The Mitten by Jim Aylesworth

Illustrated by Barbara McClintock.

Abstract: A retelling of the traditional tale of how a boy's lost mitten becomes a refuge from the cold for an increasing number of animals. Illustrations created with ink, gouache, and watercolor.

Scholastic Press, 2009.

Crow Call by Lois Lowry

Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline.

Abstract: Nine-year-old Liz accompanies the stranger who is her father, just returned from the war, when he goes hunting for crows in Pennsylvania farmland. Illustrations created with watercolor and acrylic-gouache on paper.

Scholastic Press, 2009.

I and I: Bob Marley by Tony Medina

Illustrated by Tony Medina.

Abstract: A biography in verse about the Jamaican reggae musician Bob Marley. Illustrations rendered in acrylic on illustration board.

Lee & Low Books, 2009.

Applesauce Season by Eden Ross Lipson

Illustrated by Mordecai Gerstein.

Abstract: In an urban setting, the story of how a family gets together to cook apples for applesauce. Includes a recipe for applesauce, to help you create your own traditions.

Roaring Brook Press, 2009.

I Want to Be Free by Joseph Slate

Illustrated by E. B. Lewis.

Abstract: Based on a sacred Buddhist tale as related in Rudyard Kipling's novel "Kim," tells of an escaped slave who rescues an abandoned baby from slave hunters. Illustrated with watercolors on paper.

G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2009.

Once Upon a Twice by Denise Doyen

Illustrated by Barry Moser.

Abstract: A cautionary tale for mice written in nonsense verse.

Random House, 2009.

2010 Mock Caldecott: Reading List #3

This is the third of four short lists for the Mock Caldecott election at the Allen County Public Library. The first and second lists are also available on this blog. We'll continue to highlight and discuss a wide variety of picture books on our blog, and we encourage your comments on all of them. The books on this short list, however are now destined to be "brought to the table" to be discussed in more depth at our Mock Caldecott Discussion and Election on January 16, 2010.

We'd love to hear what you think about these books. Please leave comments about each title on its respective blog post. If you'd like to suggest a book for the final list, send me an email or leave a comment.

• The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer's Bright Ideas and Brand New Colors by Chris Barton, illustrated by Tony Persiani

• Pelé, King of Soccer / Pelé, el rey del fútbol by Monica Brown, illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez

• Mermaid Queen by Shana Corey, illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham

• 14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

• Boo to You! by Lois Ehlert

• Billy & Milly, Short & Silly by Eve Feldman, illustrated by Tuesday Mourning

• Tillie Lays an Egg by Terry Golson, photographs by Ben Fink

• Most Loved in All the World: A Story of Freedom by Tonya Cherie Hegamin, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera

• Only a Witch Can Fly by Alison McGhee, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo

• Lousy, Rotten, Stinkin' Grapes by Margie Palatini, illustrated by Barry Moser

• The Storm in the Barn by Matt Phelan

• The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

• Robot Zot by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by David Shannon

• Mama Says by Rob D. Walker, illustrated by Leo & Diane Dillon
  

Oliver, the Spaceship, and Me by Lynn Rowe Reed

Illustrated by Lynn Rowe Reed.

Abstract: A boy builds a spaceship and promises the first ride to everyone who helps him, but when blast off time comes, who will he take with him? Illustrations painted in acrylic on canvas; remaining elements were scanned and/or photographed and incorporated in Photoshop.

Holiday House, 2009.

Mermaid Queen by Shana Corey

Illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham.

Abstract: Picture book biography of Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman. Illustrations done in digital media.

Scholastic Press, 2009.

Tillie Lays an Egg by Terry Golson

Illustrated by Ben Fink.

Abstract: In search of the perfect place to lay her egg, Tillie the chicken leaves the barnyard and explores the farmhouse.

Scholastic Press, 2009.