Cybils Days Are Here Again

You have to imagine that with balloons and stuff.

The Cybils, our beloved blogger-run literary awards, are ramping up again, and they're kicking things off with a call for judges. If you've never judged, now's your chance! If you've judged before, you know what it's like! So . . . yeah, follow the link and throw your name in the hat. You have until September 15.

Even if you don't want to judge, start gathering up your favorites of 2010 now, because the noms start October 1.

Book Review: If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen

Book: If I Built a Car 
Author: Chris Van Dusen
Illustrator: Chris Van Dusen
Published: 2005
Source: Local Library

A boy tells his dad all about the car he will invent. This isn’t any old jalopy--it contains a pool, a snack bar, and a robot that will drive if you want to take a nap. But wait, there’s more! It’ll be made of a special squishy material rather than steel. Plus, it’ll transform into a boat, a submarine, AND it’ll fly!

Chris Van Dusen capitalizes on the innovative, anything-can-happen air of the 1950s with his illustrations. From the geometric designs on the furniture to the peach-and-teal color scheme of the car, even to the funky two-level nightstand in the boy’s room, lovers of retro decor will adore this book. Also sure to be fans: car lovers and invention-seekers.

Reading Roundup July 2010

By the Numbers
Picture Books: 31
Early Readers: 2

Sources
Review Copies: 1
Swapped: 6
Library: 24

Standouts
Writing: Do Not Build a Frankenstein! by Neil Numberman
Just, massive hee! all around. I can see this being a hit in 1st grade classrooms.
Illustration: Mirror by Suzy Lee
Actually, my coworker was kind of freaked out by the ending of this book. I'm interested to hear how Actual Kids (tm) reacted to it.
Overall: City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems, illustrated by Jon J. Muth
When I first heard that Mo Willems wasn't illustrating his latest picture book, I was taken aback. But when I read this lovely book, I understood.

Because I Want To Awards
Well, That Didn't Go Where I Was Expecting: Over at the Castle by Boni Ashburn, illustrated by Kelly Murphy
 How Can I Help But Love the End?: Stella Louella's Runaway Book by Lisa Campbell Ernst
Okay, Where Are They Getting All Those Ingredients?: Chicks and Salsa by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Paulette Bogan