Introducing the Dewey Divas and Dudes Top Picks of the Year: Rachel's Pick!

It's hard to believe it's that time of year again... Soon the malls will be filled with carols and garland and the holiday craziness will be upon us! That's why we thought it would be perfect timing to introduce to you top picks of the year from some of our trustworthy book professionals to bring you their top books of the year, and maybe help you with your holiday gift giving this season. Our first recommendations come from Rachel Seigel, Sales and Selection Strategist at EDU Reference Publishers Direct. Rachel also has a blog: http://readingtimbits.blogspot.com and contributes regularly to www.publishingcrawl.com.
Here are her top 5 picks of 2013:

1. Carnivores by Aaron Reynolds (Chronicle Books)

"A clever and wickedly funny picture book told from the point of view of a timber wolf, a great white shark and a lion, who lament that they are misunderstood and wrongly judged." 

2. Grafitti Knight by Karen Bass (Pajama Press)

"This book is a fast-paced page-turner and compelling historical fiction for tweens and teens. It contains just the right mix of adventure and suspense to keep readers interested, and is one of my favourite novels this year."

3. Pi in the Sky by Wendy Mass (Little Brown Books for Young Readers)

"Her characterizations are spot-on, and I love the combination of science, math and humour, and the sense of wonder she creates about learning.  A perfect middle-grade read."

4. This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith (Hachette)

"Think Notting Hill but with teens and in a book. It’s a book that just makes you smile when you read it." 

5. That's Not a Good Idea by Mo Willems (HarperCollins)

"Filled with humour and clever illustrations, this book is exactly what you’d expect from the creator of Pigeon and Elephant & Piggie."