Mock Caldecott 2026 discussion

Snail Crossing by Corey R. Tabor



Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker and April Harrison



Leave It to Abigail!: The Revolutionary Life of Abigail Adams by Barb Rosenstock and illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley



Prairie Days by Patricia MacLachlan and illustrated by Micha Archer

What did you think of these titles?

The competition for the Caldecott this year is extraordinary. A huge variety of interesting, gorgeous, fun, whimsical and important books. Prairie Days and Nana Akua Goes to School are wonderful and special. These two are Caldecott contenders in my opinion. I must mention four brand new releases I just received this week that are spectacular. When I Draw a Panda by Amy June Bates, If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall, Sun Flower Lion by Kevin Henkes and A Polar Bear in the Snow by Mac Barnett. Every one of these titles is swoon worthy. I absolutely love them!

Snail Crossing
Hilarious story with very appealing illustrations.
This is one of my favorite picture books of 2020. The appealing illustrations in pencil, watercolors, colored pencil and ink expand on the humor of the text. I loved the details of the interior of Snail's shell--the Tiffany chandelier with a cabbage design; and the clock displaying the days of the week, rather than the usual numbers. And I loved the subplot in which Snail does the ants a favor, and they do one for Snail in return.
If I were on the Committee, I would definitely be voting for this one.

Nana Akua Goes to School
The story pays homage to the country of Ghana, the Ashanti people, and the Adinkra symbols they use to convey meanings such as "love and patience," "peace and quiet," "cleverness," and many more. The symbols and their meanings are displayed on the end papers of the book. The mixed media collages are brightly colored and interesting.

Beverly wrote: "Snail Crossing
Hilarious story with very appealing illustrations.
This is one of my favorite picture books of 2020. The appealing illustrations in pencil, watercolors, colored penci..."

I agree! I loved this book! Also, what makes this book different than others we've read this year is that my son wanted me to read it to him again and again. This book was written for children (as well as adults) to enjoy.

Stacy wrote: "This book was written for children (as well as adults) to enjoy...."

Definitely!

Prairie Days
This is a beautiful book, where the lyrical words mesh wonderfully with the gorgeous illustrations in acrylics, inks, collage, and textured, hand-stamped papers. I especially loved the actual lace curtains in the little girl's bedroom. It is a pity that not many children nowadays can experience the wild freedom that these children experience on their prairie farm--riding horses, swimming in the pond, playing most of the day, etc. I would love to see it win an award.

I know it’s already been mentioned but If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall is simply stunning. Even for her, it’s amazing — so detailed and wonderful. I cannot stop thinking and talking about it.

Leave It to Abigail!: The Revolutionary Life of Abigail Adams
The illustrations were the most interesting part of this book. I did enjoy the cross-stitch figures on a cross-stitch canvas background, which was an integral part of the entire book, mixed with watercolor and ink paintings.
The biography was interesting and amusing, but I subtracted two stars for the lack of diversity in the back matter: she includes only far-left feminists and communists as women that Abigail had "inspired." But she includes not one conservative woman among the pictures of women that Abigail had inspired. Missing were women like Phyllis Schlafly, Alveda King, Condoleezza Rice, Sarah Palin, Michelle Bachmann, Ann Coulter, Laura Ingraham, Michelle Malkin, and others.

Have you seen Honeybee by Candace Fleming & Eric Rohmann? Beautiful book.
Also, Last: The Story of a White Rhino, by Nicola Davies
My top picks so far are:
Swashby & the Sea (#1)
A Polar Bear in the Snow (#1 tie!)
Honeybee
Last
Snail Crossing
We Are Water Protectors

Patricia wrote: "Have you seen Honeybee by Candace Fleming & Eric Rohmann? Beautiful book.
Also, Last: The Story of a White Rhino, by Nicola Davies
My top picks so far are:
Swashby & the Sea (#1)
A Polar Bear in t..."

Honeybee: The busy life... was discussed in this group in the May topic.
Swashby and the Sea and We Are Water Protectors were both discussed in this group in the July topic.
Last by Nicola Davies is not eligible for a Caldecott award since Ms. Davies lives in England. It might be eligible for one of the English awards (Greenaway or Carnegie).
I haven't yet seen Polar Bear in the Snow, but have it on hold at my library, and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on it.

Sorry- I was caught up in teaching online last March and ongoing. I love this thread but just ran out of time until now.
Polar Bear in the Snow is mesmerizing.

Patricia wrote: "Sorry- I was caught up in teaching online last March and ongoing. I love this thread but just ran out of time until now.
Polar Bear in the Snow is mesmerizing."

No need to be sorry. Just letting you know in case you want to investigate the discussions in the various months.