Children's Choices 2009

What Is the Children's Choices Project?

Each year 12,500 school children from different regions of the United States read newly published children's and young adults' trade books and vote for the ones they like best. These Children's Choices, selected from more than 500 titles, can be counted on as books children really enjoy reading. This list, a project of a joint committee supported by IRA and The Children's Book Council (CBC), is designed for use not only by teachers, librarians, administrators, and booksellers, but also by parents, grandparents, caregivers, and everyone who wishes to encourage young people to read for pleasure.

Beginning Readers (Grades K-2)

Bandit

Karen Rostoker-Gruber. Ill. Vincent Nguyen. Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish Corporation.

Moving can be stressful for anyone, but Bandit the family cat is totally confused. Written through the eyes of a cat, this book can offer children some useful insights on how to make moving easier for their pets. (Team 4)

Bats at the Library

Brian Lies. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

The combination of pictures and story add to the fun of reading about bats that take on human qualities and actions. The addition of characters from other books makes this library adventure even more enjoyable. (Team 1)

Cottonball Colin

Jeanne Willis. Ill. Tony Ross. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.

Colin, the smallest mouse child in the family, is not allowed to go outside to explore. Mother is too worried he might get hurt until Grandma suggests wrapping him in cotton. Children with overprotective parents can immediately relate to Colin. This story could generate a discussion on self-esteem, independence, and natural curiosity. (Team 4)

Doctor Meow's Big Emergency

Sam Lloyd. New York: Henry Holt.

Dr. Meow, who works at Kiss-it-Better Hospital, is a busy feline doctor making her patient rounds and responding to an emergency call. Students can relate to her thoughtful message on bullying and friendship. This book could fit an occupation theme in social studies and generate rich imaginative role-playing among kindergarten students. (Team 4)

Don't Worry Bear

Greg Foley. New York: Viking Children's Books.

This predictable text follows a friendship between a bear and a caterpillar. With each page turn, Bear worries about his friend out in the world and then is happy to see his friend transformed into a beautiful silk moth. (Team 2)

The Donut Chef

Bob Staake. New York: Golden Books.

A creative donut chef tries to outbake his new neighbor. One day, a little girl comes into the shop looking for a plain glazed donut. The reader is left with the comfort of having listened to a sweet story. (Team 2)

Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody

Michael Rex. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

This book is a parody of a classic tale familiar to many children. It twists the classic story with the use of rhyme and creatures such as mummies, werewolves, and one naughty goon who is sent to sleep under the bed. (Team 3)

I'm the Best Artist in the Ocean

Kevin Sherry. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers.

Beautifully illustrated with watercolors, cut paper, and squid ink, children are immediately drawn to this picture book. Children love the large poster-sized last pages and the easy-to-read text. (Team 2)

Katie Loves the Kittens

John Himmelman. New York: Henry Holt.

Katie's exuberance for the three new kittens at home is almost too much to handle. Being a dog gets her into trouble as she howls and chases the kittens. She even lets them sleep on her. (Team 1)

A Kitten Tale

Eric Rohmann. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

This is the story of kittens discovering snow for the first time. Three kittens worry as they wait, but the positive attitude of the kitten that “can't wait” shows the others how wonderful life with snow can be. (Team 1)

Maybe a Bear Ate It!

Robie H. Harris. Ill. Michael Emberley. London: Orchard Books.

Imagine you've lost your favorite book and then discover that a bear ate it. Characters who are portrayed by young animals add to the story. This book is cleverly written and illustrated to engage the young reader. (Team 1)

No Hugs Till Saturday

Julie Downing. New York: Clarion Books.

Felix the dragon is reprimanded by his mama for misbehaving. He decides that his mama will not receive any hugs for a whole week! But a week is a long time for mama and Felix. Can they last that long? (Team 3)

The Pigeon Wants a Puppy

Mo Willems. New York: Disney Book Group.

This fourth installment about Pigeon has him begging the reader for a puppy and promising to take care of it. Then when a puppy arrives, he changes his mind and asks for a walrus. (Team 2)

Princess Baby

Karen Katz. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books.

This baby does not like the nicknames that her family has given her. She wants to be called Princess Baby, and for good reasons. After all, she dances with princes and has her own kingdom. (Team 3)

Red Truck

Kersten Hamilton. Ill. Valeria Petrone. New York: Viking Children's Books.