New York Times Bestselling Picture Books of the Week

There was a little bit of shifting around this week, but we only say goodbye to:

• High School Musical: All Accessby N. B. Grace, and
  
• Henry's Freedom Box written by Ellen Levine, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

1. Flamingos on the Roof written and illustrated by Calef Brown

Calef Brown's quirky illustrations and nonsensical poems come together to form something I think is delightful and will make kids laugh out loud. After all, who can resists lines like this? "Boogie to the banjo./Bop to the bongo./Freeze like an igloo./Stomp like a buffalo in the Combo Tango"

Huh? Exactly.






2. Gallop!: A Scanimation Picture Bookwritten and illustrated by Rufus Butler Seder
Gallop moved down a spot in its 11th week on the list. If you haven’t seen this book yet, I urge you to check it out. This book is amazing! By flipping through you book you can see a horse galloping, an eagle soaring, and many other animals in movement. The content rhymes and has funny replies that will leave your child laughing.

3. Smash! Crash! by Jon Scieszka. Illustrated by David Shannon, Loren Long and David Gordon.

Scieszka’s newest book remains at #3 in its third week on the list. Smash! Crash! kicks off Scieska’s Trucktown series for preschool/kindergarten-aged children. If you have a child in your life who loves trucks and who loves to smash things together, he/she will be delighted as Jack Truck and Dump Truck Dan smash and crash through the town.

4. Gimme Cracked Corn and I Will Sharewritten and illustrated by Kevin O'Malley

This zany, pun-filled book follows the adventure of Chicken and George as they set out to follow Chicken's dream. I thought it was cute and chuckled a number of times, but younger children may not fully understand or appreciate all of the puns like, "You must be yolking," and "What are you--a comedi-hen?"

5. Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxyby Matthew Reinhart

This cool collectible moved up three spots in its 15th week on the list. If you have a Star Wars fan in your life (or you are one yourself), this would make a great gift.

6. Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity, written and illustrated by Mo Willems

Knuffle Bunny Too is the follow up to Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale . Here, little Trixie goes to school and discovers that her beloved Knuffle Bunny is NOT the only one in the world…oh boy. Willems illustrations and story had ME laughing out loud more than once. If you’re unfamiliar with Knuffle Bunny or Willems’ other works, I highly recommend you check him out.

7. The Arrival by Shaun Tan

With its fourth appearance in the top 10, the only words in this book are from an invented alphabet. In the book, an immigrant leaves his family behind to start a new life in a new country. Haunting, emotional, hopeful…these are only a few words to describe this captivating book.

8. Zen Ties written and illustrated by Jon J. Muth

In its second week on the list, this is a surprisingly heartwarming story of a Buddist panda who encourages his nephew and friends to help a grouchy neighbor. They’re surprised by what they get in return.






9. First the Egg written and illustrated by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

This Caldecott Honor Book and Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book moved down 7 spots this week. In my opinion, this is another must have for a small child in your life. Through die-cuts and rich, vibrant illustrations, Seeger presents a series of “first/then” scenarios (egg/chicken; tadpole/frog; seed/flower).

10. The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtainwritten and illustrated by Peter Sis

The third Caldecott Honor Book on the list this week, The Wall debuts in the sixth spot. In this fascinating autobiographical picture book, Sis recounts his childhood growing up in Cold-War era Prague. Look for my review tomorrow as part of Nonfiction Monday.

This week's rankings reflect book sales for the week ending January 26, 2008. Check out the New York Times' Children's Book Page for this week's bestselling children's chapter, paperback, and series books.

New York Times Bestselling Picture Books

Wow…nothing like a snazzy sticker to boost sales! All four Caldecott Honor Books made it into the top 10 this week. But where is The Invention of Hugo Cabret , the medal winner? No worries! Selznick’s absolutely wonderful fantastic amazing book is on the chapter book list because it’s not a picture book, which makes it even so much cooler that it won the Caldecott this year.

The four honor books and the story of a Buddist panda edged out:

• The Chronicles of Narnia Pop-up: Based on the Books by C. S. Lewis (Narnia)
• The Three Snow Bears
• Fancy Nancy
• Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy (Fancy Nancy)
• Hug Time

1. Gallop!: A Scanimation Picture Bookwritten and illustrated by Rufus Butler Seder
   
   Gallop remains in the top spot this week, its 10^th time on the list. If you haven’t seen this book yet, I urge you to check it out. This book is amazing! By flipping through you book you can see a horse galloping, an eagle soaring, and many other animals in movement. The content rhymes and has funny replies that will leave your child laughing.

2. First the Egg written and illustrated by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

This Caldecott Honor Book and Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book debuts at number 2. In my opinion, this is another must have for a small child in your life. Through die-cuts and rich, vibrant illustrations, Seeger presents a series of “first/then” scenarios (egg/chicken; tadpole/frog; seed/flower).

3. Smash! Crash! by Jon Scieszka. Illustrated by David Shannon, Loren Long and David Gordon.

   

   Scieszka’s newest book remains at #3 in its second week on the list. Smash! Crash! kicks off Scieska’s Trucktown series for preschool/kindergarten-aged children. If you have a child in your life who loves trucks and who loves to smash things together, he/she will be delighted as Jack Truck and Dump Truck Dan smash and crash through the town.

   
   

   
   

4. Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity, written and illustrated by Mo Willems

The second Caldecott Honor Book on the list this week, Knuffle Bunny Too is the follow up to Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale . Here, little Trixie goes to school and discovers that her beloved Knuffle Bunny is NOT the only one in the world…oh boy. Willems illustrations and story had ME laughing out loud more than once. If you’re unfamiliar with Knuffle Bunny or Willems’ other works, I highly recommend you check him out. The honor propelled this book back on the list for the 12^th time.

5. High School Musical: All Accessby N. B. Grace
   
   Dropping three spots in its ninth week, this book would be a great gift for a High School Musical fan in your life. It looks like a scrapbook made by someone who goes to the school with ticket stubs, pictures, notes in lockers, etc. It would be especially good for a reluctant pre-teen reader.
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtainwritten and illustrated by Peter Sis
   
   The third Caldecott Honor Book on the list this week, The Wall debuts in the sixth spot. In this fascinating autobiographical picture book, Sis recounts his childhood growing up in Cold-War era Prague.
   
   
   
   
   
   

7. The Arrival by Shaun Tan

With its third appearance in the top 10, the only words in this book are from an invented alphabet. In the book, an immigrant leaves his family behind to start a new life in a new country. Haunting, emotional, hopeful…these are only a few words to describe this captivating book.

8. Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxyby Matthew Reinhart

This cool collectable moved down four spots in its 14th week on the list. If you have a Star Wars fan in your life (or you are one), this would make a great gift.

9. Henry's Freedom Box written by Ellen Levine. Illustrated by Kadir Nelson.

Another Caldecott Winner, Henry’s Freedom Box tells the true story of a slave, Henry “Box” Brown, who mailed himself to freedom in a packing crate with the help of the Underground Railroad. One more must-have in my opinion.

10. Zen Ties written and illustrated by Jon J. Muth

In its first week on the list, this is a surprisingly heartwarming story of a Buddist panda who encourages his nephew and friends to help a grouchy neighbor. They’re surprised by what they get in return.

This week's rankings reflect book sales for the week ending January 19, 2008. Check out the New York Times' Children's Book Page for this week's bestselling children's chapter, paperback, and series books.

New York Times Bestselling Picture Books of the Week

Wow…lots and lots of changes this week. We say goodbye to:

• The Night Before Christmas
• Winter in White: A Mini Pop-up Treat
• Santa's Reindeer
• How to Find Flower Fairies
• Great Joy

While last week I lamented about there being only one type of book on the list, this week there is a nice variety. A wordless graphic novel even makes the list.

1. Gallop!: A Scanimation Picture Bookwritten and illustrated by Rufus Butler Seder

This book gallops its way to the top in its ninth week on the list! This book is amazing! By flipping through you book you can see a horse galloping, an eagle soaring, and many other animals in movement. The content rhymes and has funny replies that will leave your child laughing.

2. High School Musical: All Accessby N. B. Grace

Down one spot in it's 8th week on the list, this book would be a great gift for a High School Musical fan in your life. It looks like a scrapbook made by someone who goes to the school with ticket stubs, pictures, notes in lockers, etc. It would be especially good for a reluctant pre-teen reader.

3 . Smash! Crash! by Jon Scieszka. Illustrated by David Shannon, Loren Long and David Gordon.

The newest book from our National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature debuts in the number three spot this week. Smash! Crash! kicks off Scieska’s Trucktown series for preschool/kindergarten-aged children. If you have a child in your life who loves trucks and who loves to smash things together, he/she will be delighted as Jack Truck and Dump Truck Dan smash and crash through the town.

4. Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxyby Matthew Reinhart


This collective moved down one spot in its 13th week on the list. If you have a Star Wars fan in your life (or you are one), this is a great collectible. Sabrina at Breeni Books says, "...It's pretty darn cool. I'd say it's well worth the money and has earned its rank. "

5. The Chronicles of Narnia Pop-up: Based on the Books by C. S. Lewis (Narnia)by C. S. Lewis. Pop-ups by Robert Sabuda

In its seventh week on the list, this gorgeous pop-up moves down a spot. I'm a huge Narnia fan, so this book is right up my ally. It features a stunning pop-up spread of each of the seven books in the series.

6. The Three Snow Bears written and illustrated by Jan Brett



Hanging in there at number 6, Jan Brett’s newest book makes its seventeenth appearance.This is a spin on Goldilocks and The Three Bears. Al-ooki, an Inuit girl in the Artic visits the home of a polar bear family. If you haven't seen this book that was just published in September, I highly recommend it. As always, Jan Brett's illustrations are gorgeous, and I always love a retell of an old classic, especially one that features different cultures.


7. Fancy Nancy by Jane O;Connor. Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser

I have a confession…this is the first time I’ve ever heard of Fancy Nancy (GASP!). Double gasp since this is the 98^th time it’s been in the top ten! In the story, Fancy Nancy is determined to fancy-up her family and take them out to a fancy dinner. Since, I haven’t seen the book, so I can’t recommend or um…un-recommend it.

8. The Arrival by Shaun Tan

I am becoming a fan of graphic novels, and I can’t believe it. Making its second appearance in the top 10, the only words in this book are from an invented alphabet. In the book, an immigrant leaves his family behind to start a new life in a new country. Haunting, emotional, hopeful…these are only a few words to describe this captivating book.

9. Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy (Fancy Nancy) by Jane O’Connor. Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser

I don’t know who this Fancy Nancy girl is, but she sure is popular. Making its 34^th appearance on the list, this book chronicles Fancy Nancy’s quest to find the perfect dog for a fancy girl. I’m totally going to have to check this girl out and see what all the hoopla is about.

10. Hug Time written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell

McDonnell’s cute story of Jules the kitten who goes around the world hugging people makes its second appearance on the list in the number 10 spot this week.

This week's rankings reflect book sales for the week ending January 12, 2008. Check out the New York Times' Children's Book Page for this week's bestselling children's chapter, paperback, and series books.