Prairie Bud Nominees 2012-2013

Henkes, Kevin

The girl in this book grows chocolate rabbits, tomatoes as big as beach balls, flowers that change color, and seashells in her garden.

How does your garden grow?

Grade Level: PK-K
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Keller, Laurie

Birdy starts every day by smiling at herself in the mirror. She says you can smile while doing just about anything—brushing your teeth, taking out the garbage, or eating broccoli. Okay, maybe not while eating broccoli. Even people with bad teeth (like our first president, George Washington) should show their toothy grins because there's no such thing as a bad smile. So heed Birdy's advice and practice your smile—you'll need it while reading this book!

Grade Level: K-3
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Kerby, Johanna

Pink was the runt of the pig litter. He was so small that the Kerby family didn't think he would survive, so they brought him into the house where he met Tink, a new dachshund mom. When Tink saw Pink, she immediately adopted him into her family, and helped nurse him back to health. Pink thrived in his new family: the puppies didn't mind that Pink looked nothing like them—he was just their size.

This remarkable story has already garnered a great deal of media attention: the irresistible photographs documenting Pink and Tink's relationship have appeared on Good Morning America and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Readers of all ages will be captivated by these adorable animals and the amazing bond that they share.

Grade Level: PK-K
Publisher: Penguin Group

Lichtenheld, Tom

Bridget loves to draw, and she likes to wear a beret for inspiration. So when her beloved hat blows away, Bridget searches for it high and low. She files a Missing Beret Report. She even considers other hats, but none of them feel quite right. It's no use; without her beret, Bridget can't seem to draw. How will she overcome her artist's block?

Make sure to check out Bridget's notebook scribbles at the end of the book for her thoughts and facts on art!

Grade Level: PK-2
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

McElligott, Matthew

Just before midnight under a full moon, a young barber stays out past his bedtime to work with his monstrous clientele—because, after all, even monsters need haircuts.

Grade Level: K-2
Publisher: Walker and Company, a division of Bloomsbury