A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

THIS year’s Favorite Books issue has a retrospective feel. Inside, you’ll find pieces on the pioneering comics artist Winsor McCay and children’s author Beverly Cleary, as well as a reflection on rereading and a look at the lingering influence of the chapbook.

At the heart of all this are the lists of our favorite books of the year: 25 works of fiction and poetry and 25 of nonfiction, culled from our reviews in 2007. If you’re interested in how we made our selections, please visit our blog Jacket Copy (latimesblogs .latimes.com/jacketcopy/) for a description of our process.

Our online columnists -- Sonja Bolle, Ed Park, Richard Rayner and Sarah Weinman -- also weigh in on their favorite books: children’s, science fiction, paperbacks and mysteries. And we showcase an array of art books and other specialty items for the book lover in everyone.

-- David L. Ulin