And the winner is...

The American Library Association announced the books that received their highest honors in Philadelphia at their Midwinter Conference on January 27, 2014.

The winner of the John Newbery Medal for outstanding writing in a children's book is Flora & Ulysses, written by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by K.G. Campbell. You can take a look at our Book Buzz review of Flora and Ulysses here.

The books receiving the Newbery Honor Medal are:
Doll Bones written by Holly Black (Our Book Buzz from back in July can be found here.)
The Year of Billy Miller written by Kevin Henkes
One Came Home written by Amy Timberlake
Paperboy written by Vince Vawter

The winner of the Randolph Caldecott Medal for outstanding illustrations in a children's book is Locomotive, written and illustrated by Brian Floca. Check out our previous discussion of Locomotive here.

The books receiving the Caldecott Honor Medal are:
Journey written and illustrated by Aaron Becker
Flora and the Flamingo illustrated by Molly Idle
Mr. Wuffles! written and illustrated by David Wiesner
(We mentioned a few of these honor books in our discussion of wordless picture books.) 

The winner of the Coretta Scott King Author Award for outstanding writing by an African American author is P.S. Be Eleven written by Rita Williams-Garcia.

The winner of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for illustrations by an African American is Knock Knock: My Dad's Dream for Me illustrated by Bryan Collier.

 

Be sure to stop by and read one or all of these great books in the next few months. And then let us know, what did YOU think of the winners?

 

It's Almost Here! Last Minute Thoughts on Caldecott 2014...

At 8 a.m. tomorrow, the winners of the 2014 ALA Youth Media Awards will be announced.  We will find out which books will win the prestigious Newbery (the award for the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children), the Printz (the award for the author of the most distinguished contribution to literature for Young Adults), and the Caldecott (the award for the illustrator of the most distinguished contribution to picture books). The Horn Book just published the results of their Mock Caldecott over on Calling Caldecott. We did our own Mock Caldecott vote with the third-graders of Sharp Elementary.  They picked Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown as their winner

while also making some very astute observations about Journey by Aaron Becker and Train by Elisha Cooper. We can't wait to see if their pick is the same as the real Caldecottand we won't have to wait very long! We'll be live tweeting the results at@CHPLibrary. Follow us on Twitter for the results as they are announced!

2014 Caldecott Contenders: The Year of the Train

The year of the train - that's what this year is shaping up to be.  We have several beautiful train books that the Caldecott Committee may take note of. 

First on the list is Train by Elisha Cooper.  The people Cooper draws are faceless, emphasizing the anonymity of travel, and the landscape looms large. From the train tracks intersecting on the endpapers, to the long, low, double page spread depicting a train chugging across the Great Plains, this book is a work of art.   

How to Train a Train written by Jason Carter Eaton and illustrated by Jon Rocco is another notable train book out this year.  Written as an owner's manual for trains, this book is all about the train humor and Rocco's illustration go along with that perfectly.  The trains are expressive, resembling more detailed versions of the trains from Thomas the Tank Engine.  Rocco is a master at using light and dark and it really shows in this book. 

Locomotive by Brian Floca is a book no train lover should miss.  Like Cooper's Train, this book emphasizes the bigness of trains.  But where Cooper shows trains stretching out against the landscape, Floca's locomotive is up close and in your face. The illustrations remind you why so many young children love trains, how large, powerful, and awe inspiring they are. And it's been a while since the Caldecott has gone to non-fiction!

Steam Train, Dream Train written by Sherry Duskey Rinker and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld is the final book on our list.  A train carrying an animal crew stops in the night to be loaded. The illustrations are muted and moonlit with a great use of shading. Kids who loved Goonight, Goodnight Construction Site will be clamoring for this new collaboration from the same creators. 

Peter Brown on making Mr. Tiger Goes Wild

Have you read Mr. Tiger Goes Wild? Whether it wins the Caldecott medal or not, (We think it has a pretty strong chance.) it is definitely one of the hot picture books out this year.  Check out this video of  author/illustrator Peter Brown explaining his process:


Author and Illustrator Peter Brown On His Process from School Library Journal on Vimeo.

More Caldecott 2014 Contenders

One of the criteria that the Caldecott Committee will consider in choosing a winner is: Delineation of plot, theme, characters, setting, mood or information through the pictures.  In other words, how well do the pictures tell the story.  Since wordless picture books rely on only the pictures to tell the story, they often stand out as potential Caldecott winners.  Here are a few that we think the Caldecott committee might take notice of.



Journey by Aaron Becker
Evoking the adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon, a young girl draws a door on her bedroom wall and escapes into an a world of wonder and imagination. The illustrations are spectacular as the girl travels from one fantastic setting to the next.  Each picture is full of small details that encourage you to linger over the page and even the end papers have detailed drawings of different modes of transportation.  It wouldn't be at all surprising is this book won the medal.

 



Bluebird by Bob Staake
This wordless picture book tackles some tough issues: bullying. loneliness, and the death of a beloved friend.  Staake's use of color is exceptional with the bright blue bird of the title standing out against the gray world. Tthe ending is a bit murky though. The committee might argue that the pictures don't tell the story clearly enough. 

Mr. Wuffles by David Wiesner
Not entirely wordless but pretty close so we'll include it. Wiesner is a three-time Caldecott winner. 'nuff said. 

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!

Early Predictions for the 2014 Caldecott and Newbery

Check out these very early award rumblings over at Fuse 8.  These make great books for your "to read" list.  New stuff from Peter Brown, Jon Klassen, and David Wiesner!? We can't wait!

The Winner Is...

Caldecott Winner:

This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

Honor Books:
Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Peter Brown
Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
One Cool Friend by Tonu Buzzeo, illustrated by David Small
Sleep Like a Tiger by Mary Logue, illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski

Newbery Winner:

 

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Honor Books:
Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz
Bomb by Steve Sheinkin
Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage

Check out the complete list of Youth Media Award Winners HERE.

Caldecott 2013: Thoughts and Predictions

For librarians, January is all about the awards -- not the Golden Globes or the Oscars, though. We are all excited for the Newberry and Caldecott Medals.  What will win? What will be an honor book? These are the questions on the minds of librarians throughout January. The 2013 awards will be announced at 8 a.m. PT on Jan. 28, from the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle. Here are some of our thoughts on the Caldecott while we wait...

I think Unspoken: A Story From the Underground Railroad by Henry Cole will get a nod from the committee. If it doesn't win, I'm betting it gets an honor. I love how the pen and ink illustration convey the tension in the story. -Alia

It Jes' Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to Draw by Don Tate, ill. R. Gregory Christie tells a uniquely American story. The folk-art illustraions are done in the style of Bill Traylor, tying it all together. -Melissa

 

Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger has such innovative cutouts and lush oil paint textures. There hasn't been a concept book among past winners. Maybe it's time for a change. -Meghan

I adore Boot & Shoe by Marla Frazee but I think it's a long shot as far as the awards are concerned. Still, I would love to see it get some recognition, mostly because I dream of living in that adorable little green house! Frazee has a way of making you feel like you could just walk right in to one of her scenes. -Alia

 

My three favorites are: A Home for Bird by Philip C . Stead, Mom, It’s My First Day of Kindergarten! by Hyewon Yum – I love the role reversal of the Mom and son on the first day of school – and Boot & Shoe by Marla Frazee – the emotion conveyed in the simple illustrations of the dogs is fantastic. – Kristin

 

My pick for the 2013 Caldecott winner is: Baby Bear Sees Blue by Ashley Wolff.  I love the vibrant colors and how each page leads into the next color. -Susan

Let us know what you think about this year's picture books. Join us for our 2013 Mock Caldecott. Everyone is invited to attend and vote on their favorite picture book. Tuesday, January 22 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Caldecott Infographic

Parents, kids, teachers, and librarians,
you are invited to attend our
2013 Mock Caldecott
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
7p.m. - 8 p.m.

 

 

New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Books winners 2012

The New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2012 have just been announced on twitter and and compiled and posted over at The Horn Book's Calling Caldecott.  The following books made the cut:

Bear Despair written and illustrated by Gaëtan Dorémus
The Beetle Book written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins
House Held Up by Trees written by Ted Kooser; illustrated by Jon Klassen
The Hueys in the New Sweater written and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
Infinity and Me written by Kate Hosford; illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska
Little Bird written by Germano Zullo; illustrated by Albertine
One Times Square: A Century of Change at the Crossroads of the World written and illustrated by Joe McKendry
Red Knit Cap Girl written and illustrated by Naoko Stoop
Stephen and the Beetle written by Jorge Luján; illustrated by Chiara Carrer
Unspoken: A Story from the Underground Railroad written and illustrated by Henry Cole

Another Staff Fave Discussed at Calling Caldecott

Calling Caldecott discusses Little Dog Lost by the Free Library of Philadelpia's very own Monica Carnesi.  We really enjoyed this book's illustrations.  They are deceptively simple and yet they do a wonderful job of telling the story.  Do you think this book could be this year's big medal winner?  We hope it takes home an honor at the very least!

Cool Links!

Slate's interview with R.J. Palacio, author of one of the most notable children's books of the year, Wonder.

Full Episodes of Mister Roger's Neighborhood are available online at PBS Kids. Watch the crayon segment in the "how things are made section" or take a virtual field trip!

The National Book Foundation announced the finalists for the 2012 National Book Award in Young People’s Literature.

Over at the Huffington Post there's a slide show of foods from children's books. Lot's of great party ideas here. 

Happy Clicking!

Calling Caldecott Discusses Green

Green by Lauren Vaccaro Seeger is one of the staff favorites. Come check it out if you haven’t. Don’t you just want to touch the paint? But is it a Caldecott contender? See what the experts at Calling Caldecott think.

Whoo Hooo!

Caldecott discussion has started up again over at Calling Caldecott. Can't wait to talk about Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, Little Dog Lost: The True Story of a Brave Dog Named Baltic by Mônica Carnesi, and Penny and her Song by Kevin Henkes. Yay!

And the Winners Are...

This morning, the "real" Caldecott awards were announced along with the Newbery winners and the other 2012 ALSC book and media award winners.

Caldecott Medal

"A Ball for Daisy" illustrated and written by Chris Raschka, published by Schwartz & Wade Books, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, a division of Random House, Inc.

Caldecott Honor Books

"Blackout" illustrated and written by John Rocco, published by Disney/Hyperion Books, an imprint of Disney Book Group

"Grandpa Green" illustrated and written by Lane Smith, published by Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing

"Me...Jane" illustrated and written by Patrick McDonnell, published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

Newbery Medal

"Dead End in Norvelt," written by Jack Gantos, published by Farrar Straus Giroux

Newbery Honor Books

"Inside Out & Back Again" written by Thanhha Lai, published by HarperCollins Children's Books, a division of HarperCollins Publishers

"Breaking Stalin's Nose" written by Eugene Yelchin, published by Henry Holt and Company, LLC

You can check out the entire list on ALSC's website.

And I am very proud of the Caldecott Kids who also picked "Blackout" as their Honor Book! We didn't get a chance to look at "A Ball for Daisy" because it was checked out from the library. Everyone did a great job and we had a good discussion!

Caldecott Kids Pick A Winner!

The votes are in and the winner of the Caldecott Kids mock Caldecott award is....

Where's Walrus written and illustrated by Stephen Savage

The honor books are:

Blackout written and illustrated by John Rocco

Blue Chicken written and illustrated by Deborah Freedman

Thanks to the 1st-5th graders who participated in our program!  Take a look back here on Monday when we'll post the winners of the actual Caldecott award and see if our committee "got it right!"

New National Ambassador for Young People's Literature!

Did you know that there is a National Ambassador for Young People's Literature? Well there is and Walter Dean Myers has become the third children's author to step up to the job.  Myers, will formally accept the position in a ceremony at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. on January 10. He succeeds Katherine Paterson, who has served since 2010.  Learn more over at Publisher's Weekly!

NYT 10 Best Illustrated Children’s Books for 2011

The New York Times Book Review has announced its list of the 10 Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2011. The list has been released early and the artwork from the winning books will be shown in the Children’s Book section of the Book Review’s Nov. 13 issue. You can check out the list of winners here.

We particularly enjoyed I Want my Hat Back by Jon Klassen and Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell.  Feel free to share your thoughts on the list with us.

Hugo Movie Trailer

Check out the trailer for Hugo, the film version of Brian Selznick's Caldecott winner, The Invention of Hugo Cabret. How well do you think it captures the images from the book?