Favourite reads of 2023 – Maureen

Reviewer Maureen Mann has sent in her list of favourite 2023 books.

 

How does Santa go down the chimney? by Mac Barnett and John Klassen

This picture book is marketed for pre-schoolers, who will love it as they question how Santa does go down the chimney. Does he get stuck? Does he get dirty? Does he go headfirst, or feetfirst? Or neither? Adults are sure to appreciate the humour on every page, and you need to find out how he does manage.

 

 

The light in everything by Katya Balen (also reviewed by Veruskha Byrow)

Tim and Zofia are forced to spend time together when their parents’ relationship develops, and it’s the last thing these two vastly different characters want. Told from alternating perspectives, the readers sees how each character adjusts and learns to accept the changing family dynamics. The environment reflects some of the drama being played out in and around everyone.

 

 

Island of whispers by Frances Hardinge and Emily Gravatt (not reviewed on RT. Link to Booktopia)

This is a gothic fantasy for middle school readers. On the island of Merlank, anyone who dies has to be taken as soon as possible to the Island of the Broken Tower so their spirit can rest. When his father is killed, Milo becomes the unexpected Ferryman, with his cargo of ghosts including his father,  across seas populated by headless birds, strange storms, and unwanted magic.

 

Big by Vashti Harrison (not reviewed on RT. Link to Booktopia)

Vashti Harrison tackles the issue of anti-fat bias in this picture book. The girl is happy with herself and is praised for being big, until about the second grade when others notice her size and begin to comment on it. She began to feel not herself, out of place, exposed… On the page, the reader sees her grow ever larger until she sees a way out and returns the words and thoughts, accepting herself as she is, without trying to change. There’s a subtle racism commentary as well.

Beneath by Cori Doerrfeld (not reviewed on RT. Link to Booktopia)

When Finn is having a bad day, Grandpa convinces him to go for a walk, still hidden beneath his quilt. As they wander, Grandpa talks about what can’t be seen. The reader sees Finn slowly emerge from under his quilt as the two explore their world. When Grandpas is ready to return, Finn wants to keep going.  Beneath appearances are experiences. Beneath actions are explanations. Beneath what’s different is what’s the same. This picture book has a strong message that what we see is not the only thing happening around us but is not too didactic.

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