What Makes A Book A Children's Book?

• A central character (protaganist) who is the age of the intended audience.
• Central issues of the story concern children in some ways.
• A straight forward story line.
• A linear and limited time sequence in a confined setting.
• Language is concrete and vivid and not overly complex.

Not too sure if the last 3 points really apply anymore. Children's book is getting more and more sophisticated. Even the age of the protagonist may not be a good gauge now.

However, the 5 points above do serve as a guide. : )

A Timeless Tale

"Why should I care what happens to an arrogant,

over-dressed china rabbit?

But I did care, desperately,

and I think I can safely predict you will, too."

----- Katherine Paterson

"The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" is a book about Edward, a very well dressed china rabbit, with a complete wardrobe of handmade silk suits, pajamas, and clothes for every occasion.

Edward belongs to a little girl who adores him completely. Unfortunately, he feels no emotions towards anyone. Then, in an unexpected event, Edward becomes lost and is found by a series of changing owners. With each new owner, his heart grows in love.

In the end, the question is not can Edward love, but can he love again after the depth of his heartbreak as he loses each owner.

A timeless tale , complete with stunning full-color plates by Bagram Ibatoulline, honors the enduring power of love. Don't pass this book by because it sits in the children's section...this book is for everyone.

Outstanding Illustrators for Children Books

The 2005 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award winner is Traction Man Is Here by Mini Grey, published by Alfred A. Knopf.

"In picture books, words and pictures are a fantastic double act, each doing a different job, maybe even telling a different story — but you need both of them to have the whole story. And even the youngest people are expert readers of pictures. So in pictures you can say very complex things, things that it would take an enormous number of words to explain." ----- Mini Grey (award acceptance speech)

The 2004 (awarded in 2005) Kate Greenway Medal winner is Jonathan Swift's “Gulliver” by Chris Riddell (Text by Martin Jenkins) published by Walker.

The 2006 Caldecott Medal winner is The Hello, Goodbye Window illustrated by Chris Raschka and written by Norton Juster (Michael di Capua Books, an imprint of Hyperion Books for Children)