Because
Author: Moe Willems
Illustrator: Amber Ren
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Recommended Age Range: 3 to 5
Website
The Man with the Violin
Author: Kathy Stinson
Illustrator: Dusan Petricic
Publisher: Annick Press
Recommended Age Range: 5 to 8
Website
This is a brilliant book – based on a true story – about renowned violinist Joshua Bell. In essence, a beautiful, and free, concert on a cold, January day, in a Washington, D.C. metro station, was heard by more than a thousand people, yet listened to by very few. A wonderful lesson about the importance of noticing the beauty around us.
Awards: Winner of the TD Children’s Literature Prize 2014; Winner of Digital Book of the Year Award in the Ebook Fixed Format/Enhanced category; Winner of the Eric Hoffer Award in the Children’s Book category; Winner of the 2013 Gold Award in the Children’s Book category of NAPPA 2014 Storytelling World Award; Independent Publishers Award (tied for Gold in the Children’s Picture Book category); Winner of Next Generation Indie Book Award in the children’s Picture Book category (tied); Honorable Mention for the Elizabeth-Cleaver Picture Book Award; Honourable Mention for ForeWord Magazine’s IndieFab Award in the Children’s Book category; Selected for the White Ravens collection; An IRA Notable Book for a Global Society; Heather’s Pick (Chapters/Indigo); A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2013; A Canadian Children’s Book Center “Best Books for Kids & Teens” selection; A “49th Shelf” Booksellers’ Pick for 2013; A 2013 OLA Best Bet for Children; A Toronto Public Library “First & Best 2013” title