Every year in January, specially selected groups of librarians pick the official Caldecott and Newbery awards. These awards help to identify the cream of the crop in American children's literature. You've probably seen the shiny medals on books you've read over the years.
Here at CPL, we like to take time to discuss the best books of the year and pick our award winners in the CPL Mock Caldecott and Newbery. Here's what a group of library staff picked this year!
Caldecott Award
The Caldecott Award celebrates the illustrations in a book, usually a picture book.
The mock winner is: Drawn Onward. The illustrations carry the story in this book that has very few words. Our main character goes on a quest, driven by grief, to find out more about his mother. He heads into the forest, a rich place with many beings and many obstacles, which readers can explore through detailed graphic panels.
The mock honor goes to: My Daddy Is A Cowboy. Take an urban horseback ride! Rise in the dark with this Panamanian American girl as she enjoys a day riding with her daddy. The bright colors and detailed images will make you feel like you're a cowboy, too!
Newbery Award
The Newbery Award celebrates the writing in a book, usually a chapter book.
The mock winner is: My Antarctica. Greg Neri always wanted to be a scientist or explorer, but that's not the way things worked out. Until he gets invited to go to Antarctica! He tells the story of his invitation and adventures in Antarctica, complete with sketches and photographs.
There were two honor books selected this year:
Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All: Can socks inspire quests and friendship? Yes, if you're Magnolia Wu, who spends her days at her Chinese immigrant parents' laundromat. When her new friend Iris sees her sock collection, she finds a way to turn old lost socks into fun times meeting new neighbors and friends in NYC.
Not Nothing: Nothing is going Alex's way this summer. He's stuck living with his aunt and uncle who don't want him, plus he's doing required community service at a senior living facility. It's only when 107-year-old Joseph starts sharing his story with Alex that he finds new connections and new friends.
What books do you think will win the awards this year?
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