Most Outstanding Children’s Books By Critics
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 provide to the youngest and young adolescents.
That is why the GRETEL research group, made up of experts in children’s and young people’s literature and literary education from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, decided in 2016 to publish a list of the most outstanding children’s books by critics. We tell you a little more about these interesting recommendations.
What is this list based on?
This research group decided many years ago to start a database with children’s and young people’s books that had been awarded or had been highlighted by a magazine or institution related to the world of literature. From that idea came the basis of making in 2016 a list with the fourteen most outstanding books by critics of the last ten years.
Despite the fact that four years have passed since the publication of that list, the quality of the titles included in it continues to make them among the most read. Therefore, below, we leave you some of the titles of this fantastic list so that, together with your children, you can enjoy quality stories.
Selection of the most outstanding children’s books by critics
A different day for Mr. Amos
A large illustrated album that sets its beautiful story extolling one of the most important values, such as friendship, in a zoo.
The warm colors of the images, the value of friendship that we speak of, as well as the continued appearance of numerous animals throughout the story recommended for children from three years old will make the little ones be spellbound with it.
Through its pages, we will learn the story of Mr. Amos, a zoo worker who cares with all the affection in the world for his animals. However, one day, Amos falls ill and cannot go to work. At that time, it will be the animals who decide to visit him because of all the love that Mr. Amos has given them.
Library Lion, one of the most outstanding children’s books by critics
A funny 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 those over five years of age, we will see how a lion becomes a librarian’s assistant and even the librarian herself accepts his presence, as long as he does not violate the established rules.
But … what will happen when the lion is forced to do so? We do not reveal any more so that you can discover the end of the story along with its beautiful and warm illustrations.
The duck and death
Perhaps one of the most complex issues to deal with with the little ones is death. Therefore, helping yourself with tools such as children’s books is one of the best options. This book represents death through a character with empathy, friendly and even with feelings.
Through the illustrations in the book, we will see how this character accompanies the protagonist of the story, a duck, throughout his life. However, he does not realize it until the end of his days. In this way, the book wants to show that death is one more stage of life and that it is not to be feared. A story recommended for ages 9 and up.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas , the Most Famous of Critically Highlighted Children’s Books
There are books for children, young people or adults that become classics and that generations and generations read. This true story, recommended for young people over the age of twelve, is a must-read that everyone, regardless of age, should take to learn about the terrible events that took place not so many years ago during the Holocaust.
Emigrants
Lastly, a book recommended for ages 14 and over that does not include any text on its pages. Before you you will have a graphic novel full of illustrations in sepia color that transport you to times past and not so past due to the current situation.
And, as its title indicates, this book wants to explain to the youngest the difficulties of emigration, refugees and starting a new life in another place. A book with a story that will make young people reflect and make them appreciate what they have.
