Publishers Weekly have just published their list of best children's books for 2012 here: click here
As it is an American site, there are some books I am not familiar with but a big yes to some of their other picks.
The Peculiar by Stefan Bachmann we got as a proof copy in my bookstore. It looks all kinds of weird and wonderful and that's what I love in children's writing - the absolutely innovative, written well with an emotional impact.
In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz is a book I am not familiar with, but I LOVE the sound of it. Will be checking this one out.
Lies, Knives and Girls in Red Dresses by Ron Koertge - as you might be able to tell, I love anything fairytale-ish, whether it reworks them, takes an idea from them, or remodels them. This one sounds like a treat.
The Brides of Rollrock Island by Margo Lanagan - love that an Australian author can get into an American list of best books for 2012. The worlds Margo creates are breathtaking, as is her prose, and this book (Sea Hearts, as it is known in Aus) has been on my 'to read' list for ages.
Cinder by Marissa Meyer. A great premise, well told and interesting, with a paranormal romance element that doesn't make me groan.
Apart from these there are some great picks from authors by the likes of Libba Bray, Rebecca Stead and Sheila A Nielson, whose book Forbidden Sea I greatly enjoyed. Go check it out and then go check out some of these great stories - it's a great list.
