The Children’s Books We’ll Remember Most from 2016
by the Brightly Editors
As 2016 draws to a close, we asked the Brightly contributors, who spend so many of their days and nights surrounded by children’s books, to reflect back on the stories that stuck with them. Their standouts gave them hope and courage, inspired their kids, sparked the imagination, and provided hours of fun. These 2016 children’s book favorites are ones they’re sure to come back to next year and beyond.
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The Quickest Kid in Clarksville
I'm raising two sons and I want to do it the best I can. One little thing I do is make a point to seek out reads that feature kick-butt female main characters, and Alma, the quickest kid in Clarksville, fits the bill. A runner aspiring to Wilma Rudolph greatness, Alma's voice is contagious and her competitive spirit very relate-able for my older son, who's six and must win at everything. Both boys, including my never-sit-still 2-year-old, stayed interested in the read from start to finish, which is part thanks to the story but also due to Miller's excellently set rhythm, which hits a speedy tempo that's fun to narrate.
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My Friend Maggie
Available from:With My Friend Maggie, author and illustrator Hannah Harrison has created an instant classic that is both timeless and timely. Paula, a squirrel, and Maggie, an elephant, have been best friends forever. Their friendship is put to the test when Veronica, the most popular girl in school, starts paying attention to Paula, who finds her new friend hard to resist, leaving Maggie behind. But when Veronica turns on Paula, guess who comes through? Maggie, of course. Through sweet, simple language and charming illustrations, Harrison deftly shows young readers the importance of loyalty, thinking for yourself, and standing up to bullies — valuable lessons for readers of all ages.
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Raymie Nightingale
Available from:Is it possible to fall in love with an author’s voice? If so, my whole family has fallen desperately in love with just about anything Kate DiCamillo has written. She’s one of the foundational authors that my daughter’s love of reading is built upon — DiCamillo has picture books, early readers, chapter books, novels. She has something for kids of all ages. And she definitely didn’t disappoint in her new novel, Raymie Nightingale, a perceptive, heartbreaking, soul-nourishing story about friendship and loss. Stories like these exist for kids and parents to read together, so, when they’re finished, they can sit back and say “Wow” in unison. Just a wonderful book.
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Bunny Slopes
I love a clever interactive book, and I find Claudia Rueda's illustrations to be the perfect mix of vintage and modern. This little tale of a bunny who wants to go skiing has been on repeat at our house for months — it's endlessly entertaining to shake the book to create snow, tip the pages back and forth to create slopes, and watch the hero end up back in his rabbit hole with a hot cup of cocoa.
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The Poet's Dog
When I read this book, it was just what I needed. It's a heart-warming story of loss and love that filled me with hope for a better future and renewed my belief in good.
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This Is My Dollhouse
Available from:I've read this book no less than 58,468,521 times to my 6-year-old daughter, but it still manages to spark her imagination. It's a celebration of free play that encourages her to use (and be proud of) her creativity and ingenuity.
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Ms. Bixby's Last Day
I love books that make me laugh out loud, grab for a box of tissues, or greedily turn the page to find out what happens next. This one delivers on all three. This story is told from the point of view of three sixth grade boys who are heartbroken that their favorite teacher, Ms. Bixby, will be leaving school before the end of the year. As they plan a farewell adventure for her, we learn why she means so much to each of them. This surprising, inspiring, and relatable book is perfect for boys and girls who loved Wonder and will make you fondly remember your favorite teacher.
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Cry, Heart, But Never Break
I think we often shy away from talking about death with children, but this lovely, quiet story presents death and loss in a way that allows children to grieve, but doesn't frighten them. It's an intelligent celebration of the complexity of life and will comfort children and adults alike.
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Ghosts
Last year, Raina Telgemeier's books — Sisters, Smile, and Drama — were passed around my daughter's third grade classroom like some kind of virtuous contraband. The girls were borrowing and trading and stuffing them into backpacks. So, when I heard that Ghosts was coming out this fall, it was a no-brainer — I pre-ordered, and the minute it arrived Zoe tore right through it. Now, Ghosts is in rotation, too, being loaned, read, and re-read.
I haven't read the book myself so I can't speak firsthand to the story or characters or whether this is better, worse, or on par with Telgemeier's other books. What makes Ghosts my favorite children's book of 2016 is the effect it had on my daughter. I watched her fall in love with an author, and could feel the excitement emanating from her over a new title. When I asked Zoe what she loved about it, she gushed, "Everything."
"I love how it's kind of a mix," she said. "Like, when you go through ups and downs in your life. It's like that, too."
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The Thank You Book
Available from:Probably not a surprise considering the entire ode to Elephant & Piggie I wrote, but Elephant & Piggie's final book, in which they thank all the other characters that have appeared throughout the series, is both a fun read aloud book and a gentle lesson in gratitude and honoring those in our life who are important to us.
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What Do You Do With a Problem?
This year, I love Kobi Yamada’s follow-up book to What Do You Do With an Idea?, his newly published What Do You Do With a Problem? This is a story about courage, creativity, and growth. The book begins with a boy who is clearly uncomfortable because he is facing a problem. The problem is not named, which makes it easy for kids and adults to put themselves into the story and fill in the blanks for their own lives. Illustrations, gradually moving from gloomy monotone shades to the rich colors of sunrise, help us visualize the courage needed to face a hard situation. In the end, we are convinced of the absolute truth that within every challenge there is an opportunity for growth.
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What were some of your most memorable books of the year? Let us know in the comments below.