Mary Anne Wolpert worked on the initial stages of developing the RfP website. After more than 35 years of working in teaching and teacher education in the UK, she now lives and works in New York, where she continues to share her passion for children’s literature through her work with the Bank Street Children’s Book Committee. To find out more about the work of the committee, visit https://www.bankstreet.edu/library/center-for-childrens-literature/childrens-book-committee/ and see Mary Anne’s website: mawolpert.us
Top Texts for July 2022
Mary Anne has selected books from award winners chosen by children in New York and beyond
Milo Imagines the World
by Matt de la Peña & Illustrated by Christian Robinson
A young boy people-watches on a monthly subway journey, speculating and sketching about their lives. The destination is initially unknown to readers/viewers, although a sense of an impending, suspenseful climax builds from the start.
This picture book provides a wonderful launch pad for readers from Key Stage One onwards to consider how we ‘read the world’ and how perceptions can be altered through viewing individuals in their complicated totality.
The book was awarded the Josette Frank Award (2022) by the Bank Street Children’s Book Committee for a work of outstanding literary merit for young readers.
https://www.bankstreet.edu/library/center-for-childrens-literature/childrens-book-committee/awards/
It Fell from the Sky
by Terry Fan & Eric Fan
A colourful wonder falls from the sky into a garden. Everyone needs a marvel in their life. But, when a greedy spider takes the opportunity to charge a fee to see it, what will happen? Illustrated with delicate, dreamlike images, this is a must for anyone who loves insects – and marbles! (For KS1 and beyond)
The Fan Brothers’ book was awarded the Irma Black Gold Award from thousands of children across the US, Canada, Europe, Asia and the UEA.
https://www.bankstreet.edu/library/center-for-childrens-literature/irma-black-award/
The Great Stink
by Collen Paeff & illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
In the 19th century, an engineer saves London from stinking and cholera epidemics by creating a sewer system. A detailed timeline about waste pollution, and practical suggestions offer ways forward for readers to consider. A humorous, timely, nonfiction illustrated book.
The Great Stink is another award winner from the Bank Street Children’s Book Committee, again voted for and by children, this time for the Cook Prize #cookprize which honours the best STEM picture book for children aged 8-10.
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