The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award · 2013

The 2013 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award

Ballad, Fog Island, My Brother's Book, The Dark, Jemmy Button, Holland, Jane, the Fox & Me, Locomotive, Journey and Nelson Mandela won the 2013 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award.

2013 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Ballad
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2180
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2013

Ballad

A child's journey home reveals a world growing darker and more complex.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2013)
280 pages
4.0/5 Goodreads · 654 ratings
$22.95Save 5%
Board Book
Summary: A child's simple walk home from school transforms into an epic journey through an ever-expanding world. As familiar paths turn into mysterious forests, the child's small world becomes vast and daunting. What hidden challenges and wonders await in this evolving landscape? Each step uncovers new layers of complexity, turning an ordinary day into an extraordinary adventure. Will the child find their way home through the growing darkness, or will the journey change them forever? Discover the timeless tale that unfolds with each retelling, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
2013 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Fog Island
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 5–6 · 2012

Fog Island

By Tomi Ungerer

Two siblings are swept to a mysterious island where no one returns. What secrets await?

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2013)
46 pages
3.6/5 Goodreads · 716 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Finn and Cara's boat drifts to the ominous Fog Island, a place shrouded in mystery and fear. Warned by their father to stay away, they find themselves exploring its eerie shores. As they delve deeper, the island reveals unexpected secrets. Will they uncover the truth and find a way back home, or will Fog Island keep them forever? This enchanting tale of adventure and discovery challenges the fear of the unknown, inviting young readers to question what lies beyond the mist.
2013 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
My Brother's Book
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 12–18 · 2013

My Brother's Book

By Maurice Sendak

A poetic tribute explores love and loss through art and verse.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2013)
31 pages· 398 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
3.6/5 Goodreads · 1,570 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 'My Brother's Book,' Maurice Sendak crafts a poignant tribute to his late brother, Jack. Influenced by Shakespeare and Blake, this final work blends evocative poetry with striking illustrations. As readers journey through themes of love and grief, they are invited to reflect on the bonds that shape us. What truths will emerge from this heartfelt homage?
2013 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
The Dark
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2013

The Dark

By Lemony Snicket, Jon Klassen (Illustrator)

A child faces the dark invading his room, confronting his deepest fear.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2013)Charlotte Zolotow Award (2014)
32 pages· 596 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.9/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 13,705 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Laszlo lives with a constant companion—the dark. It usually lurks in the basement, but one night it ventures into his room. As Laszlo confronts this shadowy presence, he embarks on a journey to overcome his fear. Will he find the courage to face what frightens him most? This tale of bravery and discovery explores a universal childhood fear with suspense and a touch of humor, promising a satisfying resolution.
2013 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Jemmy Button
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2012

Jemmy Button

By Jennifer Uman (Author/Illustrator), Valerio Vidali (Author/Illustrator)

A boy's journey from his homeland to a foreign world reveals the cost of forced civilization.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2013)
48 pages· 584 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
3.6/5 Goodreads · 343 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Orundellico, known as Jemmy Button, is taken from Tierra del Fuego to England in the 1800s, exchanged for a single pearl button. Immersed in a world of top hats and gowns, he navigates the alienating experience of forced civilization. Despite new clothes and concerts, Jemmy remains an outsider, caught between two worlds. Will he ever truly belong, or is he destined to remain a stranger in both lands? This poignant tale explores themes of identity, belonging, and the haunting echoes of colonialism, leaving readers to ponder the true cost of cultural assimilation.
2013 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Holland
Sale price
$1895
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2012

Holland

By Charlotte Dematons

Discover the quirky charm and rich history of Holland through vibrant illustrations.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2013)
56 pages
4.6/5 Goodreads · 285 ratings
$19.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Explore Holland's unique charm through Charlotte Dematons' vivid illustrations. From cycling pensioners to ice-skating grandmothers, each page reveals the country's rich history and multicultural society. What surprises await in this Dutch journey?
2013 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Jane, the Fox & Me
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1895
Picture Book · Ages 11–13 · 2012

Jane, the Fox & Me

By Fanny Britt, Isabelle Arsenault (Illustrator), Susan Ouriou (Translator), Christelle Morelli (Translator)

A bullied girl finds solace in fiction and unexpected friendship, challenging her self-worth.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2013)
104 pages· 3,258 words· Est. 34 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 11,117 ratings
$19.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Hélène, ostracized by former friends, finds refuge in 'Jane Eyre' and a fleeting connection with a fox. Humiliated on a class trip, she questions her worth until Géraldine, a new outcast, joins her circle. As Hélène learns to ignore the whispers, she discovers the power of self-acceptance and friendship. Can she redefine her identity beyond the cruelty of her peers?
2013 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Locomotive
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–10 · 2013

Locomotive

By Brian Floca

The story of the construction and journey of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States.

Caldecott Medal (2014)The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2013)Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2014)Orbis Pictus Honor (2014)
64 pages· 2,616 words· Est. 21 min read-aloud
4.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 6,217 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In the summer of 1869, embark on a thrilling journey across America on the new transcontinental railroad. Feel the power of the mighty locomotives as they race from plains to mountains to ocean. Discover the intricate work behind the scenes and the vibrant landscapes that blur past. This sensory adventure invites you to hear the steam's hiss and feel the engine's heat as families and crews traverse the young country. Will the journey be as smooth as the tracks laid before them, or will unexpected challenges arise? All aboard for an unforgettable ride!
2013 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Journey
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2013

Journey

By Aaron Becker · Book #1 in the Journey Trilogy series

A girl escapes through a magic door into a world of adventure and danger.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2013)Caldecott Honor (2014)
40 pages
5.4/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 13,724 ratings
$16.99
Hardcover
Summary: A lonely girl discovers a magic door on her wall, leading her into a realm of wonder and peril. Armed with a red marker, she conjures a boat, balloon, and flying carpet, embarking on a thrilling journey. Captured by a sinister emperor, her courage and kindness become her only hope for freedom. Will these qualities guide her home and fulfill her deepest wish? Dive into a wordless adventure where imagination knows no bounds.
2013 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Nelson Mandela
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

Nelson Mandela

By Kadir Nelson

A boy's journey to change a nation and fight for equality.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2013)Coretta Scott King Honor (2014)
40 pages· 749 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,695 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Follow Nelson Mandela from a young boy facing loss to a leader challenging injustice in South Africa. Witness his transformation as he battles apartheid, striving for a nation united in equality. Will his dream of a just world prevail?
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