Mock Caldecott 2026 discussion

An American Story by Kwame Alexander





That Flag by Tameka Fryer Brown





Stars of the Night: The Courageous Children of the Czech Kindertransport by Caren Stelson





Love Is Loud: How Diane Nash Led the Civil Rights Movement by Bryan Collier


I'm very excited to kick off our 2024 reading with some fantastic publications.

Do any of these have the potential to be the next Caldecott award winning book?

An American Story is multiple award worthy including the Caldecott. Besides the stellar text by Alexander, the mixed media illustrations by Dare Coulter are like nothing I have ever experienced in a picture book. It is remarkable.

I love all things Bryan Collier. Love is loud is a bit similar to a few of his recent releases.

That Flag is terrific. I was stunned when the illustrator, Nikkolas Smith didn't win a Caldecott for his previous work, The 1619 Project: Born on the Water. He is most certainly a future Caldecott award winning illustrator.

I read this book in January and posted this:

Exquisitely illustrated tale of a teacher trying to tell her young students about the history of Black Americans. Why wasn’t this book on any of the Mock Caldecott lists?

I'm happy it made the list!

An American Story is a dramatic story with very sad parts, yet it is also a strong positive story. Young, spirited, and ever so positive, Dare Coulter, has illustrated this book, both through her sculptures and drawings. She says the process of illustrating this book took her nearly six years. Her sculptures are realistic. Her drawings have detail and fill the pages with beautiful lighting effects. Caldecott Award potential…indeed!

Stars of the Night is a great historical book for ages 9 to 109 that shows the evil of racism and prejudices to families. It is written in a gentle language but tells a horrible story. The pictures are gentle, as well. Together, the words and illustrations will leave readers with a lasting impression of the devastation of war. This book belongs in units on social justices and in curriculums everywhere and will most likely receive many awards for contribution to children's literature.