The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award · 2016

The 2016 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award

The Cat from Hunger Mountain, The Dead Bird, Freedom in Congo Square, Little Red, The Polar Bear, The Princess and the Warrior, The Tree in the Courtyard, A Voyage in the Clouds and The White Cat and the Monk won the 2016 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award.

2016 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
The Cat from Hunger Mountain
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

The Cat from Hunger Mountain

By Ed Young

A lord's insatiable desires lead to a life-changing journey during a drought.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2016)
32 pages· 464 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
3.6/5 Goodreads · 496 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In Hunger Mountain, a lord with endless desires builds grand pagodas and wears silk finery, yet never feels fulfilled. When a drought strikes, Lord Cat must descend from his opulent life to face the harsh reality of scarcity. His journey reveals unexpected truths about value and contentment, challenging him to reconsider what truly matters. This visually stunning fable, crafted with exquisite mixed-media collage, invites readers to reflect on the treasures that cannot be bought or built.
2016 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
The Dead Bird
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1938

The Dead Bird

By Margaret Wise Brown, Christian Robinson (Illustrator)

Children discover a lifeless bird and learn to say goodbye.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2016)
32 pages· 408 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
2.0/7 Bookroo·3.6/5 Goodreads · 1,149 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: When children find a lifeless bird, they embark on a tender journey of farewell. In the park, they gently lay the bird to rest, covering it with sweet-ferns and flowers. Through song and ceremony, they navigate the delicate process of saying goodbye, offering a poignant exploration of loss and remembrance. How do young hearts cope with such a profound moment? This beautifully illustrated tale invites readers to reflect on the gentle ways we honor those who have passed.
2016 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Freedom in Congo Square
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

Freedom in Congo Square

By Carole Boston Weatherford, R Gregory Christie (Illustrator)

In 19th century Louisiana, slaves find brief freedom and joy in Congo Square every Sunday.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2016)Coretta Scott King Honor (2017)Caldecott Honor (2017)Charlotte Zolotow Award (2017)
34 pages· 290 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,839 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In 19th century Louisiana, slaves endure relentless toil, counting down to Sundays at Congo Square. Here, they escape oppression, embracing music, dance, and community. Discover the resilience and hope that thrived amidst hardship, as each day of labor leads to a cherished half-day of freedom. What stories and spirits come alive in this vibrant gathering place?
2016 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Little Red
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2016

Little Red

By Bethan Woollvin

A girl outsmarts a cunning wolf on her way to Grandma's house.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2016)
32 pages· 274 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.0/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,423 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Little Red encounters a wolf on her way to Grandma's house, but she's not afraid. With wit and courage, she unravels his devious plan, turning the classic tale on its head. In this modern twist on 'Little Red Riding Hood,' expect humor, bold visuals, and a clever heroine who won't let the wolf get away with his tricks. Will Little Red's ingenuity be enough to outsmart the big bad wolf? Discover a story where girl power reigns supreme and familiar tales take unexpected turns.
2016 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
The Polar Bear
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

The Polar Bear

Discover the majestic world of polar bears through captivating storytelling.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2016)
48 pages· 1,622 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 478 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Embark on a journey into the icy realm of polar bears, where each page reveals the majestic beauty and survival challenges of these magnificent creatures. Through vivid illustrations and engaging narrative, uncover the secrets of their Arctic world. What mysteries lie beneath the snow and ice?
2016 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
The Princess and the Warrior
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2016

The Princess and the Warrior

By Duncan Tonatiuh

A warrior's love faces a deadly challenge and a deceitful enemy. Will love conquer all or end in eternal slumber?

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2016)
40 pages· 839 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,727 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Princess Izta loves the brave warrior Popoca, but her father demands he defeat the enemy Jaguar Claw to win her hand. As Popoca nears victory, a deceitful message claims his death, plunging Izta into a deep sleep. Popoca returns, unable to wake her, and remains by her side. Their love transforms into two volcanoes: Iztaccíhuatl, eternally sleeping, and Popocatépetl, erupting with ash, striving to awaken his beloved. Can love transcend even the deepest slumber, or will it remain a tragic legend? Discover the timeless tale of devotion and destiny.
2016 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
The Tree in the Courtyard
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2016

The Tree in the Courtyard

By Jeff Gottesfeld, Peter McCarty (Illustrator)

A tree witnesses a girl's life during war, her absence, and the legacy of peace she leaves behind.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2016)
40 pages· 795 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 838 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: From the perspective of a horse chestnut tree, witness the life of a girl who played, laughed, and wrote in a diary during a time of war. As strangers invade and planes roar, the tree sees her vanish, leaving only her father to return. Yet, the tree's seeds spread worldwide, symbolizing peace and hope. Discover this poignant tale of resilience and remembrance, beautifully illustrated and told through the eyes of a silent observer.
2016 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
A Voyage in the Clouds
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

A Voyage in the Clouds

By Matthew Olshan, Sophie Blackall (Illustrator)

Two men risk everything to be the first to fly across the English Channel.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2016)
40 pages· 1,842 words· Est. 15 min read-aloud
3.8/5 Goodreads · 474 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1785, Englishman John Jeffries and French pilot Jean-Pierre Blanchard attempt the first balloon flight across the English Channel. When a mishap threatens their journey, they must improvise to avoid disaster. As they toss everything overboard, including their clothes, can they find a way to stay afloat and make history? This daring adventure promises unexpected solutions and a race against time.
2016 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
The White Cat and the Monk
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

The White Cat and the Monk

By Jo Ellen Bogart, Sydney Smith (Illustrator)

A monk's quest for truth intertwines with his cat's nightly hunt.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2016)
32 pages· 347 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,622 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a serene monastery, a monk seeks enlightenment in ancient texts, while his cat, Pangur, prowls the night. As dawn approaches, Pangur's instincts guide the monk to a profound revelation. This retelling of the Old Irish poem 'Pangur Bán' explores the harmony between human curiosity and animal wisdom, inviting readers to ponder the mysteries of the natural world.
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