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Best Picture Books of 2013

12/8/2013

8 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
“If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”  
-Stephen King


Yep! It's as simple as that. So, if you are going to write picture books, then you need to read them, right?  And what better books to read than the best ones!  Since it's getting close to the end of the year, many sites have come out with "The Best of 2013." I think every picture book writer should read hundreds of books, especially all of the classic ones. But it's very important to know what is currently selling, what the current trends are, and how picture books work today. Only knowing the classics puts you at a huge disadvantage for writing and selling picture books. 

I just finished the PiBoIdMo challenge and there are many upcoming challenges this year for writers that I am really excited about. But there should be a reading challenge for writers. Take on the personal challenge of reading as many current picture books as you can.  

In the document below, I've compiled many of the lists all in one place.  The lists consist of ALA Awards, Amazon's Best Children's Books, New York Times Best Illustrated, New York Times Notable, Goodreads Choice Awards, School Librarian Journal Best of 2013, Huffington Post Best of 2013, NPR's Book Concierge, and Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2013. Take a look and see how many books on this list you've read. 
best_picture_books_of_2013.docx
File Size: 133 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

And if you want all the lists in one, in alphabetical order, check out this document. 
best_picture_books_of_2013_alphabetical_list.docx
File Size: 131 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

And just for fun, here is a list of the books that appeared on multiple lists.  The number indicates the number of times it showed up on a list. 
best_picture_books_of_2013_appearing_on_multiple_lists.docx
File Size: 64 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

Are you up for the challenge?  How many of the 2013 books have you read? 2014 is drawing near and will bring brand new must read picture books.  So get reading!
8 Comments
Dawn link
12/8/2013 10:00:08 pm

Thanks for the lists Mandy! I'm interested to see how many I've already read. Goal - to have this list check off completely!

Reply
Juliana Lee
12/8/2013 10:53:12 pm

Love how you cross referenced the lists!

Reply
Kelly Vavala
12/8/2013 11:16:00 pm

Thanks for the list! Going to download and begin reading from the list...great suggestion!

Reply
Tanja Bauerle link
12/8/2013 11:16:20 pm

Wow!. Thank you for such a comprehensive set of lists. I've read many, but not all of them. Happy creating to you. T.

Reply
Charlotte Dixon
12/9/2013 03:55:26 am

Thank you Mandy-this is wonderful!

Reply
Annette
12/9/2013 08:32:22 am

So cool that Kadir Nelson's book about Nelson Mandela is on this list!

Reply
Penny Klostermann link
12/9/2013 09:58:16 am

Thanks so much for the lists, Mandy!

Reply
Deanna Ruttenberg
12/10/2013 04:54:19 am

Thanks, Mandy. Appreciate!

Reply



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  • Home
  • WRITING
    • Mastering Great Graphic Novels >
      • 2023 Mastering Graphic Novels Registration
    • Craft & Business of Writing Childrens Picture Books
    • The Chapter Book Alchemist
    • New!! Middle Grade Mastery Instant Access
    • 2022 Kidlit Palooza >
      • 2022 Palooza Program
      • 2022 Palooza Faculty
  • ILLUSTRATION
    • NEW!! Craft & Business of Illustrating Children's Books Instant Access
    • Never a Dull Moment Workshop
  • TECH
  • About Us
    • Why Us?
    • Meet the Faculty, Lives & GT Judges
    • Testimonials
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  • Blogfish
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  • Community
    • Our Bookshop
    • Come Play With Us!
    • Resources
    • Course Scholarships >
      • Yuyi Morales Picture Book Scholarship
      • Andrea Davis Pinkney MG CB Mastery Scholarship
      • Rafael Lopez Illustrating Childrens Books Scholarships
      • Larissa Marantz Merit & Need Scholarship