The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award · 2003

The 2003 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award

Brundibar, While We Were Out, The Man Who Walked Between the Towers, Charming Opal, The Wolves in the Walls, Otto's Trunk, The Tree of Life, Beegu and When Everybody Wore a Hat won the 2003 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award.

2003 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Brundibar
Sale price
$2374
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2002

Brundibar

By Tony Kushner, Maurice Sendak (Illustrator)

Two siblings face a tyrannical bully to save their sick mother.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2003)
56 pages· 1,334 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 559 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Aninku and Pepicek's mother is ill, and they need milk to help her. But the town's bully, Brundibar, blocks their path, silencing their songs. With the help of clever animals and a chorus of schoolchildren, they must outsmart him to save their mother. Can they overcome the tyrant and bring hope back home?
2003 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
While We Were Out
Sale price
$1498
Picture Book · Ages 5–6 · 2003

While We Were Out

By Ho Baek Lee

A rabbit sneaks into an empty apartment for a day of adventure before the owners return.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2003)
32 pages· 252 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 176 ratings
$15.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A curious rabbit slips through an unlocked patio door into an empty apartment. With the place all to herself, she explores every room, watches a movie, and plays with toys. But as the day unfolds, will her curiosity lead to trouble before the family returns? Young readers will delight in discovering what this clever rabbit gets up to in her unexpected adventure.
2003 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers
Sale price
$2089
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2003

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

By Mordicai Gerstein

A young street performer secretly plans to walk on a wire between the Twin Towers in New York City.

Caldecott Medal (2004)The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2003)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2004)
44 pages· 778 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
5.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 15,572 ratings
$21.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1974, Philippe Petit attempts the impossible: a tightrope walk between the World Trade Center towers. Suspended a quarter mile above the ground, he dances with danger, captivating the world below. Will his courage hold as he performs breathtaking feats in the sky? Experience the magic and tension of this legendary high-wire act through vivid illustrations and poetic storytelling. Discover the heart-stopping moment when one man's dream defies the limits of possibility.
2003 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Charming Opal
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2003

Charming Opal

By Holly Hobbie · Toot & Puddle series

Opal's tooth is loose. Will the tooth fairy find her in time?

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2003)
32 pages· 684 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 490 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Opal visits Woodcock Pocket and discovers a loose tooth. She eagerly awaits the tooth fairy's visit, hoping for a shiny quarter. Concerned the fairy might not find her, Puddle dons a special costume to ensure Opal's delight. But will the real tooth fairy make an appearance, or will Puddle's plan save the day? Dive into this charming tale of friendship and magic to find out.
2003 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
The Wolves in the Walls
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2003

The Wolves in the Walls

By Neil Gaiman, Dave McKean (Illustrator)

Wolves emerge from the walls, but Lucy's fight is just starting.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2003)
56 pages· 2,352 words· Est. 25 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 18,476 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Lucy hears noises in the walls and suspects wolves are lurking. Her family dismisses her fears, but when the wolves finally emerge, it's not the end—it's the beginning of Lucy's daring battle. Can she reclaim her home from the unexpected invaders? Discover a tale of courage and unexpected twists as Lucy faces the wolves head-on.
2003 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Otto's Trunk
Sale price
$1498
Picture Book · Ages 2–4 · 2003

Otto's Trunk

By Sandy Turner

An elephant's small trunk sparks ridicule until a surprising change alters everything.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2003)
32 pages
2.5/5 Goodreads · 8 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Otto, an elephant with a small trunk, faces daily teasing from his peers. Desperate to fit in, he struggles to change his appearance, but nothing works. Then, one Friday morning, an unexpected event turns his world upside down. Will Otto discover the hidden qualities that make him unique? This charming tale explores the journey of self-acceptance and the surprising ways we find our true worth.
2003 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
The Tree of Life
Sale price
$2374
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2003

The Tree of Life

By Peter Sís

Explore the life of a revolutionary thinker who changed our view of nature.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2003)
44 pages· 1,736 words· Est. 14 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 524 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Embark on a visual journey through Charles Darwin's life, from his curious childhood to his groundbreaking voyage on the Beagle. Discover how his independent thinking and passion for nature's mysteries shaped our understanding of the world. Through intricate illustrations and personal writings, delve into the mind of a genius who forever altered the course of science. What secrets will you uncover in this beautifully crafted exploration of Darwin's legacy?
2003 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Beegu
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2003

Beegu

By Alexis Deacon

An alien stranded on Earth seeks friendship and hope before rescue arrives.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2003)
40 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,897 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Beegu, a lost alien, wanders Earth, struggling to connect with its strange inhabitants. Rabbits ignore her, and leaves won't listen. On a school playground, she finally finds joy with children, only to have it dashed by an adult. As her spirits plummet, will Beegu's mother ship arrive in time to lift her from despair? Discover a world through the eyes of an innocent outsider in this touching tale of loneliness and unexpected friendship.
2003 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
When Everybody Wore a Hat
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 5–10 · 2003

When Everybody Wore a Hat

By William Steig · Rise and Shine series

Journey back to a time of horse-drawn fire engines and nickel movies, where childhood was a world apart.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2003)
40 pages· 612 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
3.6/5 Goodreads · 202 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Step into a bygone era where a young boy navigates a world of horse-drawn fire engines, gender-segregated play, and libraries as the gateway to adventure. With no TV and movies costing just a nickel, every day is a new discovery. What secrets and stories lie in a time when everyone wore hats and life was simpler yet full of wonder? Experience the charm and challenges of a century-old childhood, where the past comes alive with every turn of the page.
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