ON TO THE CALDECOTTS!

The Caldecott Medal for books published in 2021 will be awarded tomorrow! The award is presented to the illustrator of what is almost always a picture book. (The Invention of Hugo Cabret - written and illustrated by Brian Selznick - and its 526 pages won the 2008 medal, thus completely disrupting shelves full of Caldecott award winning books in libraries across the nation.) No one knows what the committee will select this year but here are some books that are being discussed. I am listing books that I have read and think might have a shot. A reminder that the award is for illustrations. They should carry the story.

Amos McGee Misses the Bus by the Steads. I love Amos and I love the Steads. The first Amos won the Caldecott so I don't have high hopes for this one winning also but it is delightful! Be sure to check it out.

The 1619 Project Born on the Water illustrated by Nikkolas Smith. This is an extremely important book about the history of slavery. It starts with a young girl being assigned the dreaded family heritage assignment. Fortunately she has a grandmother who can share the story with her. This memorable book will make you think.

Bright Star written and illustrated by Yuyi Morales.  A stunning book that addresses making your way through difficult circumstances with reassurance and courage. Yuyi's illustrations are magnificent.

Dream Street illustrated by Ekua Holmes. This is a beautiful story of encouragement and dreams fulfilled. It is also the story of the street where Ekua and the author, Tricia Elam Walker, (who just happens to be her cousin)  were raised.

Everybody in the Red Brick Building illustrated by Oge Mora. This is a clever book about going to sleep and then being awakened in the middle of the night and then going back to sleep. I love Oge Mora's illustrations.

Hurricane by John Rocco.  This is the story of a community coming together after a disaster to rebuild. It's perfect for so many reasons and while the text is great, the illustrations tell the story.

Inside Cat by Brendan Wenzel. A cat lives inside a church and we get to see all the views the cat has from different perspectives and different windows but at the end - there's a surprise! Just a great book about perspective.

It Fell From The Sky by The Fan Brothers. Speaking of perspective, a marble falls from the sky and lands in the middle of a garden. What do the critters living in the garden make of this amazing gift? I love the Fan Brothers! Their illustrations are simply amazing. 

Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor. Speaking of things that fall from the sky, this book is about a young bird learning to fly who falls and falls and falls from the nest. This is a fun book that you get to turn in different directions as you watch Mel fall plus you learn about birds!

Milo Imagines the World illustrated by Christian Robinson. There aren't a lot of books for kids who have an incarcerated parent. This is one of them. It's an important and memorable book. Christian is an amazing illustrator. 

Off-Limits by Helen Yoon. This is an adorable and fun book!  Especially if you work from home.I guarantee it will make you laugh.

The Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen. What can I say? It's Jon Klassen. Talking about a rock falling from the sky, anticipation, near misses and snakes with berets.

Soul Food Sunday illustrated by C.G. Esoeranza. A celebration of family and cooking with grandmas.

Time is a Flower by Julie Morstad. An exploration of time with delightful illustrations - be sure to look at the spider web! I thought the cover was kind of retro 60s.

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre illustrated by the late, great Floyd Cooper. I grew up in Texas. Tulsa is not far away - yet I had never heard of this horrific event. Be sure to read Floyd Cooper's note at the end that explains his grandfather grew up in Greenwood and was there during the Massacre. He shared with Floyd the events that unfolded that night.

¡Vamos! Let's Cross the Bridge illustrated by Raúl the Third. Raúl the Third deserves a Caldecott and maybe this book (or Strollercoaster) will net him one. This is the third ¡Vamos! book but this one addresses crossing the bridge from a Spanish speaking country to an English speaking country to attend a celebration. But there is so much traffic! Get mad or celebrate - the choice is yours! 

Watercress illustrated by Jason Chin. This is another beautiful and powerful book about learning to live in a new country.  This is a story inspired by the author's childhood with parents that moved to America from China. Driving down the road, her parents see watercress growing in a ditch by the road. They stop the car and the whole family gets out to harvest the free food. The girl is embarrassed. What if someone from school sees them? She won't eat the delicious meal her mother cooks until her parents take the time to explain the history of their own childhood in China and why eating found food is important to them. Movingly told and beautifully illustrated.

Wishes illustrated by Victo Ngai. This is another book about fleeing one country with the hopes of finding safe refuge in another. In this case the family was leaving VietNam. This book with its amazing illustrations will resonate with the millions who are currently in some portion of their own journey to find a safer home.

                            

So many great books this year! 

Which reminds me - I thought of a few more that might get some Newbery love tomorrow. 

   

Anne Ursu is an excellent author and the girls from Dragomir Academy will find a place in your heart. Pony is an intriguing story from Palacio that defies classification. It's historical. It's an animal story. It's a mystery. And a ghost story. And a bit of a Western. Think True Grit for upper tweens but with ghosts... And last but definitely not least, I think it is a very long shot but I would love for the late great Gary Paulsen to get some love. Gary has helped so many kids fall in love with reading -- which has absolutely nothing to do with winning the Newbery. But he also knows how to tell a good story. And the narrative has everything to do with the Newbery. These are the last three that he published. Woods is a memoir of sorts. A story of hope and encouragement; shock and survival; and library love. How to Train Your Dad is pure silliness; if you want a good laugh - read it. It reminds me a lot of my favorite Paulsen book, Harris and Me. Northwind was published in 2022. It is a survival story in true Paulsen fashion. But it is set at sea. After a plague. Great stuff! So if Gary doesn't win this year, there's always next year!