Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards: Picture Book Winners

In addition to fiction and non-fiction books, the Boston Globe - Horn Book Awards for Excellence in Children's Literature also recognizes picture books. The 2011 winner is 'Pocketful of Posies: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes' by Salley Mavor. Two other picture books received honors. These are 'Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night' by Joyce Sidman and 'Pecan Pie Baby' by Jacqueline Woodson.

Find available tutors

A Pocket Full of Posies Salley Mavor

Pocketful of Posies: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes by Salley Mavor

This collection includes many popular nursery rhymes, including Old Mother Hubbard, Hickory, dickory, dock and Mary had a little lamb. The magic of this book comes from Mavor's intricately detailed illustrations. Mavor spent almost a month composing each of the scenes, which portray the nursery rhymes using wool, beads, felt, embroidery and needlework. She also incorporates found objects, such as driftwood and shells, in the captivating artwork.

Salley Mavor has devoted her life to handcrafts. It took her ten years to master the fabric relief technique she uses in her picture books. Among her many other works are book-length versions of several nursery rhymes, including Wee Willie Winkie, Jack and Jill and Hey, Diddle, Diddle!

Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night Joyce Sidman

Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman

Children will not only get lost in the poetry of Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night, they'll also learn about the science of the woods at night. This picture book, which has been named as a Newbery Honor Book among its many honors, is complemented by notes that delve into the biological facts alluded to in the poems. Alongside the text are rich illustrations by Rick Allen, elaborately rendered using a linoleum-block printmaking technique.

Many of Joyce Sidman's other books help children learn about the world around them. These include Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors, Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow and Ubiquitous: Celebrating Nature's Survivors. Her 2005 book Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems, which explores the creatures and plants found in ponds, was a Caldecott Honor Book.

Pecan Pie Baby Jacqueline Woodson

Pecan Pie Baby by Jacqueline Woodson

In this picture book, Gia is not at all pleased that her mother is pregnant. From her friends to her relatives, all everyone asks about is the baby. Finally, at Thanksgiving dinner, Gia loses her patience and screams, 'I'm so sick of that DING-DANG BABY!' This outburst prompts Gia's mother to focus on helping Gia adjust to the transition while also appreciating their time together. As it turns out, Gia, her mother and the yet-unborn baby share a bond over their love of pecan pie.

Jacqueline Woodson has written over two dozen books for children and young adults. She has received myriad honors for her work, including a Coretta Scott King Award, two National Book Awards and three Newbery Honors. Some of her other books include The Other Side, Locomotion and If You Come Softly.

Did you find this useful? If so, please let others know!

Other Articles You May Be Interested In

  • More Blog Articles
    5 Amazing Picture Book Biographies

    Picture book biographies use colorful images to attract and educate children about the life of historical figures. Below are five picture book biographies that are sure to captivate your children.

  • More Blog Articles
    Creating a Book Club to Encourage Reading

    Adults often form book clubs to get the most out of their reading experiences. Parents can form similar clubs with their families. Read on to learn more about starting a family book club to encourage your children's reading habits.

We Found 7 Tutors You Might Be Interested In

Huntington Learning

  • What Huntington Learning offers:
  • Online and in-center tutoring
  • One on one tutoring
  • Every Huntington tutor is certified and trained extensively on the most effective teaching methods
In-Center and Online

K12

  • What K12 offers:
  • Online tutoring
  • Has a strong and effective partnership with public and private schools
  • AdvancED-accredited corporation meeting the highest standards of educational management
Online Only

Kaplan Kids

  • What Kaplan Kids offers:
  • Online tutoring
  • Customized learning plans
  • Real-Time Progress Reports track your child's progress
Online Only

Kumon

  • What Kumon offers:
  • In-center tutoring
  • Individualized programs for your child
  • Helps your child develop the skills and study habits needed to improve their academic performance
In-Center and Online

Sylvan Learning

  • What Sylvan Learning offers:
  • Online and in-center tutoring
  • Sylvan tutors are certified teachers who provide personalized instruction
  • Regular assessment and progress reports
In-Home, In-Center and Online

Tutor Doctor

  • What Tutor Doctor offers:
  • In-Home tutoring
  • One on one attention by the tutor
  • Develops personlized programs by working with your child's existing homework
In-Home Only

TutorVista

  • What TutorVista offers:
  • Online tutoring
  • Student works one-on-one with a professional tutor
  • Using the virtual whiteboard workspace to share problems, solutions and explanations
Online Only

Our Commitment to You

  • Free Help from Teachers

  • Free Learning Materials

  • Helping Disadvantaged Youth