Top 20 Books of 2017: 20-16

#20-16 | #15-11 | #10-6 | #5-1

Some things to know about this list:

1. It’s a collaboration between John Schumacher and me.
2. It’s a collection of our favorite books of 2016 for grades K-6.
3. It’s a countdown from 20 to 1, with five books revealed each day.
4. In terms of format, anything goes. You’ll see picture books, graphic novels, nonfiction, and middle grade all mixing together.
5. Here on 100 Scope Notes, John and I will blab (briefly) about each book.
6. On Watch. Connect. Read. John has rounded up additional resources for each book.

20. Bertolt by Jacques Goldstyn [Enchanted Lion | Grades K-3]

Because a tree this grand deserves a farewell to match. -Travis

Click here for additional resources from Watch. Connect. Read.

19. Happy Dreamer by Peter H. Reynolds [Orchard Books | Grades K-3]

Because everyone should be encouraged to DREAM BIG every day. -John

Click here for additional resources from Watch. Connect. Read.

18. Big Cat, Little Cat by Elisha Cooper [Roaring Brook Press | Grades Pre-K-2]

Because it depicts the circle of life more honestly and tenderly than any other book this year. -Travis

Click here for additional resources from Watch. Connect. Read.

17. A Boy, a Mouse, and a Spider: The Story of E.B. White by Barbara Herkert, illustrated by Lauren Castillo [Henry Holt | Grades 1-3]

Because a writer like him needs a book as gorgeous as this. -John

Click here for additional resources from Watch. Connect. Read.

16. Bruno: Some of the More Interesting Days in My Life So Far by Catharina Valckx, illustrated by Nicolas Hubesch [Gecko Press | Grades 1-3]

Because this surreal yet sincere French import is one of the more interesting books in my life so far. -Travis

Click here for additional resources from Watch. Connect. Read.

#20-16 | #15-11 | #10-6 | #5-1

Filed under: *Best New Books*, Best of, Best of 2017