstanding books for children, a compendium of surprising, inspiring titles—everything from picture books and novels to memoirs—for youngsters and the grownups who read to, and with, them. Please note that the age categories listed below are necessarily arbitrary; adjust to the predilections of the individual child.
For the Youngest Readers (Ages 1-6)
The Story Blanket by Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz, illustrated by Elena Odriozola (Peachtree, $16.95) In a mythical, close-knit village, as winter closes in and days grow icy, mysterious gifts appear: mittens for the schoolmaster; a coat for a frost-nipped cat. A story to spread warmth and cheer on the coldest nights.
Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley written and illustrated by Aaron Blabey (Front Street, $16.95) Opposites attract, in a tale of friends, one an extrovert, one an introvert, who are "different in almost every way" —yet linked by loyalty and generosity.
Born to Read by Judy Sierra, illustrated by Marc Brown (Knopf, $16.99) Sam, the reading-est kid ever, proves that books can save the day and "readers can do anything!"
The Pet Dragon: A story about Adventure, Friendship and Chinese Characters written and illustrated by Christoph Niemann (HarperCollins/Greenwillow, $16.99) A clever introduction to the Chinese language and an excursion into a rich and ancient culture.
Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter (Harcourt, $17) A tribute to the Nobel Prize-winning environmentalist, where "if you were to cling to the to the top of Mount Kenya today, you would see the millions of trees growing below you, and the green Wangari brought back to Africa."
The New Bear at School by Carrie Weston, illustrated by Tim Warnes (Scholastic, $12.99) An irresistibly droll account of Boris, who blunders into Miss Cluck's classroom and turns into an accidental hero. Likely to become a perennial favorite.
Be Glad Your Nose Is on Your Face and other Poems by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Brandon Dorman (HarperCollins/Greenwillow, $22.99) From the nation's first Children's Poet Laureate, a treasury of rollicking, wacky, laugh-out-loud verse. Contains a CD with poems read by the author.
The White Nights of Ramadan by Maha Addasi, illustrated by Ned Gannon (Boyds Mills, $16.95) On a festival night in the Persian Gulf, as the full moon rises, Noor recalls the essence of the holiday: celebrating the bonds of family and sharing with those less fortunate.
Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss (Random House, $24.99) A 50th anniversary edition, paying tribute to one plain turtle, Mack, who takes on the extravagantly egomaniacal Yertle.
Chalk & Cheese written and illustrated by Tim Warnes (Simon and Schuster, $16.99) An inventive, large-hearted variation on the theme of country mouse and city mouse. Chalk is a fearless sophisticate, a New York City dog. Cheese is an English country mouse. When Cheese makes his way to the Big Apple, adventure ensues.
Up and Down the Andes: A Peruvian Festival Tale by Laurie Krebs, illustrated by Aurelia Fronty (Barefoot Books, $16.99) To Cusco, to Cusco, a child travels across Peru to the legendary Inti Raymi, the majestic Inca festival held each year to honor the Sun God.
Monsoon Afternoon by Kashmira Sheth, illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi (Peachtree, $16.95) The author evokes magical world of her childhood in India, when the rains come and the world is transformed.
Dear Ms. Burke, As always, you have done a wonderful job finding and presenting outstanding children's books covering wide-ranging topics. Is there a formal application process for a book to be considered by the Smithsonian as a Notable book? Thank you in advance and all the best, Sep
Posted by Sep on January 8,2009 | 03:08PM
Dear Ms. Burke, I'm thrilled that my book, One Peace: True Stories of Young Activists, is included in your illustrious list. Being a Canadian title, I'm also curious about the application process. The titles on this list would make a splendid gift to your new president for his children to read. I'm happy to send an autographed copy, but I have no idea to whom I should post it. Do you have any suggestions? I look forward to next year's list and subscribing to your magazine. Peace, Janet
Posted by Janet Wilson on January 23,2009 | 12:48PM
I would be interested in knowing what criteria is used when selecting books for the Smithsonian Notable Awards. Thank you.
Posted by Patricia Hatch on May 1,2009 | 09:16AM