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The 2009 E.B. White Short List
4-6-09

Hello ABC,

It's the first Monday in April which means only one thing here at ABC--the 6th annual E.B. White Read Aloud Awards!

We've got a fantastic short list to share, but before we get to that, we want to update you on some changes to the E.B. White Read Aloud Award program.

1) Instead of choosing winners, this year's committee was asked to pick a short list of four books in each category.

2) Starting today, ABC Booksellers will be able to vote for their winning pick online. Voting will close May 10th, and the results will be sealed.

3) The E.B. White Awards will be announce LIVE at the ABC Not-a-Dinner at BEA.

4) Books that remain on the short list after the winners have been chosen will receive an E.B. White Read Aloud Honor, for which we have commissioned  a new medallion.

The Board decided on these changes for two reasons. First, it insured that the award was living up to its reputation as a stamp of approval from the nation's independent children's booksellers, and second, it allowed us to bring excitement and visibility to a larger number of the fantastic books that get put forward.

This year, ABC booksellers nominated 81 books for the E.B. White Read Aloud Awards! It was a great list, and the committee had to make some hard decisions.

Many thanks to committee members Carol Stoltz (Chair) from Porter Square Books in Cambridge, MA; Heather Lyon from Lyon Books in Chino, CA; Karlene Rearick from The Alphabet Garden in Cheshire, CT; and Cathy Berner from Blue Willow Bookshop in Houston, TX for their excellent work.

I'm sure that you'll agree with me that their shortlist picks are fantastic!


Yours in anticipation,



Kristen





The 2009 E.B. White Read Aloud Awards Short List

Picture Books

Visitor for Bear
A Visitor for Bear

by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
 
978-0763628079
Candlewick
$16.99 HC / Ages: 4-8
Pub date: 2/08
 
The committee loved this book for its sweet, entertaining story, and for the timeless appeal of the writing and illustrations.

 
 Louise
Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken
by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Harry Bliss
 
978-0060755546
HarperCollins
$17.99 HC / Ages: 4-8
Pub date: 9/08
 
This book was highly nominated and enthusiastically embraced by the committee for its humor, wit, and adventurous illustration.
 
 
One
One
by Kathryn Otoshi
 
978-0972394642
KO Kids Books
$16.99 HC / Ages: 4-8
Pub date: 10/08
 
A remarkable small press book that impressed the committee because of the elegance of its writing and design paired with the complexity of its message.
 
 
Too many Toys
Too Many Toys

by David Shannon
 
978-0439490290
Scholastic
$16.99 HC / Ages: 4-8
Pub date: 10/08
 
Chosen by the committee because of its road-tested kid appeal, the bold illustrations which work well in a group, and the rollicking back and forth story which makes it a great choice for reading aloud.


Books for Older Readers

Magic Thief
The Magic Thief

by Sarah Prineas
 
978-0061375873
HarperCollins
$16.99 HC / Ages: 9-12
Pub date: 6/08
 
A bookseller favorite which the committee chose because it started "with a bang," and just kept on going. It was also included for its broad appeal to boys and girls, and to a wide range of ages.
 
 
Masterpiece
Masterpiece

by Elise Broach, illustrated by Kelly Murphy
 
978-0805082708
Henry Holt
$16.99 HC / Ages: 8-12
Pub date: 9/08
 
The committee loved this book for its well-structured plot and the classic feel of a great caper. They also felt that the illustrations really enhanced the story.
 

Willoughbys
The Willoughbys

by Lois Lowry
 
978-0618979745
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
$16.00 HC / Ages: 6-10
Pub date: 3/08
 
The committee found much to love in this book from the wicked humor which works on many levels, to the literary references, the sophisticated language, and the appeal to both boys and girls.
 

Zorgamazoo
Zorgamazoo

by Robert Paul Weston, illustrated by Victor Rivas
 
978-1595141996
Penguin
$15.99 HC / Ages: 9-11
Pub date: 10/08
 
Many committee members were unfamiliar with this book before it was nominated, but it jumped to the top of their list for its irresistible verse that begs to be read aloud, its inventive design, and its wit. "Edward Gorey meets Dr. Seuss."

Download the 2009 Short List
Download the 2009 Press Release