We are thrilled to share that nine Transatlantic clients have been included in the Banks Street Center for Children’s Literature Best Children’s Books of 2024!
The list includes more than 600 titles chosen by the Children’s Book Committee as the best of the best published in 2023. In choosing books for the annual list, committee members consider literary quality and excellence of presentation as well as the potential emotional impact of the books on young readers. Other criteria include credibility of characterization and plot, authenticity of time and place, age suitability, positive treatment of ethnic and religious differences, and the absence of stereotypes.
Read on for more about the included titles!
FIX AND STITCH by Barbara Nass, illustrated by Liza Woodruff, published by Sleeping Bear Press in the Under 5 category.
Squirrel tries to prepare for the coming winter, but he is constantly interrupted by friends who need help. Will he be ready in time? Expressive color illustrations.
Liza is represented by Andrea Cascardi.
WORM AND CATERPILLAR ARE FRIENDS written and illustrated by Kaz Windness, published by Simon Spotlight in the Under 5 category. Outstanding Merit.
Can Worm and Caterpillar still be best friends in spite of their differences? Cheery digital cartoon art adds to the lively fun for beginning readers.
Kaz is represented by Timothy Travaglini.
THE MAMBO RESCUE! by Patricia Lakin, published by Simon Spotlight in the 5-9 Beginning Readers category.
When ten cars all get stuck in the snow, they call Mo the tow truck to help. Can he tow them all together? Bright colorful illustrations.
Patricia is represented by Fiona Kenshole.
BITSY BAT, SCHOOL STAR written and illustrated by Kaz Windness published by Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster, in the 5-9 Family/School/Community category.
An autistic kindergartner finds a way to fit in and helps herself and others and their unique qualities. Graphite on paper and digital paintings. Back matter about Autism.
Kaz is represented by Timothy Travaglini.
BOMPA’S INSECT EXPEDITION by David Suzuki, with Tanya Lloyd Kyi, illustrated by Qin Leng published by Greystone Kids in the 5 – 9 STEM category.
Spending time with their grandfather, two children discover the fascinating tiny world of bugs. Detailed watercolor art. Back matter.
Tanya is represented by Amy Tompkins.
SQUIRE & KNIGHT written and illustrated by Scott Chantler published by First Second/Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck in the 9-12 Fantasy category.
A blowhard knight and a cursed town are rescued by an undervalued, brainy squire and a misunderstood dragon. Meticulously detailed three-tone drawings.
Scott is represented by Samantha Haywood.
THE BOY, THE CLOUD AND THE VERY TALL TALE by Heather Smith, illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey, published by Orca Book Publishers in the 12 – 14 Fantasy category. Starred.
Ewan’s mother died when he was seven; his father disappeared two years later. Now 11, the formerly timid boy is determined to find his dad. Black-and-white illustrations.
Heather is represented by Amy Tompkins.
I KICK AND I FLY by Ruchira Gupta, published by Scholastic Press in the 14 and older Contemporary Issues category. Starred.
Heera, a South Asian Indian teenager, escapes being sold into the sex trade by learning kung fu to protect herself and others. Endnotes.
Ruchira is represented by Samantha Haywood and Laura Cameron.
THE 21 by Elizabeth Rusch, published by Greenwillow/HarperCollins in the 14 and older Law and Justice category.
A gripping, detailed look at Juliana v. United States: a still-unsettled landmark lawsuit arguing that the government violated the plaintiffs’ rights by failing to provide safe living conditions for present and future generations.
Elizabeth is represented by Fiona Kenshole.
To read the full list, click here: https://bit.ly/3UGyI31
Congratulations!