Thoughts on the 2011 Caldecott and Newbery

Every January the American Library Association announces the winners of two of the biggest children's books awards: the Newbery and the Caldecott Medals. And we librarians like to spend the months leading up to January trying to predict the winners of these awards.   The Newbery Medal is awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The Caldecott Medal honors the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.

So, what are our predictions for the 2011 awards? Let's start with the Caldecott. 

There have been some fabulous picture books published this year. One of our favorites is City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willams, with illustrations by John Muth. The watercolor illustrations gorgeously depict the friendship between these two animals.  

Another is Eric Rohmann’s new Last Song (a picture book adaptation of James Guthrie’s old Scottish poem). It just draws you in right from the cover illustration!

We also loved The Boss Baby by two-time Caldecott Honor winner Marla Frazee. Could this book be the one that makes her a Caldecott Medal winner?  We'll see...

Then there's Chalk by Bill Thomson.  This wordless picture book is reminiscent of Jumanji. with its pages come to life theme.  The illustrations are so vivid it is in fact easy to believe they could jump off right out of the book.

But the book we predict will take the big prize is Art & Max by David Wiesner.  Yes, yes...we know Wiesner has already won the Caldecott three times before. But when we saw the illustrations for this book we just couldn't imagine anything topping it.  Art & Max takes us on a remarkable journey through the art world.  Come by the library and check the book out and let us know what you think. Can Wiesner pull off a FOURTH win?

And check back soon for our some of our Newbery predictions....