Mock Caldecott 2026 discussion

The Bear and the Moon by Matthew Burgess with contributions from Catia Chien



A Polar Bear in the Snow by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Shawn Harris



Nonsense! The Curious Story of Edward Gorey by Lori Mortensen and illustrated by Chloe Bristol

Could there be a future Caldecott award in the future for these authors?

Unfortunately, Green on Green is ineligible because the illustrator lives in Italy.

Nonsense!
This brief, fascinating biography of Edward Gorey depicts a man who liked to walk to the sound of a different drummer. Chloe Bristol (an animator for Disney and Cartoon network) has supplied illustrations that resemble those of the master himself. While Gorey worked mostly in black and white, her illustrations are imbued with somber, dark colors. One double page spread depicts a Victorian style house on a hill above a graveyard, in which are dancing a vampire and a woman in an evening gown with trailing shawl--I immediately thought of the Gorey animation for the PBS show Mystery. Excellent biography.

Beverly wrote: "Unfortunately, Green on Green is ineligible because the illustrator lives in Italy."

Ah, you are right. I knew there was a reason I had not included it before.
Thank you! I have removed it.


What have we missed this year? Does someone have a recommendation to fill the spot?

Kristen wrote: "Beverly wrote: "Unfortunately, Green on Green is ineligible because the illustrator lives in Italy."

Ah, you are right. I new there was a reason I had not included it before.
Thank you! I have rem..."

I love The Barnabus Project by the Fan Brothers. This time it's three brothers who created the book. I believe they all live in Canada but Terry and Eric Fan have dual citizenship. I am not sure about their brother Devin but I can try to find out.

I am crazy about A Thousand Glass Flowers by Evan Turk, Respect- Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul by Carole Boston Weatherford and When I Draw a Panda by Amy June Bates. What a fantastic picture book year!

Eric Fan confirmed that Devin was born in Florida and has dual citizenship. I am keeping my fingers crossed that The Barnabus Project wins a Caldecott. It is so creative and beautiful. Also, it would be the first time three people in one family won a Caldecott for the same book.

I second Laura's recommendation--I loved The Barnabus Project.

Beverly wrote: "I second Laura's recommendation--I loved The Barnabus Project."

Isn't it so great? I hope the maximum number of Caldecott awards are given out this year. So many worthy titles.

Have you seen "Find Fergus" by Mike Boldt, "Last" by Nicola Davies, and "One Paper Bag" by Henry Holt?

Patricia wrote: "Have you seen "Find Fergus" by Mike Boldt, "Last" by Nicola Davies, and "One Paper Bag" by Henry Holt?"

I haven't seen the first two books. Mike Boldt is Canadian and Nicola Davies lives in Wales. They wouldn't qualify for a Caldecott. I think you are referring to Henry Cole's wordless book, One Little Bag: An Amazing Journey. It is a really beautiful, multi-layered, complex title. One Little Bag could win an award.

Laura wrote: "I am crazy about A Thousand Glass Flowers by Evan Turk, Respect- Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul by Carole Boston Weatherford and When I Draw a Panda by Amy June Bates. What a fantastic picture ..."

I loved The Big Umbrella and have yet to see When I draw a Panda, or A Thousand Glass Flowers. I also love All the Birds in the World by David Opie and Jason Chin's Your Place in the Universe.

Marcie wrote: "Laura wrote: "I am crazy about A Thousand Glass Flowers by Evan Turk, Respect- Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul by Carole Boston Weatherford and When I Draw a Panda by Amy June Bates. What a fant..."Those are terrific too. So many Caldecott worthy books this year. I am looking so forward to the ALA awards!

The Bear and the Moon: These illustrations lead the story. Burgess and Chien capture the innocence and simplicity of befriending an inanimate object. The softly drawn bear is expressive. The “red dot” is bold, an intoxicating neon. There is a dreamy quality to the night scenes. This book is simple yet rich, and youthful yet heart-tugging.

A Polar Bear in the Snow: Barnett & Harris successfully create suspense with simple text and textured, cut-paper, snowy artwork that captivates the young reader’s ears and eyes. This creative duo truly understands their target audience. Is it distinguished enough to win Caldecott? I don’t know.

My elementary students loved both of these books. They are definitely among my favorites of the year as well.

(I have not read “Nonsense!” yet)