And the finalists are…

3-D ABC: A Sculptural Alphabet written by Bob Raczka Milbrook Press
This art exhibit in a book begins with “A is for Arrow” and ends with “Z is for Zigzags.” In between a and z, readers are treated to a visual feast, with the different types of sculpture and the materials they use both indoors and out clearly explained.

Aliens Are Coming! written and illustrated by Meghan McCarthy Knopf
McCarthy’s funny illustrations— of wide-eyed cartoonish people in a panic, drooling aliens on city streets, and long-legged Martian vehicles taking over the country—are among the many highlights of the book subtitled The True Account Of The 1938 War Of The Worlds Radio Broadcast.

An Egg Is Quiet written by Dianna Aston; illustrated by Sylvia Long Chronicle Books
This uncommonly elegant title explores eggs in their many shapes, sizes, colors, textures, and other qualities. With layered, wonder-filled text and gorgeous ink-and-watercolor art, it’s earned a standing ova-tion.

An Island Grows written by Lola M. Schaefer; illustrated by Cathie Felstead Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins
Simple rhymed couplets and colorful collage illustrations tell of an island’s formation, from the initial undersea volcanic eruption to the arrival of flora, fauna, people and culture. A graceful, engaging lesson in basic geology for young children.

Little Lost Bat written by Sandra Markle; illustrated by Alan Marks Charlesbridge
Markle describes the early life of the Mexican free-tailed bat. Her research is reflected in the storyline which also has an emotional tug to pull the child into the book. Marks evokes the darkness of the cave and evening sky and tenderly depicts the faces of mother and child.

Thanks once again to Anastasia, Susan, Camille, and Deb for their nominations-committee efforts, right down to authoring the summaries above.

To see the shortlists for the other categories, please visit the Cybils site. If you have a nomination for the 2007 Cybils, please send those to…

I’m kidding. Really. Just enjoy the 2006 lists. Please. And Happy New Year!