Mock Caldecott 2026 discussion

What did you think of these?

Before Morning by Joyce Sidman Illustrated by Beth Krommes.

Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe.

The year is coming to a close, have we missed your Caldecott pick of the year? Lets get a last minute list of those final must-read books.

Love the woodcuts in Before Morning!

Before Morning is beautiful, it actually made me look forward to snow! I'm not sure it is more distinguished then "The House in the Night" so don't see the committee giving her another award. I haven't seen Radiant Child yet.

I LOVE "Some Writer" by Melissa Sweet and would love to see this get an award though I'm not sure it stands alone in it's illustrations.

Some Writer is unique...I hope there it wins some worthy award!

Kristen wrote: "What did you think of these?

Before Morning by Joyce Sidman Illustrated by Beth Krommes.

[bookcover:Radiant Chi..."
The cover art for Before Morning is breathtaking. The woodcuttings throughout are beautiful. I think the Caldecott judges will definitely consider it.

Radiant Child has a folk art, very hands on feel to it. The colors are deep, strong and powerful. It is one of the most original and creative books of the year.

I look forward to reading the responses from this group. The wonderful book suggestions are hard on my bank account!
My favorite one so far, for Caldecott, is "The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles".."

I also love "They All Saw the Cat", "Flora and the Peacock", "The Typewriter", "Maybe Something Beautiful", "Shy", and "Listen to Our World".

Here are 2 unique books I found-not for Caldecott but worthy to view:
"Where's the Elephant?" Great environmental book...read through it as it is very complex and much more than you first think~

"Du Iz Tak?" This is a great mentor text for children, and like no other.

I liked but did not love Before Morning. My favorites for the Caldecott are:
There is a Tribe of Kids, and The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles.

My favorite for the Caldecott Gold is The Lost House by Brian Cronin. It is like no other picture book I have ever encountered. Each spread is an intricate color masterpiece. It is closely followed by There is a Tribe of Kids, The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles, possibly They All Saw a Cat and Spot the Cat. Jazz Day is also a very strong contender.

Du is Tak? Is stunning and original for sure. The made up dialogue could go either way, however. I adore Some Writer! by Melissa Sweet. She seems to outdo herself with every new offering. A model of a part of the book is on exhibit at The Society of Illustrators in NYC currently. It is swoon worthy. One could lose themselves relishing in the details, beauty and creativity. Some Writer! should take home at least a couple awards in 2017.

Can't find either at my public library :(

"Spot, the Cat" and "Some Writer!" are added to my list also.

Before Morning is amazing. I love that the pictures tell a complete story, independent of the text but complementing it. I read it to myself and was blown away, and read it again to my son and noticed so many more things the second time around.

"Radiant Child" is great. I loved the mixed media style and the way the illustrations looked like they were painted on buildings.
I'm adding this to the top of my Caldecott list.

Jessica wrote: ""Radiant Child" is great. I loved the mixed media style and the way the illustrations looked like they were painted on buildings.
I'm adding this to the top of my Caldecott list."

I agree. It is terrific. I have never seen a year filled with so many strong Caldecott contenders. I think there will be many Caldecott honor awards given for 2017.

Serenity wrote: "Can't find either at my public library :("

In most libraries you can submit a suggestion for a book to add to their collection. It can often be done online or in person.

I agree! So many good choices! I agree that Some Writer! definitely deserves recognition--including a Caldecott. Also thought Radiant Child was special for the intersection of the illustrator's style with that of his subject. Also would like to see on our list, We Found a Hat, Voyage in the Clouds, and Du Is Tak (although I'm struggling on how to share it as a read aloud!)

I loved Before Morning; I thought the scratchboard illustrations were gorgeous and the whole book with text and pictures radiated serenity, peace, and love of family.

Patty wrote: "I look forward to reading the responses from this group. The wonderful book suggestions are hard on my bank account!
My favorite one so far, for Caldecott, is "The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles".."[bo..."

So agree with Patty about Uncorker and all others on her list, but didn't love They All Saw the Cat. I guess I'll have to try it with kids. Have yet to see Spot the Hat and Radiant Child.

Just read Radiant Child. The collage artwork is expressive, colorful and powerful; I would be surprised if it did not win a Coretta Scott King award. It may also be a strong contender for a Caldecott. I thought it was interesting that Steptoe did not reproduce any of Basquiat's artwork in the biography; instead, he created his own artwork inspired by Basquiat's, and used it as a jumping off point for his own interpretations of B's work.

Before Morning - In my top five choices for Caldecott this year!

Who hasn't wished for school to cancel in the morning due to an overnight snow? This book reminds me of all those many wishes I had as a child! What a delightful story told in less than a hundred words - yet each word is carefully chosen and powerful to evoke warm feelings and satisfaction! The illustrations, scratchboard and watercolor - are complimentary and peaceful.

Sidman and Krommes have teamed to share a wonderful story about family fun, snow, how a city can come to a standstill due to elements of nature, and wishing!