December
29
Tags
The 2023 Nerdies: Early Readers and Chapter Books Announced by Alyson Beecher
Have you ever tried to guess what books would make it to the Nerdies in a particular category? It can be hard. For the Early Readers and Chapter Book category, there was a time that would be very easy to guess possible titles. It seemed like the same authors and the same series were being read by everyone. And then something happened. Teachers and Librarians started to voice the need for my books for their young readers, they also asked for more diversity, and authors and publishers responded. The themes are still the same – friendship, problem solving, life lessons, and humor are predominately the focus of these books.
At the end of September, I was wandering in a large Children’s Bookstore in Denver, and decided that I would pick up a stack of early readers and chapter books. It was my attempt to see if I could guess the winners of the Nerdies in the Early Readers and Chapter Book category. You may be wondering how I did with guessing the potential titles. I managed to guess seven of the fifteen selected titles. There were a few in my pile that didn’t make the list but I still enjoyed them and there were several that I wasn’t surprised to see on the list though I missed them upon release.
Congratulations to each author, illustrator and publisher who took on the challenge of creating characters and stories for young readers to love and still managing to do so with a limited number of words and pages.
Finally, I am excited to reveal the winners of the Early Readers and Chapter Books category.
Elena Rides by Juana Medina (Candlewick) – Elena may be a new title to the Nerdies but Juana Medina is not new to this category. I have loved everything that Medina was created for young readers and I so hope this persistent young elephant will continue to have more books.
Nat the Cat Takes a Nap by Jarrett Lerner (Simon Spotlight) – Odd couple friendships have always been popular in this category and for some reason cats and mice being friends is a classic. Between the dialogue and the illustrations, readers can spot the contrast between words and actions.
Worm and Caterpillar are Friends by Kaz Windness (Simon Spotlight) – On one level, this is a sweet story of friendship between two similar yet very different friends. On another level, it is a powerful story of transformation and acceptance.
Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy by Katherine Applegate, Illustrated by Charlie Alder (Feiwel & Friends) – Most young children understand the difficulty of losing a favorite blanket or stuffed animal and getting familiar with a new one. Cat is missing his cozy bed and his friends seek to help him find his “cozy” only to find that Cat has finally adjusted to his new bed.
Best Buddies: A Pie for Us by Vicky Fang, Illustrated by Luisa Leal (Scholastic) – Sniff and Scratch are friends. Each chapter is a separate story with separate problems for the two friends to work through. Perfect readers that are just starting to read.
The Story of Gumluck the Wizard by Adam Rex (Chronicle Books) – Ever start a story and expect it to be one thing and it turns into something completely different? When I started Gumluck, I expected a completely silly and humorous book. And there was definitely humor, but oh wow, I definitely didn’t expect an emotional tug at my heart. I grew to love both Gumluck and Helvetica and Butterscotch so much.
Princess in Black and Prince in Pink by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Candlewick) – From book 1, Princess in Black has been one of my favorite book series. One year, I had an advanced copy of a Princess in Black story, and my airplane seat companion was a little girl. When I gave her my copy of the book, her smile told me that I had made her day. Fans, young and old, will love this newest installment.
Mercy Watson is Missing! By Kate DiCamillo, Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen (Candlewick) – It’s been awhile since Mercy Watson starred in her own book. However, DiCamillo and Van Dusen don’t miss a beat in this latest Mercy Watson mystery. Will her friends and sleuths be able to find our favorite pig? Sit back with hot buttered toast and enjoy the humor and adventures on Deckawoo Drive.
Ali the Great and the Paper Airplane Flop by Saadia Faruqi, and Illustrated by Debby Rahmalia (Picture Window Books) – Ali is not as interested in drawing and coloring as some of his friends. Instead he uses his skills to create paper airplanes for them. After decorating their airplanes, each child participates in a paper airplane flying contest. The results might surprise you but the friendship and collaboration provides for a satisfying ending.
Dory Fantasmagory: Can’t Live Without You by Abby Hanlon (Dial Books) – Just like Mercy Watson, it has been a while since we learned what was happening with Dory. The anxiety that Dory experiences in being separate from her mother is not unusual for younger children. However, don’t worry, there are still plenty of surprises and even a visit from Dory’s friend Ms. Gobble Gracker.
Frankie and Friends: Breaking News by Christine Platt, Illustrated by Alea Marley (Walker Books US) – In this new chapter book, by activist Christine Platt, Frankie admires her mother who is a journalist. While her mother is on a trip, Frankie decides to start her own news broadcasts and discovers that she is not the only one who is missing her mother.
J
oJo Makoons: Snow Day by Dawn Quigley, Illustrated by Tara Audibert (Heartdrum) – JoJo is back and this time her reservation is shut down due to a snowstorm. However, that doesn’t stop JoJo from being neighborly. And of course, if you know anything about JoJo, you know that her style of helping out will always result in laughter. Also, I was so happy that I was able to introduce the owner of the bookstore in Denver to JoJo Makoons.
The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale by Jon Klassen (Candlewick) – In classic Klassen style, this book is a bit odd and a bit creepy and just right in so many ways. A friendship between a young girl and a skull may seem strange but somehow Klassen works it out to be better than the original folktale. For children, who have experienced some significant trauma, this book may have even deeper meaning.
Mindy Kim and the Mid-Autumn Festival by Lyla Lee, Illustrated by Dung Ho (Aladdin) – In the 10th book, Mindy and her family fly to Korea to honor the fall harvest referred to as Chuseok. Additionally, this chapter book deals with the loss of Mindy’s grandfather and other family dynamics that are happening in Mindy’s life. Though Mindy’s experiences are familiar to many children, chapter book readers will also learn about the Korean holiday of Chuseok.
Ryan Hart: Ways to Build a Dream by Renee Watson, Illustrated by Nina Mata (Bloomsbury Books) – The Ryan Hart books by Renee Watson would be in the upper age range of this category. Ryan is a typical 5th grader with typical challenges of having an older and younger sibling and balancing out homework, friendships, and preparing for changes with humor and realistic responses. As Ryan transitions to Middle School, I would love to see this series transition to a slightly more novel format for growing readers.
Alyson Beecher is an educator in Southern California. She has a serious book addiction and loves early readers, chapter books and nonfiction picture books. You can find her on Twitter (aka X) as @alysonbeecher while she is trying to figure out where all the wonderful book folks will finally land in the midst of changing social media sites.
Nerdy Book Club 
The Skull was quite good. I just purchased the new Mercy Watson book. I’m ready to read it, and thrilled it made your list!