A great way to end the year –

THE FLOATING ISLANDS made the Kirkus list for best children's books in 2011!

So naturally I clicked over to the list and counted. Looks like they selected 66 books, all the way from little-kid's-picture-books to YAs like ISLANDS.

The Kirkus editor, Vicky Smith, says: "Here you will find books that will thrill, tickle, stimulate, soothe and enlighten kids from the very youngest to early teens. There are heartfelt explorations of the natural world and loving celebrations of the closeness of family, ruminative picture books and adventures to get the blood pounding. And three, count them, three novels featuring talking mice."

Talking mice actually sound pretty neat, but what I can't help pointing out is that, what with all those picture books, there must have been plenty of competition for the few YA slots. Quite an honor to have ISLANDS make the list!

And! ISLANDS is listed under no fewer than four categories:

Fantasy and Science Fiction

Novels with Great Boy Characters

Novels with Great Girl Characters

Adrenalin Rushes

How about that?