10 picture books that took my breath away in 2013

In honor of The Book Chat and the end of the year, I give you 10 picture books that took my breath away over the last twelve months—in no particular order. (Most are new, but some were published in an earlier year but I discovered them in 2013.)

 

 

 

 

 

Journey by Aaron Becker.

Because it shows, gorgeously, how imagination helps us cope, survive, and connect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sleep Like a Tiger by Mary Logue and Pamela Zagarenski.

Because it’s that exquisite.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Dark by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Jon Klassen.

Because it was done so well that I was really creeped out reading it. Thank goodness the dark is benevolent in the end!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hank Finds an Egg by Rebecca Dudley.

Because of its singular style and sweetness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Home for Bird by Philip Stead.

Because Toad is an amphibian to root for!! And bird captivates too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If You Want to See a Whale by Julie Fogliano, pictures by Erin Stead.

Because of its poetry, its patience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Garmann’s Summer by Stian Hole. (And the other two in the series, including Garmann’s Secret.)

Because it is so honest and strange and unlike anything else.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Tree House by Marije Tolman & Ronald Tolman.

Because it’s phenomenal, complete with a grand and colorful wildlife huzzah and a relationship between two bears that is quiet and still and constant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jemmy Button by Jennifer Uman & Valerio Vidali.

Because it’s extraordinary and historical.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rabbityness by Jo Empson.

 

Because it’s joyfully exuberant and heartbreakingly sad at the same time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 See what other bookish bloggers picked at the book chat today!