I would feel a bit of a fraud writing something of the “best books of 2012”, considering I have not read all of the books that have been published over the last year. I thought it would make more sense to talk about some “highlights” for me in 2012.
Books I have reviewed:
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Wonder ~ R.J. Palacio (review)
A book full of hope. Expect tears and a lot of joy too.
The Weight of Water ~ Sarah Crossan (review)
An outstanding use of language for an exceptional coming of age tale.
A Boy and a Bear in a Boat ~ Dave Shelton (review)
Illustrated fiction at its best with a unusual, charming friendship at its heart.
New York in Pyjamarama ~ Michaël Leblond & Frédérique Bertrand (review)
Interactive, fun, fascinating!
The Worst Princess ~ Anna Kemp & Sarah Ogilvie (review)
Everyone loves a feisty princess, and this one is fabulous!
Poo Bum ~ Stephanie Blake (review)
So nice to see published a book that breaks a few rules.
Books I have not reviewed:
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The Brides of Rollrock Island ~ Margo Lanagan
A haunting tale from one of the most talented young adult writers around today
The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brocket ~ John Boyne
A magical tale about the right to be different, and finding a place to belong.
The Raven Boys ~ Maggie Stiefvater
Supernatural teen fiction at its best.
A First Book of Nature ~ Nicola Davies and Mark Hearld
An illustrated non-fiction book leagues above the rest
Illustrator of the year: Rebecca Cobb
One of the things I enjoy the most about writing reviews for Library Mice is discovering new illustrators. This year I was delighted to discover Rebecca Cobb’s books (though Missing Mummy first came out in 2011). Her artwork is beautifully coloured, and utterly charming. It is so effective at conveying the innocence and emotions of childhood.
If you have not discovered Rebecca’s books yet, I urge you to do so, you will be enchanted.
Missing Mummy (review)
Lunchtime (review)
The Paper Dolls (review)
Rebecca’s Fabulous Five (review)
Very interesting to see the books you chose to include. I just finished Wonder last night. I find doing “highlights” really hard, but important discoveries for me this year have been Mal Peet and Ulf Stark.
I know, it is more about discoveries than favourites, really. I gave up on Mal Peet’s Tamar many years ago and I have never tried again since. Should do really.