Caldecott 2014: Early Predictions

The chill of fall is in the air and in library land that means that book award season is not far off.  In the children's department, we love to try to predict the award winners before they are announced. Despite our best efforts we are usually surprised by the winners.  Some books get a lot of buzz leading up to the awards while others are the quiet underdogs of the book world.  Already, there are books showing up on every one's must-read list as potential Caldecott (the award for illustration) winners. Here are a few of our favorite picture books we think the committee might be considering:

The Dark written by Lemony Snicket and illustrated by Jon Klassen. Klassen won the 2013 award for This is Not My Hat.  Winning again this year would mean he would become the second winner to win two years in a row. The husband and wife team, Leo and Diane Dillon are the only others, winning in 1976 and 1977.

If You Want to See a Whale written by Julie Fogliano and illustrated by Erin Stead. She won in 2011 so it's a long shot but the illustrations are as fabulous as ever. 

Mr. Tiger Goes Wild written and illustrated by Peter Brown. He won an honor award last year and he ups his game in with this one!

Moonday written and illustrated by Adam Rex.  The illustrations seem to glow and the book evokes that dreamy, half-asleep feeling.  It's just lovely.

Miss Maple's Seeds by Eliza Wheeler.  The delicate illustrations reflect the gentleness of this tale.  And check out the pretty end papers!

We'll be back with more Caldecott contenders to discuss.  But we want to know what you think.  Any predictions? Favorite picture books so far?  Leave us a comment!