Mock Caldecott 2026 discussion

With so many publications each year it can be hard to find distinguished publications. What books have you read that are solid Caldecott contenders? List them here and they will be added to our monthly reading.

Several books that are on my radar aren't released until the end of March. An American Story by Kwame Alexander was published in January. It is probably going to remain a favorite picture book for me throughout 2023. Once Upon a Book by Kate Messner and illustrated by Caldecott award winner (and Newbery), Grace Lin, was released this month. Another great, beautiful Grace Lin offering.

My two favorite reads so far are Nell Plants a Tree, illustrated by Daniel Miyares, and In Every Life by Marla Frazee.

Kristen wrote: "With so many publications each year it can be hard to find distinguished publications. What books have you read that are solid Caldecott contenders? List them here and they will be added to our mon..."
Every Life by Marla Frazee is one of the most beautiful pocture books ever. For adults and children. Top of my list. It will take quite a volume to knock it out of place even this early in the season.

An American Story is so very powerful. Stunning illustrations and text. What a marriage of the two. Powerful is the only word I have. It sits in my heart and on my book list side by side with Every Life.

Maribel's Year, written by Michelle Sterling and illustrated by Sarah Gonzales.

Stephanie wrote: "Maribel's Year, written by Michelle Sterling and illustrated by Sarah Gonzales."


Yes!

I loved Big written and illustrated by Vashti Harrison!

Lindsay wrote: "I loved Big written and illustrated by Vashti Harrison!"

It is a fabulous book! Certainly Caldecott award worthy! Harrison deserves it!

My thoughts on How to Write a Poem:
Poetry is so often ruined for school age students by well meaning educators. Alexander and Nikaido help students of all ages find thepalce "where words have been waiting to slide down your pencil into your small precious hand and become a voice with spunk." Beautifully conceived and executed! This really is How to Write a Poem.
Thoughts on Once Upon a Book:
Alice goes down a different sort of rabbit hole. This one is a testament to reading and books and imagination. I love the way the main character melds into each spread and the place she returns to when she need coziness and warmth is her family's kitchen. How idyllic is that? The kitchen is everyone's wish, I think. Even if you don't have one or maybe especially if you don't.

I just read Simon and the Better Bone by Corey R. Tabor and wow! Similar style to his Caldecott honor winner Mel Fell. Love how he used the gutter of the book for his illustrations. Add to your to-read list!

Lindsay wrote: "I just read Simon and the Better Bone by Corey R. Tabor and wow! Similar style to his Caldecott honor winner Mel Fell. Love how he used the gutter of the book for his illustrations. Add to your to-..."

It is adorable!

Chef Edna by Melvina Noel and illustrated by Caldecott award winner, Cozbi Cabrera is one of my favorite 2023 picture books. Fantastic text about the life of Chef Edna and some of the most detailed, beautiful illustrations I have ever seen.

Lindsay wrote: "I just read Simon and the Better Bone by Corey R. Tabor and wow! Similar style to his Caldecott honor winner Mel Fell. Love how he used the gutter of the book for his illustrations. Add to your to-..."

I loved Simon and the Better Bone!

I just ran into Twenty Questions by Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson. It took me a few minutes to get into it , but am really impressed by how the words and illustrations play with each other and the reader.

Kristen wrote: "With so many publications each year it can be hard to find distinguished publications. What books have you read that are solid Caldecott contenders? List them here and they will be added to our mon..."

Ancestory: The Mystery and Majesty of Ancient Cave Art by Hannah Salyer is remarkable! Salyer truly makes this title come alive. Engaging and quite unique for a popular topic. It has been a looong time since a non-fiction title won a Caldecott. This book deserves one!

I highly recommend Remember - text by Joy Harjo and illustrations by Michaela Goade
Big by Vashti Harrison - soemone else recommended this one earlier

My Powerful Hair text by Carole Lindstrom illustrations by Steph Littlebird

Cathy wrote: "I highly recommend Remember - text by Joy Harjo and illustrations by Michaela Goade
Big by Vashti Harrison - soemone else recommended this one earlier"

Remember is on the thread "What We Are Reading This Month"
June-2024

Cathy wrote: "My Powerful Hair text by Carole Lindstrom illustrations by Steph Littlebird"

My Powerful Hair is on the thread "What We Are Reading This Month" June-2024

As soon as I read An American Story, I added it to my own "Caldecott Contender" list. I still think about it!

My other favorite is Some of these are Snails by Carter Higgins. I truly think her first one in this little series, Circle Under Berry, was missed by both the Caldecott and Geisel committees. Snails is illustrated in a similar manner, reminiscent of Eric Carle.

Kristen wrote: "Stephanie wrote: "Maribel's Year, written by Michelle Sterling and illustrated by Sarah Gonzales."


Yes!"

I love everything Vashti Harrison, but thought this one was from 2022-can anyone confirm it's eligibility for this year?

I am an elementary librarian and keep a website of my reading if anyone is interested! (the Alone pics are placeholders! :-)

https://sites.google.com/view/element...

Favorites so far:
Evergreen by Cordell
The Fire of Stars by Larson and Roy
The Tree and the River by Becker
Just requested all the rest on this list from my library-thanks for the suggestions.

Love all the poems this year-
Poems I am planning to do something with!
Remember by Goade
How to Write a Poem by Kwame-LOVE Sweet's illustration, want to share with my art teacher and try to make some book art!
Nell Plants a Tree by Wynter
In Every Life by Frazee

Peg wrote: "I love everything Vashti Harrison, but thought this one was from 2022-can anyone confirm it's eligibility for this year..."

According to the book's entry on Goodreads, Big was published May 2, 2023.

Peg wrote: "I am an elementary librarian and keep a website of my reading if anyone is interested! (the Alone pics are placeholders! :-)

Here are some ideas I thought of for art teacher, librarian, classroom teacher collaboration:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/librari...

Beverly wrote: "Peg wrote: "I love everything Vashti Harrison, but thought this one was from 2022-can anyone confirm it's eligibility for this year..."

According to the book's entry on Goodreads, [book:Big|589850..."

Thanks, I just rechecked as well on a different source and saw 2023 as well-phew! LOVE Vashti!

Cathy wrote: "An American Story is so very powerful. Stunning illustrations and text. What a marriage of the two. Powerful is the only word I have. It sits in my heart and on my book list side by side with Every..."

The Caldecott rules make me crazy. Illustrator info says Gonzales is based in Montreal. I thought winner had to be from US, is it North America or specific to US? Anyone know official rule?

Peg wrote: "Cathy wrote: "An American Story is so very powerful. Stunning illustrations and text. What a marriage of the two. Powerful is the only word I have. It sits in my heart and on my book list side by s..."

Here are the ALA terms and criteria for the Caldecott award.

TERMS
1. The Medal shall be awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children published in English in the United States during the preceding year. There are no limitations as to the character of the picture book except that the illustrations be original work. Honor Books may be named. These shall be books that are also truly distinguished.


2. The Award is restricted to artists who are citizens or residents of the United States.
3. The committee in its deliberations is to consider only the books eligible for the award, as specified in the terms.

CRITERIA
1. In identifying a distinguished picture in a book for children,

a. Committee members need to consider:

Excellence of execution in the artistic technique employed;
Excellence of pictorial interpretation of story, theme, or concept; of appropriateness of style of illustration to the story, theme or concept; of delineation of plot, theme, characters, setting mood or information through the pictures.
b. Committee members must consider excellence of presentation in recognition of a child audience.

2. The only limitation to graphic form is that the form must be one which may be used in a picture book. The book must be a self-contained entity, not dependent on other media (i.e., sound or film equipment) for its enjoyment.

3. Each book is to be considered as a picture book. The committee is to make its decision primarily on the illustration, but other components of a book are to be considered especially when they make a book less effective as a children's picture book. Such other components might include the written text, the overall design of the book, etc.

Note: The committee should keep in mind that the award is for distinguished illustrations in a picture book and for excellence of pictoral presentation for children. The award is not for didactic intent or for popularity.

My copy of When Rubin Plays by Gracey Zhang arrived yesterday. What an incredible picture book! The illustrations are so bold, beautiful, creative and vibrant. Absolutely a Caldecott worthy book.

Laura wrote: "Several books that are on my radar aren't released until the end of March. An American Story by Kwame Alexander was published in January. It is probably going to remain a favorite picture book for ..."

Peg wrote: "Cathy wrote: "An American Story is so very powerful. Stunning illustrations and text. What a marriage of the two. Powerful is the only word I have. It sits in my heart and on my book list side by s.
Frome Dare Coulter's website: https://www.darecoulter.com/about-1
Pretty sure she qualifies.

I just read We Are Branches by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Beth Krommes.
It is a beautiful book about all kinds of branches in nature (not just tree branches), with gorgeous scratchboard and watercolor illustrations. I think it may be Caldecott worthy.

I really enjoyed City Beet by Tziporah Cohen as well as Jessica Lanan's Jumper.

Desert Jungle by Jeannie Baker has some really interesting materials used for it including photographs.

I read Ancestory and had a question. Since a lot of the art is based on existing examples of ancient art, would it be ineligible for the Caldecott?

Stephanie wrote: "Maribel's Year, written by Michelle Sterling and illustrated by Sarah Gonzales."

Maribel's Year is amazing.

Great titles listed here! I have moved this year. It is harder to get these in my public libraries but I try! Here is one more that is really outstanding: I'm an American by Darshana Khiani and illustrated by Laura Freeman.