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Christopher Helton

@achrishelton.bsky.social
709 followers 409 following 53 posts

Books mostly. Social media: @cybilsawards.bsky.social pluckedfromthestacks.wordpress.com

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Reposted by Christopher Helton
Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Have you been to your local library lately? 🧐
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
After a lot of consideration, the Board of the CYBILS Awards has decided to retire the award for good. However, that doesn't mean we're finished celebrating books for children and teens.
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David Barnett @davidmbarnett.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Happy There Will Come Soft Rains Day to all who celebrate!
An open copy of Ray Bradbury's The Silver Locusts/Martian Chronicles, on the page with the story There Will Come Soft RainsHighlighted text from Ray Bradbury's short story There Will Come Soft Rains, dating the story as happening on August 4, 2026.A battered copy of Ray Bradbury's short story collection The Silver Locusts, aka The Martian Chronicles.
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Gather 'round! It's time for the April edition of the Cybils Scribbles. This edition includes: 📚 Celebrating National Poetry Month 📚 A specially curated book list for Earth Day 📚 Wishbone is back (in a documentary) 📚 Other bookish news, recommendations, & more!
Text in the middle of the image that reads, "Cybils Scribbles April Edition: National Poetry Month, Earth Day Book List, News & More!" It's surrounded by a collection of book covers that are only half-visible.
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
Some books are funny; Some books are not. These books have poems; You’ll like them a lot. April is National Poetry Month, and what better way to celebrate than with a good book? We’ve got you covered with some recommendations that’ll make this month a poetic celebration.
Ten books in a grid with the words, "Find your next read for National Poetry Month" in blocks.
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
Our friend @imtanner.bsky.social recently reviewed Some of Us Are Brave by Saadia Faruqi, a story told from the perspective of three kids who are forced to come together in Houston during Hurricane Harvey.
The book Some of Us Are Brave by Saadia Faruqi on top of what appears to be water.An excerpt from a book review  published by The Book Search that reads, "I thought this was a terrific story, and I think kids are going to love it."
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Christopher Helton @achrishelton.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
Calling all kidlit lovers! What are some picture books illustrated with collage/paper art that have been published in the past ~2 years?
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
We’d like to wish our school librarian friends a very happy National School Librarian Day. We could not be more grateful for all the work you do. May your checkouts be bountiful, and may your book cart's wheels never squeak.
Abstract squiggly lines with text that reads, "National School Librarian Day".
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
With the Artemis II mission in the news, young readers are full of questions about space exploration, the moon, and beyond. We’ve got you covered with seven books that’ll have them (or at least their imaginations) blasting off into space.
Seven books floating around in space with text in the bottom left corner that reads, "Books to rocket into space".
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
From our bookshelf to yours, happy International Children's Book Day! We hope you'll grab a book and celebrate with us.
A multicolor background with abstract shapes. Centered is some text that read, "Happy International Children's Book Day" and "Plant stories and the world will bloom!"
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Christopher Helton @achrishelton.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Come read about books!
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
March is rapidly coming to a close. But look! It's brought the latest edition of the Cybils Scribbles with it on the way out. This edition includes: 📚 A book list for Women’s History Month 📚 S-s-snakesational book recommendations 📚 An American Girl book … for adults?! 📚 Other bookish news & more!
Text in the middle of the image that reads, "Cybils Scribbles March Edition: Women's History Month List, Snakesational List, News & More!" It's surrounded by a collection of book covers that are only half-visible.
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Debbie Tanner @imtanner.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Need some awesome new realistic middle grade fiction? Check out two of my new favorites! Reviews here: www.blogger.com/blog/post/ed... @jamiesumners.bsky.social @netgalley.bsky.social @cybilsawards.bsky.social
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Christopher Helton @achrishelton.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Grabbed a copy of Ulysses from the library, and the pages in the front are a heck of a lot looser than the ones in the back.
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Team member @imtanner.bsky.social recently reviewed The Lions' Run, a historical middle grade novel of courage and resistance, by @sarapennypacker.bsky.social. Find the full review over on her blog, The Book Search: imtanner.blogspot.com/2026/01/midd...
A book cover for The Lions' Run by Sara Pennypacker surrounded by copies of the same book cover.A book review from The Book Search that reads, "I love this book ... I think kids are going to love it too." It's surrounded by copies of The Lions' Run by Sara Pennypacker.
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Jerrold Connors @jerroldconnors.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Award week seems (to me) to be a very tidy wrapping up of last year's work. I'm pleased and very grateful that the final bow on JIM! comes with this incredible quote: "...a blueprint for all future picture book biographies." Thank you, @cybilsawards.bsky.social and @achrishelton.bsky.social! 🦊⭐⭐⭐
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
A good book is always necessary, and that’s especially true in tough times. For the latest edition of the Cybils Scribbles, we have you covered with plenty of recommendations.
Centered text that reads, "Cybils Scribbles: January Edition: Mental Health Book List, Lunar New Year Book List, Horror Book List". The text is surrounded by several book covers.
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Christopher Helton @achrishelton.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
LOVED this book.
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
Team member @achrishelton.bsky.social recently checked out JIM! Six True Stories About One Great Artist: James Marshall by @jerroldconnors.bsky.social. Find his full review over at pluckedfromthestacks.wordpress.com/2026/01/27/j...
The book JIM! Six True Stories About One Great Artist: James Marshall by Jerrold Connors on a black background with copies of the same book surrounding it.Text that reads: "... a blueprint for all future picture book biographies." Underneath the text, three stars in a line. Under the stars, text that reads, "Plucked from the Stacks".
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benjbrantley.bsky.social @benjbrantley.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
I remember Stoppard, for the New York Times. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/29/t...
nytimes.com
The Language of Tom Stoppard, Ablaze With Energy and Urgency
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
We’re thankful for books, the amazing people who create them, and the readers who love them. #kidlitchat
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
Cybils team member @roesolo.bsky.social recently reviewed a powerful picture book from @highwaterpress.bsky.social, Miya Wears Orange by Wanda John-Kehewin and illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina. Find the full review on her blog: momreadit.com
A book cover, slightly tilted, in the center of the image with eight copies of the book surrounding it. The book is Miya Wears Orange by Wanda John-Kehewin and illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina.Some text, slightly tilted, in the center of the image that reads, "... Miya Wears Orange belongs in library collections everywhere." There are four orange dots under the text followed by the blog name "Mom Read It". Eight copies of Miya Wears Orange by Wanda John-Kehewin and illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina surround it.
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
November is in full swing, so it's time for the latest Cybils Scribbles. In this edition: 📚 Celebrating National Native American Heritage Month 📚 A social justice book list for Nonfiction November 📚 News about a new film adaptation of a children’s book classic 📚 And more!
A block of text that reads: "Cybils Scribbles November Edition: Native Heritage Book List, Social Justice Book List, News & More!" 

Eight books surround the text, each with a white border. The books are: Bud Finds Her Gift by Robin Wall Kimmerer & illustrated by Naoko Stoop, Faye and the Dangerous Journey by Kim Sigafus, Fierce Aunties by Laurel Goodluck & illustrated by Steph Littlebird, Legendary Frybread Drive-In edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith, Moon Song by Michaela Goade, Of the Sun by Xelena González & illustrated by Emily Kewageshig, Our Ancestors' Kitchen by Willie Poll & illustrated by Shaikara David, and Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley.
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
It's October, and our team is on the hunt for books that go bump in the night. Fortunately, @anndavilacardinal.bsky.social's newest YA horror novel, You've Awoken Her, more than delivers. Check out this glowing review from @roesolo.bsky.social: momreadit.com/2025/07/25/c...
The book You've Awoken Her by Ann Dávila Cardinal laying on torn paper and a smoky purple background.A torn piece of paper on top of a purple hazy background. Written on the paper are the words: "DON'T MISS THIS BOOK - IT'S A GOOD ONE". Then there's a separator line followed by more writing that says: "MOM READ IT".
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
We don’t have a uniform, but… 👀
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blandrew [they/them] @acuthberto.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
If I can share one of my favourite Patricia Routledge moments, it's her singing Noel Coward's "I Went to a Marvellous Party." In her 90s just smashing it. An icon. I love her.
youtube.com
(Official) Dame Patricia Routledge - "I Went to a Marvellous Party" by Noël Coward
YouTube video by Noël Coward
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
It's one of our favorite days of the month. If you haven't yet, scroll through #kidlitartpostcard and be in awe of the amazing skill (and future books?) on display.
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
On this Random Acts of Poetry Day, here's a little poem for your feed.
A white box with a poem in the top left corner that read, "Roses are red Violets are blue, We read good books And share them with you."

The bottom left corner reads, "www.cybils.com". The bottom right corner is a logo for the Cybils Awards.
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
September is coming to an end, so it's time for the latest Cybils Scribbles over on our Substack. In this edition: 📚 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 📚 A World Beach Day book list 📚 A look at how the Cybils is different this year 📚 & more! Check it out: cybilsawards.substack.com/p/september-...
A block of text that reads: "Cybils Scribbles September Roundup: Latine Books List, Beach Day Book List, News & More!" 

Eight books surround the text, each with a white border. The books are A Sea of Lemon Trees, An Encantadora's Guide to Monstros and Magic, Dreaming of a Quinceañera, Marisol Acts the Part, A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation, Lost on Doll Island; Bold, Brilliant, and Latine; and The Golden Boy's Guide to Bipolar.
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Abraham Schroeder 🎩🦇 @thegentlemanbat.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
I made two pop-up cards copying mechanisms from Jan Pienkowski’s very cool Haunted House book, one not pictured, but here’s my spider. We also recommend this gross and silly Monster’s Lunchbox, with touch-and-feel details. #popupcard #kidlit #picturebook #bats
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Sandra Nickel 📚 @senickel.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
It's here! Making Light Bloom, with words by me & illustrations by Julie Paschkis is here! It tells the story of the hidden genius behind the Tiffany lamps & has received 3 starred reviews. To learn more, go to sandranickel.com/books/making... #STEAM #kidlit #tiffanylamps #picturebooks #nonfiction
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Lisa Ko @iamlisako.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
The AI book list and general enshittification reminded me that I've been credited as blurbing hundreds of books I never have, including books by Patti Smith, Amy Tan, Sidney Sheldon, Joyce Maynard, and Elmore Leonard? And I can't get these fake blurbs taken off publisher and bookstore websites?
Blurbs attributed to "Lisa Ko, author of the leavers" for Elmore Leonard, Sidney Sheldon, Joyce maynard, Peter Maas, Amy Tan, and Patti Smith
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Jerrold Connors @jerroldconnors.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Did I mention the prizes include a signed copy of James Marshall's Hansel and Gretel that features an ORIGINAL James Marshall sketch? 👀👀👀 Come to the party! Sign up here!! us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
a copy of James Marshall's picture book Hansel and Gretel sits on a wooden deskAn ink sketch of a cartoon witch on red paper. The drawing is signed "James Marshall".
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Jerrold Connors @jerroldconnors.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
What's that? You're running out of ways to transport your favorite James Marshall picture books? May I suggest this vintage Viola Swamp tote bag? 🖤🖤 Come to my Zoom party for a chance to win this rare bit of picture book merch! Register below 👇 us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
A split image. The left side is of a tall man browsing books in a bookstore. He stands in the middle of a long corridor bordered by shelves full of books. Over his shoulder is a tote back decorated with a cartoon illustration. The right side is a closeup of that illustration. It's of a severe looking woman with her hair parted in the middle and set into two side buns. Text on the illustration reads: VIOLA SWAMP IS WATCHING YOU AND DON'T YOU FORGET IT!
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soul nate @mnateshyamalan.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
wife: how was guarding the two paths today, honey? guard: [looking away] fine wife: did something happen? guard: [tearing up] no wife: would the other guard tell me something happened?
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casey (RAGS IS FUCKING BACK flop queen) @clberner.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
so sad to hear that charles strouse has passed. lots of tributes will talk about annie and bye bye birdie, but i’d be remiss not to thank this man one more time for writing RAGS, an absolute gem of a score and show youtu.be/o4Y8mpIq-_Q?...
youtu.be
RAGS Teresa Stratas "Children of the Wind"
YouTube video by aurora spiderwoman
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School Library Journal @slj.com · 01/05/2025
Teen librarian Karen Jensen shares an outline for a tween and teen program that teaches tech skills and encourages participants to create their own recipe cards for posterity.
teenlibrariantoolbox.com
MakerSpace: Preserving Family Recipes in the Library
Teen librarian Karen Jensen shares an outline for a tween and teen program that teaches tech skills and encourages participants to create their own recipe cards for posterity
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Paperback Paradise @paperbackparadise.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
the only way out is to read
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Children's Bookshelf @pwkidsbookshelf.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
Children’s author Mac Barnett wants the U.S. to appreciate picture books | SF Chronicle
buff.ly
Children’s author Mac Barnett wants the U.S. to appreciate picture books
Recently named the new National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, acclaimed Oakland writer shares why he believes picture books deserve more respect.
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Christopher Helton @achrishelton.bsky.social · 15/02/2025
Massive congratulations to all the winners, finalists, and nominees. There were so many amazing books this year. The judges were truly spoiled for choice, and it’s a testament to the high level of talent and skill found in children’s and YA publishing today.
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
Happy #BookLove day ! It's time to present the 2024 CYBILS Awards winners! #cybils2024 📚👍🏼 Read why the judges chose these books here: www.cybils.com/2025/... #booksky
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Christopher Helton @achrishelton.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
Hard to believe it’s that time again, but the Cybils Awards winners will be announced tomorrow. The judges have been hard at work, and we can’t wait to celebrate some amazing books with you all.
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
The countdown is ON. The winners of the 2024 CYBILS Awards will be announced on Friday, 14 February at 9:00 AM PT|12 noon ET Website first. Then social media. #CYBILS2024 #BookLove #KidLit #MGLit #YALit #bookstagram #booksky
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John Schu @mrschureads.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
Mac Barnett Named New National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature newsroom.loc.gov/news/mac-bar...
newsroom.loc.gov
Mac Barnett Named New National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature
Mac Barnett Named New National Ambassador for Young People’s LiteratureAmbassadorship Will Celebrate the Power of the Picture Book Art FormProposals Now Accepted for National Ambassador Tour...
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I. M. Eerie @imeerie.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
OPEN WIDE is now listed on the Simon & Schuster website and is available for preorder at most retailers! Of course, everyone should preorder two copies—one for you and one for your dentist 😏. www.simonandschuster.com/books/Open-W...
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Christopher Helton @achrishelton.bsky.social · 31/12/2024
The judges have been working so hard this year, and we can’t wait to share these amazing books with you all.
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Cybils Awards @cybilsawards.bsky.social · 31/12/2024
We'll forgive you if you break out in song. Heck, we're having a hard time not singing, too! The finalists for the 2024 CYBILS Awards will be announced tomorrow. 9:am PT |12:pm ET. If we're not already in your blog reader, right now would be a good time to fix that! #CYBILS2024 #NewYearsDay
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