Garden State Children's Book Awards

The 2009 Garden State Children's Book Awards winners were announced recently. Books are nominated for these awards by children's librarians throughout New Jersey and the winning books are then determined by popular vote by children from throughout the state. Books are nominated on the basis of literary merit and reader appeal in four categories: "Easy to Read," "Easy to Read Series," "Fiction, grades 2-5," and "Nonfiction, grades 2-5." This year's winning books are:

Easy to Read

Super Fly Guy, by Tedd Arnold

Ted's pet fly, Fly Guy, visits the school cafeteria where he gets the lunch lady fired.





Easy to Read Series

Henry and Mudge and the Big Sleepover, by Cynthia Rylant; illustrated by Suçie Stevenson

Henry and his dog Mudge enjoy a sleepover at Henry's friend Patrick's house, complete with monster movies, pizza, and popcorn. But will they sleep?

Fiction, grades 2-5

Captain Underpants and the Preposterous Plight of the Purple Potty People, by Dav Pilkey

George and Harold use the purple potty to travel to an alternate universe where they meet evil versions of themselves!

Nonfiction, grades 2-5

The Magic School Bus and the Science Fair Expedition, by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen

Ms. Frizzle and her students board the magic school bus to travel back in time to learn scientific methods from famous scientists in person.




All of the 2009 titles are available in the Warren County Library System. To see a list of past winners, click here.