#10 Blackout by John Rocco - I fell in love with the book trailer, the illustrations and the story. This had it all for me.
#9 Can We Save the Tiger? by Martin Jenkins, Illustrated by Vicky White - Incredible illustrations paired with facts about endangered animals. A must have book for any library collection.
#8 Won-Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku by Lee Wardlaw, Illustrated by Eugene Yelchin - I am not a big fan of poetry of any kind. But I am growing in my appreciation the more that I read. When a book of haiku sticks with me for the whole year, it deserves to be on my top 10 list.
#7 Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson - Anyone who knows me knows that I love Kadir Nelson's work. This is a beautiful story of history and people. And the audiobook is a must listen.
#6 Perfect Square by Michael Hall - Some books are simple but incredibly executed. A square of paper is transformed over the course of the week. Filled with great concepts and a favorite of young students at my school.
#5 Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet - Illustrations and text that work together to tell the story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade. A non-fiction picture book at it's best. This one has affected so many and needs to be shared.
#4 Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell - Combination of beautiful illustrations and solid text that simply tells the story of the life of Jane Goodall for young children. This one is a winner for me.
#3 Little Chicken's Big Day by Jerry Davis, Illustrated by Katie Davis - I fell in love with the book trailer and then the book. I want to give this book to every parent with a toddler. I wonder if I can talk Katie Davis into a print of Little Chicken fussing in his car seat. "I hear you cluckin' Big Chicken.." will bring a smile to my face every time.
#2 Wonderstruck by Brian Selznik - Brilliant. Truly one of the most amazing books that I have read this year. One character's story is told in pictures and the other one in words. Let me say it again "brilliant".
#1 Stars by Mary Lyn Ray, Illustrated by Marla Frazee - Last year, I picked up CHALK by Bill Thomson and it was really my book. The one that touched me more than all others. This year when I opened up STARS, I knew without a doubt that I had found my picture book of 2011.
So what picture book touched you this year?
*Thank you Alethea (@frootjoos) for the picture book image at the top.
