Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards: Picture Book Winners

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 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 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.