One of our students favorite library traditions is participating in the Chickadee Award: The Maine Children’s Choice Picture Book Project.  Each year a committee of librarians and teachers from across the state select 10 of the best newly published children’s books (the nominees).  We read each of the 10 nominees aloud in the library and the students vote for their favorite book.  The appearance of  the voting booth in March is almost more exciting than the announcement of the winner.  Our school votes are added to votes from all over the state (20,000+ last year) and the winner is announced in early April.  We will begin reading this years books in October – voting will be in March!

This years winner was also our school favorite – Land Shark by Beth Ferry.  In this story, Ben really, really wants a shark for a pet for his birthday.  He leaves lots of hints for his parents, but he doesn’t exactly get what he is hoping for.  Can a shark-lover be converted to a dog-lover?