Piccadilly and the Jolly Raindrops earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

The best of plans can be undermined by the weather as young Piccadilly learned first-hand one day when the rain “jumbled and tumbled from the sky”.  Saddened by the weather which threatened to thwart her outdoor plans, her spirits were buoyed when her brother reminded her that even raindrops deserve to go outside and play on occasion.  So, with a fresh outlook, Piccadilly decided to embrace the weather and “be a raindrop” for a day.  And when she did, she learned that with the right frame of mind even rainy days can be fun. 

Lisa Anne Novelline’s Piccadilly and the Jolly Raindrops, is an absolute joy to read and to behold.  Novelline exhibits rare talent as she weaves words and builds worlds of enchantment which will delight readers of all ages.  With charming and expressive illustrations by Nicola Hwang, this picture book is sure to become a favorite with parents and children alike.  Recommended for home and school libraries, Piccadilly and the Jolly Raindrops has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

My Mama Loves Me / My Daddy Loves Me children's book series earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

The love of a mother and a father for their child can be so all-encompassing, so entirely difficult to put into words, yet author Shanalee Sharboneau does just that in her children’s picture book series.  The first book in the series, written from Sharboneau to her son, is entitled My Mama Loves Me: I’m Her Little Boy, Subsequent titles include, My Daddy Loves Me: I’m His Little Girl . . . and so the pattern continues.  Each book is penned in a nearly lyrical sort of prose and each is paired with fantastic illustrations that whisk young readers away to places far beyond their wildest imaginations.  Your selection, which is tailored to the pairing of your choice, (e.g.: from father to son or from mother to daughter) is like wrapping your son or daughter in a great big hug through the art of the written word.  Illustrations by Israel Dilean make each book distinctively unique and all-together wonderful. Recommended for home and school libraries, the My Mama Loves Me / My Daddy Loves Me series has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

My Crunchy Life earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

First, he changed his name to Kale, then he started working on dreadlocks, and now he’s decided it’s time to find a cause.  It’s all a part of Kalin’s plan to implement his new Hippie lifestyle.  Everyone knows you can’t be a hippie if you don’t have a cause.  So Kale joins REHO (Rights for Every Human Organization), an all-encompassing group intent upon paving the way for all causes related to the human species.  Unfortunately, Kale really can’t admit to the group that his only reason for attending is for the sake of finding his own cause.  But thankfully he’s saved by a distraction which spares him from having to admit his hippie failings.  That’s where Kale and Julian meet for the first time.  Julian is still working on finding his way to becoming who he always believed himself to be, a girl.  When Kale and Julian meet they are just two floundering kids trying to find purpose and make sense of their lives.  And that’s where it all begins.  Author Mia Kerick breathes life into the characters of this coming of age tale which is peppered with witty accounts interspersed with genuinely heartfelt moments of self-realization.  The author skillfully addresses very relevant topics with sparkling clarity in a way that will be relatable to a YA audience.  Recommended for home and school libraries, My Crunchy Life has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Mourning Dove earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Millie and her brother, Finley, have a remarkable bond.  Millie nearly worships her brother, who is uncommonly insightful and possesses great talent as a musician.  Having grown up in Minnesota, the two youngsters move with their mother, Posey, to her childhood home in Memphis after their parent’s divorce.  They are enrolled in the finest schools and introduced into the society their mother had left behind for their father years earlier.

Claire Fullerton’s Mourning Dove is the coming-of-age tale of siblings growing up in the south during the 1970s.  Fullerton paints a poignant picture of life in a world in which one simply must know “how to do”.  From the generations of help who are as much family as their own blood, to the reticent need to keep up appearances, this captivating book lingers long after the last page has been turned.  Written in a nearly lyrical sort of prose, Fullerton’s ability to turn a phrase is extraordinary.  Highly deserving of praise, Mourning Dove has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.  

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

More Tales from the Enchanted Wood earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Lovers of the written word rejoice.  For we have encountered, with much merriment, a delightful anthology of short stories by Jonathan Schork.   More Tales from the Enchanted Wood is the charming continuation of The Love of Simon Fox, a selection of readings about a magical forest and its inhabitants. It is not necessary to have read The Love of Simon Fox to appreciate this book.  But one would certainly benefit from beginning with the former.  For those who enjoy a good fairy tale, and for those who are in love with the written word, we highly recommend More Tales from the Enchanted Wood.  This book has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval and is recommended for home and school libraries.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Monsters, by Arlo Guthrie is a literary treasure and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

After the lights have all been turned out a young boy’s imagination gets the best of him as he begins to envision all sorts of monsters in his home.  The longer he imagines the monsters the more prolific they become.  But then his father comes into the boy’s room and, turning on the lights, he helps his son understand the power he possesses over his monsters. 

Written in rhyme, by Arlo Guthrie, this book has a pleasing cadence that keeps it strumming along at a nice clip.  Words of wisdom are interspersed with whimsical lines, helping make Monsters an engaging read.  Illustrations by Kathy Garren are perfectly suited for this story which is decidedly unique and altogether delightful.  Recommended for home and school libraries, Monsters is a literary treasure and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Merlin’s Wood: The Battle of the Trees earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Maybe Reece should have paid closer attention to his grandmother’s ramblings about his namesake.and the inheritance she’s always gone on about.  Lucky for him someone was listening though, namely his twin sister Holly.  Because when the two find themselves catapulted into a different time and space they find themselves ill-prepared for what they are about to encounter.  The twins soon learn they must work together, it’s a matter of life and death; and not just their own lives.  It would appear billions of people are depending upon them.  Merlin’s Wood: The Battle of the Trees 1 is an action-packed fantasy sci-fi adventure that will hold great appeal to youth audiences.  Author Anne Hamilton has crafted a tale that seamlessly intertwines these two genres in a way that will captivate young readers.  Merlin’s Wood: The Battle of the Trees 1 is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Marked Beauty earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Ana Tate can feel the emotions of others through their auras.  But she is going through a period of self-discovery and has not yet truly come to accept who she is.  Viktor, on the other hand, knows exactly who he is and is fighting it tooth and nail.  Their connection is mysterious and dark, unfolding through mysticism and great intensity.  This is a captivating read that grabs the reader right from the start. The narrators’ voices are relatable, and the author creates a very engaging setting for this captivating book.  With detailed imagery, cemented by well-developed characters, and an intriguing plot, Marked Beauty, by S.A. Larsen is a compelling, work of modern YA fantasy with dark and ancient curses, fantasy elements and romance all rolled into one cohesive blend.  Marked Beauty is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Leaving Kent State earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

May 4, 1970 was a pivotal day in the history of America as National Guardsmen opened fire on un-armed student protestors at Kent State University, killing four and wounding nine.  But beneath the newspaper clippings and the news-reels were real stories of genuine people who were personally connected to this infamous day in U.S. History.  Seventeen-year-old Rachel anxiously awaits the return of her friend and neighbor, Evan who is fighting in Vietnam.  But when he comes back, he is a shell of the man he once was.  Theirs is a poignant love story that intertwines seamlessly with the historically accurate backdrop of an iconic moment in history.  Leaving Kent State, by Sabrina Fedel, is a work of fiction that transports readers to Kent, Ohio in the 1960s.  Rachel is a powerful narrator as she relates the hopes, dreams and fears of a young teenaged girl in love growing up at a time of civil unrest and turmoil. Expertly crafted, and skillfully penned, Leaving Kent State is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Landry in Like earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Being a teenaged girl has its challenges.  And life for Landry is no different, even though she somehow believed things might be better for her this year.  But she thought wrong.  Nothing seems to be going her way, and to make matters worse, it seems her best friend is leaving her behind for a new group of friends.  Staying true to herself and maintaining a positive attitude isn’t always easy when it seems like she’s always on the defensive.  Author Krysten Lindsay Hager captures the true essence of life for teens today in book three of the Landry’s True Colors series.  Packed with a cast of well-developed characters and highly plausible scenarios, this book sends just the right message to young girls today who are trying to navigate troubling teen years.  Recommended for home and school libraries, Landry in Like has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Kindertransport – A Child’s Journey earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Helen, a young Jewish girl, could no longer play with the kids in her neighborhood, nor was she allowed to attend school anymore.  She couldn’t understand why the kids who were once her friends now spat at her and called her horrible names. As if that were not enough, her parents feared the worst and tearfully insisted on sending her by train to England where she could be kept safe.  Kindertransport – A Child’s Journey, by Kena Sosa recounts the atrocities of World War II at a time when children were sent away to escape the tyranny of the Nazi regime.  This relatable and heartfelt story is told from the perspective of young Helen as she struggles with accepting her new fate while hoping and praying for her parent’s safety.  Recommended for home and school libraries, Kindertransport – A Child’s Journey has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

The Junior Lifeguard Series earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

Summers at Cape Cod are always an adventure.  For thirteen-year-old lifeguards in training, Jenna, Piper, Selena and Ziggy, dreams of wearing a red one-piece and donning a shiny whistle while perched upon the lifeguard stand sounds like the perfect way to spend their summer.  But being a lifeguard isn’t all about enjoying sunshine and sand while checking out the cute boys.  From skills assessments to written tests, getting picked for the team is no sure thing.  As members of the Junior Lifeguards navigate coming-of-age obstacles on and off the sand young readers share in the girls’ journey as they learn the importance of following rules while asserting themselves and gaining confidence.  Summer takes off with a splash in this highly relatable and entirely entertaining book series.  Author Elizabeth Doyle Carey lends an authentic and credible voice to each of the characters in this engaging series that is sure to delight young audiences while inspiring them to be the best version of themselves they can possibly be.  The Junior Lifeguard Series is highly recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Hurricane: Jamar’s Story earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Young Jamar, lives with his family on the Atlantic coast.  When news channels report a hurricane approaching, everyone in his neighborhood prepares for the impending storm.  Most folks in the area have experienced hurricanes before, so they aren’t overly concerned, but they do all they can to minimize the storm’s impact on their family and neighbors.  Later as the wind begins to howl, they play musical instruments and share memories of past hurricanes, as they wait for the winds to calm.

Hurricane: Jamar’s Story, is an enlightening children’s picture book that shows how people can and do come together in times of need.  Jamar’s family exhibits a calm resolve as they set about preparing for the worst in hopes that their efforts will be unwarranted.  The underlying story of a tightly knit family with cherished traditions, gathering together in love, and bound together with a sense of purpose makes this book a true cultural treasure.  Recommended for home and school libraries, Hurricane: Jamar’s Story, has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Hugo and Nora earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Hugo and Nora, a pair of very large hippopotamuses, were so big that they always seemed to cause a commotion wherever they went.  The other animals in the jungle were quite distressed by the two hippos.  Saddened by the troubles caused by their size, the pair sought help from Sala, the wisest old ape in the jungle.  Hugo and Nora asked Sala what they could do to be smaller.  Sala offered wise counsel to the two, and upon taking his advice, for the first time they could remember, they actually felt small.  But soon after, they were once again troubled by their enormous size.  That is until one day, when they came to realize how very special they were simply because of their size.

Author Jeremy Shapiro’s Hugo and Nora is a delightful and engaging picture book that children will love to read again and again.  Illustrations by MaryDeaton Heldman are perfectly paired with this lovely tale which is truly inspired.  This heartwarming book will hold as much appeal to kiddos as it will for adults, and is ideal for bedtime stories and classroom readings.  Recommended for home and school libraries, this book has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.  

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Home, by Adam Leitman Bailey, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Home is the story of a small boy who lives in a very small apartment in a very big city.  The boy wonders what it might be like to live elsewhere, so he lets his imagination take flight as he experiences life in a variety of different home settings.  The boy enjoys all his experiences, but in the end, he comes to realize that home is wherever your family is. 

Written by Adam Leitman Bailey, Home is a lovely picture book that will speak to curious young minds as they explore various homes and lifestyles around the world.  Lovely illustrations are a wonderful addition to this sweet book which is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org