Best Children’s Books of 2014

As 2014 comes to an end, it seems that every newspaper, magazine, and blog features a “best of” list. It is no different in the realm of children’s literature. Several children’s books are at the top of these lists and first in our minds when we think of our favorites from 2014. Our favorites are:

Picture Book:

The Farmer and the Clown by Marla Frazee

An endearing, wordless story about family.

 

 

 

Early Reader:

Waiting is Not Easy by Mo Willems

The latest installation in the Elephant & Piggie series.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Book:

Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

A relatable story of self-discovery.

 

 

 

 

 

Graphic Novel: 

Sisters by Raina Telgemeier

The sequel to Smile.

 

 

 

 

 

Nonfiction: 

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

A memoir in verse.

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, Youth Services staff is always happy to make personalized recommendations to meet your reading and gift-giving needs.

For those interested in browsing, here are a few lists:

School Library Journal’s Best of 2014 list: http://www.slj.com/best-books-2014/#_

Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Children’s Books of 2014: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/64614-pw-s-best-children-s-books-of-2014.html

The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books annual Guide Book to Gift Books: http://bccb.lis.illinois.edu/GB2/2014GB2.html

Not necessarily published in 2014, the American Library Association’s2014 Notable Children’s Books list: http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/notalists/ncb