2013-2014 Show Me Award Nominees

Painter and Ugly written and illustrated by Robert Blake

Painter and Ugly, two sled dogs who are inseparable best friends, are put on different teams for the Junior Iditarod, but they manage to find their way back to one another for the big race.

Willow and the Snow Day Dance by Denise Brennann Nelson, illustrated by Cyd Moore

When Willow's family moves to a new home, she makes friends with all of the neighbors, even unsmiling Mr. Larch, through her letters inviting each to be as generous as she is.

Peanut Butter and Homework Sandwiches by Lisa Broadie Cook, illustrated by Jack E. Davis

When his teacher is out sick for a week, Martin MacGregor has a difficult time with the homework assigned by the substitute teacher.

The Day Dirk Yeller Came to Town by Mary Casanova, illustrated by Ard Hoyt

When outlaw Dirk Yeller arrives in town looking for something to take away his cat-scratch fever, young Sam, whose pa says he is "a world-a-trouble and curious as a tomcat," knows just what this dangerous and jittery criminal needs to calm him down.

Princess Kim and Too Much Truth written and illustrated by Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Young Kim discovers that there is a difference between being honest and always speaking the truth.

Charlie the Ranch Dog by Ree Drummond, illustrated by Diane deGroat

While Charlie, a sleepy basset hound, tells about the busy life of a ranch dog, his best friend Suzie, a Jack Russell terrier, is getting the work done.

Grandpa's Tractor written and illustrated by Michael Garland

Grandpa Joe brings his grandson, Timmy, back to the site of the family farm. The visit brings back many memories, which Grandpa Joe shares with Timmy. His fondest memory, however, is of his father's red tractor.

Three Hens and a Peacock by Lester Laminack, illustrated by Henry Cole

When life on the Tucker farm is disrupted by the arrival of a peacock, whose shrieking and strutting bring many welcome visitors, the hens complain that they are doing all of the work until the hound suggests a trade.

A Book for Black-Eyed Susan by Judy Young, illustrated by Doris Ettinger

While traveling along the Oregon Trail, ten-year-old Cora and her newborn baby sister suffer the loss of their mother and are separated, but Cora stitches a book to tell the dark-eyed baby of their journey and family.

A Pet for Miss Wright by Judy Young, illustrated by Andrea Wesson

A lonely writer searches for the perfect pet to keep her company in her solitary work.

Missouri Show Me Award Winners

2013 Missouri Show Me Award Winner:

The blue house dog by Deborah Blumenthal ; illustrated by Adam Gustavson

2012 - Nubs: the True Story of a Mutt, a Marine, & a Miracle by Brian Dennis

2011 - Two Bobbies, A True Story by Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery

2010 - Some dog! by Mary Casanova with pictures by Ard Hoyt

2009 - Hero cat by Eileen Spinelli; illustrated by Jo Ellen McAllister Stammen

2008 - Magnus at the fire by Jennifer Armstrong

2007 - Arrowhawk by Lola M. Schaefer; illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska

2006 - Bad boys by Margie Palatini; illustrated by Henry Cole

2005 - Epossumondas by Coleen Salley; illustrated by Janet Stevens

2004 - The frog principal by Stephanie Calmenson; illustrated by Denise Brunkus

2003 - Go home! : the true story of James the cat by Libby Phillips Meggs

2002 - Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester; illustrated by Lynn Munsinger

2001 - Raising dragons by Jerdine Nolen; illustrated by Elise Primavera

2000 – Verdi by Janell Cannon

1999 - Duke, the Dairy Delight dog by Lisa Campbell Ernst

1998 - Heart of a tiger by Marsha Diane Arnold with pictures by Jamichael Henterly

1997 - My rotten redheaded older brother by Patricia Polacco

1996 - Soap! Soap! don't forget the soap! : an Appalachian folktale retold by Tom Birdseye; illustrated by Andrew Glass

1995 - Sukey and the mermaid by Robert D. San Souci; illustrated by Brian Pinkney

For more information about the Show Me Readers Award, including past winners and nominees, visit the Missouri Association of School Librarians site.