The Rochester Children’s Book Festival (www.rochesterchildrensbookfestival.com) kicked off its 19th year on November 7th. Whether you got in on the action or missed it this time around, check out these books written and illustrated by the stellar lineup. They make great holiday gifts, too!
Festival Favorites
Look! By Jeff Mack Philomel, 2015, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 3-5
Is it possible for a book to be funny and poignant if it contains just two words? In this picture book the answer is “Yes!” The adorable illustrations of Gorilla, who tries to share his book with a boy who only wants to watch TV, say the rest.
You Nest Here With Me Written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple & Illustrated by Melissa Sweet Boyds Mills Press, 2015, hardcover, $16.95, Ages 3-8
The prolific Jane Yolen teamed up with her daughter Heidi to write this picture book. The spot-on rhyming text makes it perfect for bedtime, and the colorful illustrations of birds make it beautiful. Learn some extra bird facts, too!
Quest By Aaron Becker Candlewick, 2014, hardcover, $15.99, Ages 4-8
This wordless picture book showcases two heroes who use their crayons and imaginations to save the king after he gives them a map. Turn the pages and guess what they’ll draw next to complete each adventurous task. The stunning sequel to the Caldecott Honor winner, Journey.
Marilyn’s Monster Written by Michelle Knudsen & Illustrated by Matt Phelan Candlewick, 2015, hardcover, $15.99, Ages 4-8
All the other kids have monsters, so how come Marilyn’s monster hasn’t chosen her yet? This picture book, where monsters are coveted rather than feared, touches on trends, jealousy, and following one’s own path. Watercolor illustrations depict a variety of friendly monsters and show readers that true friends find each other even if it takes time.
Scary Tales: Swamp Monsters Written by James Preller & Illustrated by Iacopo Bruno Feiwel & Friends, 2015, hardcover, $15.99, Ages 7-10
Twins Chance and Lance want a pet, so they take an egg from the nearby swamp and plan to keep the monster that hatches…until its mother comes looking for it. Black-and-white drawings accent this early chapter book with the right mixture of scary and fun. Another hit from the author of the Jigsaw Jones series.
The Misadventures of Salem Hyde: Dinosaur Dilemma By Frank Cammuso Amulet, 2015, hardcover, $14.95, Ages 8-10
Salem tells Whammy she doesn’t want to do her science project on boring dinosaurs…but what if they came alive? Using her magic, Salem causes chaos at the Natural History Museum and makes a new friend along the way. This girl and her dog will make readers laugh out loud in a hit graphic novel series.
Chasing Freedom: The Life Journeys of Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony Written by Nikki Grimes & Illustrated by Michele Wood Orchard Books, 2015, hardcover, $18.99, Ages 8-12
Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony were born in the same year and fought for equal rights, so what would they have said over tea in 1904? Using historical facts and symbolic acrylic and oil paintings, Grimes and Wood imagine the conversation between these strong women who also share a Rochester, NY connection. A beautiful picture book for older readers.
Fort By Cynthia DeFelice Farrar, Straus, & Giroux, 2015, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 8-12
Wyatt builds a fort with his friend Augie near his western New York summer home, but when the local bullies catch sight of it, Wyatt and Augie must defend their territory and their honor. Wyatt’s voice is authentic in this middle grade novel of adventure, friendship, and unlikely heroes.
Deena Viviani is a Young Adult Services Librarian who writes reviews for VOYA and the RACWI Newsletter. Read more reviews on her blog www.deenaml.livejournal.com or send her a note at
De**********@ho*****.com
– she loves to hear from readers!
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