Books with author CynthiaRylant

In Appalachia each Christmas, a boy named Frankie waits beside the tracks for the Christmas Train, which will bring presents to the children who live in coal towns and hollows. Year after year, Frankie hopes that one particular gift a very special gift will be tossed to him from that train. It is this enduring hope that will guide him to the true meaning of the season. Full color.

In “luminous moments told in lovely language,” the poems of the Newbery Medal–winning author of Boris bring a rural woman to vivid life (School Library Journal). Cynthia Rylant returns to her home state of West Virginia with this powerful and evocative collection of poems. In a heartbreaking narrative that flows like a novel, we follow Ludie from childhood to falling in love and getting married, through the birth of her own children, and on into old age. This is the story of one woman’s experiences in a hardscrabble coal-mining town, a story that brims with universal themes about life, love, and family—and all of the joy, laughter, heartache, and loss that accompany them. Would she tell you that six childrenwere too many,that some disappointed,others surprised,but that, all in all,sixwere too manyand onewould have been just fine?Would she tell you that she marriedthat boy at fifteennot only because he was tall and kindbut also becauseshe needed a way out? “A brilliant contribution to the growing collection of Appalachian literature that tells the story as honestly and purely as life in the mountains has always been and always will be.” —Teenreads “A collection of Zen-like moments of self-discovery and serenity . . . A powerful read for young and old alike.” —Kirkus Reviews

Newbery Medal winner Cynthia Rylant's poetic text, alongside Nikki McClure's stunning, meticulously crafted cut-paper art, makes this picture book not only timeless but appealing to all ages, from one to one hundred. An inspiring picture book from dream team - Newbery medal winner Cynthia Rylant and Abrams illustrator and stationery impresario Nikki McClure. "A day is a perfect piece of time" begins this lovely text, which goes to illuminate all the things a day offers - the opportunities and the chances that won't ever come again as well as a gentle message of good stewardship of our planet.

“It’s a grand experience, this set of poems, this rumination on the cat and the human condition” (School Library Journal). Boris is a big gray cat who loves sleeping and playing and exploring and hunting. And his owner loves him for all of his simple cat ways. But Boris, typical as he may be, is part of a much larger story in this moving exploration of love, longing, compassion, and most of all, the continuous give-and-take of companionship. Newbery Medal recipient Cynthia Rylant’s powerful collection of poems is sure to find its place in the hearts of readers of all ages, especially those who have been lucky enough to experience the many joys and hardships that come with true friendship. “Makes a great introduction for readers not comfortable with poetry. The poems tell an accessible, compelling story . . . Warm and tender.” —The Horn Book “With characteristic sensitivity, Rylant addresses one of her cats in a set of conversational free-verse poems—recalling the day she brought him and his sister home from the humane shelter, warning him about predatory eagles, congratulating him on bonding rather than battling with a new neighbor’s cat and on surviving a solitary jaunt into the surrounding woods.” —Kirkus Reviews “This can be appreciated for the sway of the writing or for its celebration of cats.” —Booklist

At the Van Gogh Cafe, "anything" can happen. Clara's dad owns the cafe, and she's seen it all--from food that cooks by itself to poems that foretell the future. This award-winning collection of vignettes by Newbery medalist Cynthia Rylant is a treat to be relished. So bring your appetite for the unexpected, because at the Van Gogh Cafe, your order of tea and toast comes with a side of magic!