Most Critically Featured Children’s Books
Within children’s and youth literature, hundreds and hundreds of titles have been published in recent years. However, not all of them have the quality that literature should offer to little ones and young teenagers.
That’s why, in 2016, the GRETEL research group, formed by specialists in children’s and youth literature and in literary education from the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, decided to publish a list of children’s books most highlighted by critics. Next, we’ll talk a little more about these interesting recommendations.
What is this list based on?
Many years ago, this research group decided to start creating a database with children’s and youth books that had been awarded or highlighted by a magazine or institution related to the world of literature.
Based on this idea, in 2016, they decided to make a list with the fourteen most highlighted books by critics in the last ten years.
Although four years have passed since the publication of this list, the quality of the titles included in it makes them still among the most read. So, below, we’ll show you some of the titles from this fantastic list so that, together with your kids, you can enjoy quality stories.
Selection of children’s books most highlighted by critics
A day in the life of Amos McGee
A great illustrated album that places its beautiful story in a zoo that exalts one of the most important values, friendship.
The warm colors of the images, the value of friendship we’ve already talked about, as well as the continuous appearance of countless animals throughout this story, recommended for children from three years of age, will make the little ones enchanted with it.
Through its pages, we will learn about the story of Mr. Amos, a zoo employee who takes care of his animals with all the love in the world.
One day, however, Amos becomes ill and cannot go to work. At that moment, the animals will decide to visit him for all the love that Lord Amos has already given them.
O Leão da Biblioteca, one of the most highlighted children’s books by critics
A fun story that breaks the stereotypes that are often held about libraries as a place of absolute silence.
In the pages of this book, recommended for ages five and over, we’ll see how a lion becomes an assistant librarian and how even the librarian herself accepts his presence, as long as he doesn’t break established rules.
But… what will happen when the lion is forced to do this? We won’t reveal anything else so that you can discover the end of the story, along with its beautiful and tender illustrations.
The duck, death and the tulip
Perhaps one of the most complex issues to deal with the little ones is death. Therefore, relying on tools such as children’s books is one of the best options. This book represents death through a character with a lot of empathy, sympathy and even feelings.
Through the illustrations in the book, we will see how this character follows the protagonist of the story, a duck, throughout his life. However, he doesn’t realize it until his days are over.
In this way, the book wants to demonstrate that death is another phase of life and that there is no need to be afraid. A recommended story for ages nine and older.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas , the most famous of the children’s books highlighted by the critics
There are books, both for children and young people and for adults, that become classics and are read for many generations. This is one of them!
This true story, recommended for ages 12 and up, is a must-read that everyone, regardless of age, should do to learn about the horrific events that took place not many years ago, during the Holocaust.
The arrival
Finally, a book recommended for ages 14+ that does not include any text on its pages. You will have in front of you a graphic novel full of illustrations in sepia colors that transport us to times past – and not so past –, given the current situation.
After all, as the title itself indicates, this book wants to explain to younger people the difficulties of immigration, refugees and starting a new life elsewhere. A book with a story that will make young people reflect and appreciate everything they have.
