ACPL Mock Caldecott

The REAL 2012 Caldecott Medal winner is...

2012-01-26T15:55:00.000-05:00

A Ball for Daisy
by Chris Raschka

Three Caldecott Honor Books were chosen. They are:

Blackout
by John Rocco

Grandpa Green
by Lane Smith

Me...Jane
by Patrick McDonnell

Congratulations to the winners! This year's crop of picture books was quite exceptional.

2012 ACPL Mock Caldecott Winners

2012-01-19T13:38:00.002-05:00

On January 14, a group of 14 devoted picture book lovers met to discuss and vote on the best children's picture book published in 2011. And the winning title was...

I Want My Hat Back
by Jon Klassen

Two honor books were chosen:

Me...Jane
by Patrick McDonnell

Around the World
by Matt Phelan

Watch for the announcement of the REAL Caldecott Award, to be announced by the American Library Association on Monday, January 23, 2012. Click here for more information from ALA.

Introducing...Short Reading List #3!

2011-12-16T17:18:00.001-05:00

Below you will find our third (and final) short reading list for the ACPL Mock Caldecott Election. These are the books we'll discuss and eventually vote on at our program on January 14, 2012, along with the titles on Short List 1 and Short List 2. Click on the link to the right to register to attend! If you're in the neighborhood of the Main Library, stop in Children's Services and take a peek at them -- all of our short list books are on display for your reading pleasure.

And now....... List 3!

Alicia Alonso: Prima Ballerina
written by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, illustrated by Raúl Colón

Around the World
written & illustrated by Matt Phelan

A Ball for Daisy
written & illustrated Chris Raschka

Balloons Over Broadway
written & illustrated Melissa Sweet

Basketball Belles
written by Sue Macy, illustrated by Matt Collins

Blue Chicken
written & illustrated Deborah Freedman

Bumble-ardy
written & illustrated Maurice Sendak

A Dazzling Display of Dogs
written by Betsy Franco, illustrated by Michael Wertz

The House Baba Built
written & illustrated by Ed Young

I Want My Hat Back
written & illustrated by Jon Klassen

Ice
written & illustrated by Arthur Geisert

Levi Strauss Gets a Bright Idea
written by Tony Johnston, illustrated by Stacy Innerst

Mary and Her Little Lamb
written & illustrated by Will Moses

The Money We'll Save
written & illustrated by Brock Cole

Never Forgotten
written by Patricia McKissack, illustrated by Leo & Diane Dillon

Neville
written by Norton Juster, illustrated by G. Brian Karas

Red Sled
written & illustrated by Lita Judge

Stars
written by Mary Lyn Ray, illustrated by Marla Frazee

Around the World

2011-12-15T12:00:00.000-05:00

Around the World
by Matt Phelan

Summary: "As the nineteenth century wound down, a public inspired by Jules Verne's novel Around the World in Eighty Days clamored for intrepid adventure. The challenge of circumnavigating the globe...attracted the fearless in droves. Three hardy spirits stayed the course..."--front flap.

Candlewick Press, 2011.

Mary and Her Little Lamb: The True Story of the Famous Nursery Rhyme

2011-12-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

Mary and her Little Lamb: The True Story of the Famous Nursery Rhyme
by Will Moses

Summary: "The poem about Mary and her little lamb is one of the most popular rhymes in America, but did you know that the rhyme is true?..."--front flap.

Philomel Books, 2011.

Basketball Belles

2011-12-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

Basketball Belles: How Two Teams and One Scrappy Player Put Women's Hoops on the Map
by Sue Macy
illustrated by Matt Collins

Summary: "My parents hoped Stanford University would make a lady out of me...a lady can even play basketball."--front flap.

Holiday House, 2011.

An Annoying ABC

2011-12-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

An Annoying ABC
by Barbara Bottner
illustrated by Michael Emberley

Summary: "From annoying to apologizing, with an alphabet of mischief in between..."--back cover.

Alfred A. Knopf, 2011.

A Dazzling Display of Dogs

2011-12-13T16:35:00.002-05:00

A Dazzling Display of Dogs
by Betsy Franco
illustrated by Michael Wertz

Summary: A collection of concrete poems celebrating all things canine.

Tricycle Press, 2011.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
by Jerry Pinkney

Summary: An illustrated rendition of the classic lullaby, featuring an adventurous chipmunk.

Little, Brown, 2011.

It's Almost Time for List #3!!!!!!!

2011-12-12T11:50:00.001-05:00

What titles should we add to this, our final short list of the year? Which picture books are exceptional? Which ones go above and beyond the others? What do you think? Let us know soon, with a comment or an email. We hope to publish Short List #3 within the next week.

Tell Me the Day Backwards

2011-12-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

Tell Me the Day Backwards
by Albert Lamb
illustrated by David McPhail

Summary: "Just before going to bed, Timmy Bear and his mama play a game they call Tell Me the Day Backwards, trying to remember everything that happened to him that day -- in reverse..."--front flap.

Candlewick Press, 2011.

Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site

2011-12-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site
by Serri Duskey Rinker
illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

Summary: "Down in the big construction site, tough trucks work with all their might. But now its time to say goodnight..."--front flap.

Chronicle Books, 2011.

Nothing Like a Puffin

2011-12-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Nothing Like a Puffin
by Sue Soltis
illustrated by Bob Kolar

Summary: "Follow this charmingly mischievous puffin in this entertaining game of compare and contrast..."--front flap.

Candlewick Press, 2011.

Bumble-ardy

2011-12-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

Bumble-ardy
by Maurice Sendak

Summary: Bumble-ardy has missed eight birthdays in a row. For his ninth birthday he has a party without telling his aunt. What will happen when she comes home?

Harper Collins, 2011.

Alicia Alonso: Prima Ballerina

2011-12-08T13:04:00.001-05:00

Alica Alonso: Prima Ballerina
by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
illustrated by Raúl Colón

Summary: A biography in free verse of Cuba's most famous ballerina, Alicia Alonso.

Marshall Cavendish, 2011.

The Twins' Blanket

2011-12-04T14:22:00.001-05:00

The Twins' Blanket
by Hyewon Yum

Summary: "These look-alike twins share everything -- toys, clothes, a room, a bed, and, since the day they were born, a blanket. But as the twins grow bigger, the blanket becomes too small..."

Frances Foster Books, 2011.

The Money We'll Save

2011-12-02T17:05:00.000-05:00

The Money We'll Save
by Brock Cole

Summary: In nineteenth-century New York City, when Pa brings home a young turkey in hopes of saving money on their Christmas dinner, his family faces all sorts of trouble--and expense--in their tiny apartment.

Farrar Straus Giroux, 2011.

Blue Chicken

2011-12-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Blue Chicken
by Deborah Freedman

Summary: "When chicken spills a pot of blue paint, the other animals sure don't find her helpful. And things only get worse..."--front flap.

Viking, 2011.

One Starry Night

2011-11-30T15:41:00.000-05:00

One Starry Night
by Lauren Thompson
illustrated by Jonathan Bean

Summary: "One starry night...little ones everywhere are watched over with care. Most special of all, Mary and Joseph watch over their newborn babe..."--front flap.

Margaret K. McElderry Book, 2011.

The House Baba Built: An Artist's Childhood in China

2011-11-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

The House Baba Built: An Artist's Childhood in China
by Ed Young
text as told to Libby Koponen

Summary: "This...illustrated memoir is the story of one of our most beloved children's book illustrators and the house his baba built."--front flap.

Little, Brown and Company, 2011.

I Want My Hat Back

2011-11-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

I Want My Hat Back
by Jon Klassen

Summary: "A bear has lost his hat. What if he never sees it again? WAIT! He has seen his hat..."--front flap.

Candlewick Press, 2011.

Neville

2011-11-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

Neville
by Norton Juster
illustrated by G. Brian Karas

Summary: "A new block, a new house, and a new boy who doesn't know anyone at all. That's the worst part: how will he ever make friends?..."--front flap.

Schwartz & Wade, 2011.

Ice

2011-11-26T11:40:00.000-05:00

Ice
by Arthur Geisert

Summary: This wordless tale depicts a community of pigs that suffer from the heat and go in search of ice despite the odds against them.

Enchanted Lion Books, 2011.

Red Sled

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Red Sled
by Lita Judge

Summary: "When a well-loved sled is left outside a cozy cabin on a still winter's night, an unlikely cast of creatures forge new friendships during the ride of their lives."-- front flap.

Atheneum, 2011.

Stars

2011-11-21T10:40:00.001-05:00

Stars
by Mary Lyn Ray
illustrated by Marla Frazee

Summary: "Stars are everywhere. Not just in the sky. Look..."--front flap.

Beach Lane Books, 2011.

A Ball for Daisy

2011-11-18T15:18:00.001-05:00

A Ball for Daisy
by Chris Raschka

"...the story of a dog and her ball...about what it's like to lose something special -- and find a friend."--front flap.

Schwartz & Wade Books, 2011.

Mouse & Lion

2011-11-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

Mouse & Lion
by Rand Burkert
illustrated by Nancy Ekholm Burkert

Summary: "Mouse and Lion, Aesop's fabled duo, renew their ancient bond in this warm retelling..."--front flap.

Scholastic, 2011.

Never Forgotten

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Never Forgotten
by Patricia C. McKissack
illustrated by Leo & Diane Dillon

Summary: "This is the story of a blacksmith, Dinga...of Dinga's son, Musafa, taken captive, sent across the sea, and sold into slavery..."--front flap.

Schwartz & Wade, 2011

Balloons Over Broadway

2011-11-10T11:31:00.000-05:00

Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade
by Melissa Sweet

Summary: "...Meet Tony Sarg: the boy who loved to figure out how things moved -- the boy who became the puppeteer of Macy's parade!"--front flap.

Houghton Mifflin, 2011.

Short List #2 -- 2012 ACPL Mock Caldecott Nominees

2011-11-02T13:01:00.000-04:00

Woo Hoo! I know you've been anxiously waiting to see which titles made our next short list -- let us know what you think about our choices. Our final short list will be published in early December. Titles from all 2012 Mock Caldecott Short Lists will be available for discussion and voting on January 14 at our Mock Caldecott Election. We hope you'll join us! Happy Reading!!

Bone Dog
by Eric Rohmann

Brother Sun, Sister Moon: St. Francis of Assisi's Canticle of Creatures
by Katherine Paterson, illustrated by Pamela Dalton

A Butterfly Is Patient
by Dianna Hutts Aston
illustrated by Sylvia Long

Drawing from Memory
by Allen Say

Goyangi Means Cat
by Christine McDonnell
illustrated by Steve Johnson & Lou Fanchar

Grandpa Green
by Lane Smith

Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans
by Kadir Nelson

Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat
by Philip Christian Stead

Naamah and the Ark at Night
by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
illustrated by Holly Meade

Orani: My Father's Village
by Claire A. Nivola

A Storm Called Katrina
by Myron Uhlberg
illustrated by Colin Bootman

Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature
by Joyce Sidman
illustrated by Beth Krommes

Ten Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break if You Want to Survive the School Bus
by John Grandits
illustrated by Michael Allen Austin

Wonderstruck
by Brian Selznick

Coming Soon -- Short List #2!!

2011-10-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

My, oh, my, how time does fly! Especially when there are so many great books to read! We'll be publishing our second short list very, very soon. (Short List #1 was published earlier this year). Please let us know what titles YOU would like to see added. Note: All titles on the short lists will be available at the ACPL Mock Caldecott Election on January 14 for discussion and voting!

Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans

2011-10-26T06:00:00.001-04:00

Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans
by Kadir Nelson

Summary: "...an epic yet intimate introduction to the history of America and African-Americans...written in the voice of an 'Everywoman'..." -- front flap.

Balzer + Bray, 2011.

Levi Strauss Gets a Bright Idea

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

Levi Strauss Gets a Bright Idea: A Fairly Fabricated Story of a Pair of Pants
by Tony Johnston
illustrated by Stacy Innerst

Summary: "What's a California miner to do when gold dust sifts right out of his holey pockets?...Good thing Levi Strauss is out west, ready with his needle and a head full of bright ideas..."--front flap.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011.

Ten Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break If You Want to Survive the School Bus

2011-10-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

Ten Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break if You Want to Survive the School Bus
by John Grandits
illustrated by Michael Allen Austin

Summary: "Kyle is dreading his first trip aboard the school bus. Luckily, his big brother, James, is a school bus expert..."--front flap.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011.

Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature

2011-10-19T20:49:00.002-04:00

Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature
by Joyce Sidman
illustrated by Beth Krommes

Summary: Celebrates the shape of a spiral in nature, from rushing rivers to flower buds and even the shape of an ear.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011.

Goyangi Means Cat

2011-10-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

Goyangi Means Cat
by Christine McDonnell
illustrated by Steve Johnson & Lou Fanchar

Summary: "When Soo Min comes from Korea to live with her adopted American family, everything is new and strange to her..."--front flap.

Viking Children's Books, 2011.

Naamah and the Ark at Night

2011-10-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

Naamah and the Ark at Night
by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
illustrated by Holly Meade

Summary: Rhyming text tells of Naamah, wife of Noah, who sings her husband, her sons and their wives, and the animals to sleep at night.

Candlewick Press, 2011.

Dream Something Big: The Story of the Watts Towers

2011-10-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

Dream Something Big: The Story of the Watts Towers
by Dianna Hutts Aston
illustrated by Susan L. Roth

Summary: In Watts, California, over a period of many years, a man known to all as Uncle Sam spends his free time collecting broken bits of pottery, glass, and other scraps and turning them into a work of art.

Dial Books for Young Readers, 2011.

Ten Little Caterpillars

2011-10-08T17:15:00.000-04:00

Ten Little Caterpillars
by Bill Martin, Jr.
illustrated by Lois Ehlert

Summary: Illustrations and rhyming text follow ten caterpillars as one wriggles up a flower stem, another sails across a garden pool, and one reaches an apple leaf, where something amazing happens.

Beach Lane Books, 2011.

Rah, Rah, Radishes!

2011-10-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

Rah, Rah, Radishes!
by April Pulley Sayre

Summary: "Meet vibrant veggies as they take the stage in this celebration of tasty and nutritious treats..."--front flap.

Beach Lane Books, 2011.

Substitute Creacher

2011-10-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

Substitute Creacher
by Chris Gall

Summary: "...a monstrously fun ride full of tricks, treats, and a stunning surprise ending that will make you think twice before pulling your next prank!"--front flap.
Little, Brown, 2011.

Orani: My Father's Village

2011-10-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

Orani: My Father's Village
by Claire A. Nivola

Summary: Explores the village of Orani, the tiny hamlet in the mountains of central Sardinia where the author's father lived before moving to New York during World War II.

Frances Foster Books/Farrar Straus Giroux, 2011.

Drawing from Memory

2011-09-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

Drawing from Memory
by Allen Say

Summary: "...Allen Say's own story of his path to becoming the renowned artist he is today..."--front flap.

Scholastic Press, 2011.

Wonderstruck

2011-09-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

Wonderstruck
by Brian Selznick

Summary: Having lost his mother and his hearing in a very short time, twelve-year-old Ben leaves his Minnesota home in 1977 to meet the father he never knew in New York City. There he meets Rose, who is also longing for something missing from her life.

Scholastic, 2011.

Seven Fathers

2011-09-23T16:36:00.001-04:00

Seven Fathers
retold by Ashley Ramsden
illustrated by Ed Young

Summary: "In the midst of a fearsome blizzard, a weary traveler seeks refuge from the cold...and so the traveler is sent on a journey within his journey, arriving at a surprising destination..."--front flap.

Roaring Brook Press, 2011.

Grandpa Green

2011-09-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

Grandpa Green
by Lane Smith

Summary: A child explore the ordinary life of his extraordinary grandfather, as expressed in his topiary garden.

Roaring Brook Press, 2011.

The Mangrove Tree

2011-09-19T17:03:00.000-04:00

The Mangrove Tree: Planting Trees to Feed Families
by Cindy Trumbore
illustrated by Susan Roth

Summary: "With alternating verse and prose passages, The Mangrove Tree invites readers to discover how Dr. Sato's mangrove tree-planting project transformed an impoverished village into a self-sufficient community..."--front flap

Lee & Low Books, 2011.

A Storm Called Katrina

2011-09-14T14:55:00.001-04:00

A Storm Called Katrina
by Myron Uhlberg
illustrated by Colin Bootman

Summary: When flood waters from broken levees submerge their New Orleans neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, a young cornet player and his parents evacuate their home and struggle to survive and stay together.

Peachtree, 2011.

Brother Sun, Sister Moon: Saint Francis of Assisi's Canticle of Creatures

2011-09-12T03:00:00.000-04:00

Brother Sun, Sister Moon: Saint Francis of Assisi's Canticle of Creatures
by Katherine Paterson
illustrated by Pamela Dalton

Summary: Reimagines Francis of Assisi's 1224 prayer of praise in celebration of God's gifts throughout the universe.

Chronicle Books, 2011.

A Butterfly Is Patient

2011-09-09T03:00:00.000-04:00

A Butterfly Is Patient
by Dianna Hutts Aston
illustrated by Sylvia Long

Summary: "...Poetic in voice and elegant in design, this book introduces children to an astounding array of butterfly facts..."--front flap.

Chronicle Books, 2011

The Watcher

2011-09-06T03:00:00.000-04:00

The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps
by Jeanette Winter

Summary: Picture book biography of Jane Goodall, "the woman who lived with the chimps -- and who still speaks out to protect the animals and their homes"--front flap.

Schwartz & Wade Books, 2011.

Bone Dog

2011-09-02T17:52:00.000-04:00

Bone Dog
by Eric Rohmann

Summary: Although devastated when his pet dog dies, a young boy goes trick-or-treating and receives a timely visit from an old friend during a scary encounter with graveyard skeletons.

Roaring Brook Press, 2011.

Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat

2011-08-24T15:50:00.000-04:00

Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat
by Philip Christian Stead

Summary: When Jonathan's parents decide that he has gotten too old to have a stuffed animal, they trade his favorite bear, Frederick, for a toaster, so he sets off aboard a boat, looking for Frederick.

Roaring Brook Press, 2011.

First Short Reading List for 2012 Election

2011-08-19T13:42:00.000-04:00

I know you've all been eagerly awaiting the publication of our first short reading list. Thanks to those of you who emailed us with suggestions -- we took your thoughts into consideration as we sorted through the titles we've posted so far.

Now, let it be known that we think all of the books posted on this blog are extremely well-done. However, there are some that, when considering the Caldecott criteria, stand out among the rest and will be brought to our Mock Caldecott program on January 14, 2012. So, with that being said, here are the titles on our first short list, in no particular order:

A Nation's Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis
by Matt de La Peña, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

This Plus That: Life's Little Equations
by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Jen Corace

Blackout
by John Rocco

Emma Dilemma: Big Sister Poems
by Kristine O'Connell George, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

For the Love of Music: The Remarkable Story of Maria Anna Mozart
by Elizabeth Rusch, illustrated by Steve Johnson & Lou Fanchar

Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom
by Shane W. Evans

The Cazuela that the Farm Maiden Stirred
by Samantha R. Vamos, illustrated by Rafael López

If I Never Forever Endeavor
by Holly Meade

Little White Rabbit
by Kevin Henkes

Say Hello to Zorro!
by Carter Goodrich

Peaceful Pieces: Poems and Quilts about Peace
by Anna Grossnickle Hines

All the Water in the World
by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Katherine Tillotson

The Secret Box
by Barbara Lehman

Queen of the Falls
by Chris Van Allsburg

Where's Walrus
by Stephen Savage

Perfect Square
by Michael Hall

The Adventures of Mark Twain by Huckleberry Finn
with considerable help from Robert Burleigh and Barry Blitt

Me...Jane
by Patrick McDonnell

The Secret River
by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, illustrated by Leo & Diane Dillon

Ladder to the Moon
by Maya Soetoro-Ng, illustrated by Yuyi Morales

Mine!
by Shutta Crum, illustrated by Patrice Barton

Night Flight: Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic
by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Wendell Minor

The Great Migration: Journey to the North
by Eloise Greenfield, illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist

You may have noticed that this first "short" list isn't so short -- we had a very difficult time narrowing down our choices due to the high caliber of children's picture books being published this year. And there are more coming out every day! So keep following us, we'll continue to post excellent children's picture books on this blog, and we encourage you to get your hands on copies of them, read them, share them with the children in your life, and let us know what you think of them!

Coming Soon -- Short Reading List #1

2011-08-13T17:32:00.000-04:00

Gosh, what a great crop of picture books we've seen so far this year! Very soon, we will be looking at the titles we've posted and narrowing them down into a "Short Reading List". The books on this short list will be the ones we bring to the in-person discussion in January. These will be the books we think might just have what it takes to win that oh-so-prestigious Caldecott Medal!

So, what titles would YOU like to see us add to this list? Which are your favorites? Which are truly distinguished? Inquiring minds want to know! Respond to this post in the comment field, or send us an email with your favorite titles.

And look for the first Short Reading List to be published sometime next week!

Mine!

2011-08-09T12:37:00.000-04:00

Mine!
by Shutta Crum
illustrated by Patrice Barton

Summary: "...playful picture-based story about two very young children and an adorable dog navigating the trials and triumphs of sharing..."--front flap.

Knopf, 2011.

Say Hello to Zorro!

2011-07-29T13:23:00.000-04:00

Say Hello to Zorro!
by Carter Goodrich

Summary: Mister Bud, the family dog, has a satisfying routine to his life, but when another dog joins the family and disrupts his schedule, Mister Bud must learn to adapt.

Simon & Schuster, 2011.

If I Never Forever Endeavor

2011-07-21T18:35:00.000-04:00

If I Never Forever Endeavor
by Holly Meade

Summary: A young bird, safe in its nest, debates whether or not to risk trying its wings.

Candlewick Press, 2011.

All the Water in the World

2011-07-15T17:41:00.000-04:00

All the Water in the World
by George Ella Lyon
illustrated by Katherine Tillotson

Summary: Explores where water comes from and where it goes.

Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2011.

Pig Kahuna

2011-07-08T05:00:00.001-04:00

Pig Kahuna
by Jennifer Satler

Summary: Fergus is afraid to go in the water, but he and his baby brother Dink find a surfboard while collecting treasures along the seashore.

Bloomsbury, 2011.

Blackout

2011-07-05T05:00:00.003-04:00

Blackout
by John Rocco

Summary: When a busy family's activities come to a halt because of a blackout, they find they enjoy spending time together and not being too busy for once.

Disney/Hyperion Books, 2011.

Leap Back Home to Me

2011-07-01T16:21:00.000-04:00

Leap Back Home to Me
by Lauren Thompson
illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Summary: A little frog makes increasingly bold leaps into the world, and then returns to his mother after each excursion.

Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2011.

Ladder to the Moon

2011-06-27T05:00:00.001-04:00

Ladder to the Moon
by Maya Soetoro-Ng
illustrated by Yuyi Morales

Summary: Suhaila's wish to know her deceased grandmother is granted when a golden ladder appears at her window and Grandma Annie invites her on a journey to the moon, where they welcome people who are facing tragedy.

Candlewick Press, 2011.

The Cazuela that the Farm Maiden Stirred

2011-06-24T05:00:00.001-04:00

The Cazuela that the Farm Maiden Stirred
by Samatha R. Vamos
illustrated by Rafael Lopéz

Summary: "This spicy tribute to the classic nursery rhyme 'The House that Jack Built' is a bilingual celebration of community and food."--front flap.

Charlesbridge, 2011.

All the Way to America: The Story of a Big Italian Family and a Little Shovel

2011-06-21T19:56:00.001-04:00

All the Way to America: The Story of a Big Italian Family and a Little Shovel
by Dan Yaccarino

Summary: The story of four generations of an Italian American family, beginning with an immigrant who came through Ellis Island with big dreams, a small shovel, and his parents' good advice.

Alfred A. Knopf, 2011.

This Plus That: Life's Little Equations

2011-06-15T20:36:00.006-04:00

This Plus That: Life's Little Equations
by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
illustrated by Jen Corace

Summary: "This fanciful collection...puts together unexpected combinations that always add up to something special..."-- front flap.

HarperCollins, 2011.

Mock Election Kick-off

2011-06-11T08:48:00.003-04:00

When?
Tuesday, June 14, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Where?
Children's Services at the Main Library

What?
Listen to excerpts from award-winning books, learn how to find great books for children, and find out more about this year's Mock Elections.

Who?
Adults and school-age children

I hope to see you there!

Where's Walrus?

2011-06-08T18:19:00.015-04:00

Where's Walrus?
by Stephen Savage

Summary: "...follow Walrus's happy-go-lucky spree in the big city as he tries on different hats from all walks of life"-- front flap.

Scholastic Press, 2011.

Hooray for Amanda and Her Alligator!

2011-05-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hooray for Amanda & Her Alligator
by Mo Willems

Summary: Amanda and her alligator have lots of fun together, but when Amanda's grandfather buys her a panda, Alligator must learn to make new friends.

Balzer & Bray, 2011.

The Voyage of Turtle Rex

2011-05-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Voyage of Turtle Rex
by Kurt Cyrus

Summary: Rhyming text tells the story of a prehistoric sea turtle.

Harcourt Children's Books, 2011.

Irena Sendler and the Children of the Warsaw Ghetto

2011-05-23T15:14:00.004-04:00

Irena Sendler and the Children of the Warsaw Ghetto
by Susan Goldman Rubin
illustrated by Bill Farnsworth

Summary: Tells the story of Irena Sendler, a diminutive Polish social worker who helped spirit more than 400 children out of the Warsaw ghetto during WWII.

Holiday House, 2011.

The Secret Box

2011-05-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Secret Box
by Barbara Lehman

Summary: A young schoolboy from the early 20th century hides a candy box with secret instructions under the floorboards of his boarding school for future generations of schoolchildren to find and follow to a mysterious hiding place.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2011.

The Adventures of Mark Twain by Huckleberry Finn

2011-05-15T12:25:00.003-04:00

The Adventures of Mark Twain by Huckleberry Finn
written by Robert Burleigh
illustrated by Barry Blitt

Summary: Who better to tell the tale of Mark Twain than Huckleberry Finn? True to Huck's voice, this picture book biography tells the story of the world famous writer.

Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2011.

Surprise Author Visit!

2011-05-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

Followers of this blog will remember the book In the Wild, written by David Elliott and illustrated by Holly Meade, which was included in last year's Mock Caldecott reading list. Well, we had a wonderful surprise a little over a week ago when David Elliott stopped by the library to see us, in person! Read more about it here.

A Nation's Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis

2011-05-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

A Nation's Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis
by Matt de la Pena
illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Summary: On the eve of World War II, African American boxer Joe Louis fought German Max Schmeling in a bout that had more at stake than just the world heavyweight title; for much of America their fight came to represent America's war with Germany.

Dial Books for Young Readers, 2011.

Me...Jane

2011-05-06T15:24:00.004-04:00

Me...Jane
by Patrick McDonnell

Summary: Holding her stuffed toy chimpanzee, young Jane Goodall observes nature, reads Tarzan books, and dreams of living in Africa and helping animals.

Little, Brown, 2011.

Queen of the Falls

2011-04-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

Queen of the Falls
by Chris Van Allsburg

Summary: Recounts the stunt performed by sixty-two-year-old retired charm school instructor Annie Edson Taylor, who went over Niagara Falls in a wooden barrel in 1901.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011.

Meadowlands: A Wetlands Survival Story

2011-04-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

Meadowlands: A Wetlands Survival Story
by Thomas Yezerski

Summary: The 20,000 acres of wetlands in New Jersey now known as the Meadowlands were once home to hundreds of species of plants and animals, but pollution almost destroyed it. Slowly, but surely, the resilient creatures of the Meadowlands are making a comeback, and the wetlands are recovering.

Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2011.

Perfect Square

2011-04-23T15:52:00.004-04:00

A Perfect Square
by Michael Hall

Summary: A perfect square that is perfectly happy is torn into pieces, punched with holes, crumpled, and otherwise changed but finds in each transformation that it can be something new, and just as happy.

Greenwillow Books, 2011.

The Secret River

2011-04-15T06:00:00.003-04:00

The Secret River
by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
illustrated by Leo & Diane Dillon

Summary: Young Calpurnia takes her dog, Buggy-horse, and follows her nose to a secret river in a Florida forest, where she catches enough fresh fish to feed her hungry neighbors, even after giving some to the forest creatures she meets on the way home.

Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2011.

Peaceful Pieces: Poems and Quilts about Peace

2011-04-12T13:19:00.004-04:00

Peaceful Pieces: Poems and Quilts about Peace
by Anna Grossnickle Hines

Summary: A collection of poems about peace, accompanied by fabric-art illustrations.

Henry Holt, 2011.

Interesting Article in The Horn Book Magazine

2011-04-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

There was an interesting article in the March/April 2011 issue of The Horn Book:

What Makes a Good Picture Book Biography?
by Viki Ash and Thom Barthelmess

Definitely worth the time to read, it lists several features to look for in evaluating picture book biographies for children. My favorite few lines are these:

"In a well-crafted picture book, text and illustration share the storytelling duties...A picture book biography offers the illustrator an opportunity to do the same thing, using sophisticated imagery to complement the narrative with a sense of the time and place of the subject's life..."

I also especially like that they included examples of great books, and explained the features that make them great!

What do you think? How well do the picture book bios posted on this blog, or others that you'd like to discuss, hold up to these authors' criteria?

Can We Save the Tiger?

2011-03-29T10:17:00.003-04:00

Can We Save the Tiger?
by Martin Jenkins
illustrated by Vicky White

Summary: An inspiring look at a range of endangered species sure to engage every child -- and adult -- who loves animals.

Candlewick Press, 2011.

For the Love of Music: The Remarkable Story of Maria Anna Mozart

2011-03-28T06:00:00.001-04:00

For the Love of Music: The Remarkable Story of Maria Anna Mozart
by Elizabeth Rusch
illustrated by Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher

Summary: Maria Mozart, like her famous brother Wolfgang, was a musical prodigy. As they grew older, Wolfgang was encouraged to pursue his musical ambitions, while Maria was told she must stop performing and, ultimately, marry. But she was determined to continue playing the piano every day, for the love of music...

Tricycle Press, 2011.

Night Flight: Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic

2011-03-25T13:21:00.006-04:00

Night Flight: Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic
by Robert Burleigh
illustrated by Wendell Minor

Summary: An account of Amelia Earhart's dangerous 1932 flight across the Atlantic Ocean from Newfoundland to Ireland, in which she survived bad weather and a malfunctioning airplane.

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2011.

Emma Dilemma: Big Sister Poems

2011-03-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

Emma Dilemma: Big Sister Poems
by Kristine O'Connell George
illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

Summary: Emma is Jess's little sister ... and her dilemma. How can one small girl be sweet, funny, imaginative, playful, and affectionate as well as a clinging vine, brat, tattletale, and nuisance-all at the same time?

Clarion Books, 2011.

The Great Migration: Journey to the North

2011-03-19T16:26:00.002-04:00

The Great Migration: Journey to the North
by Eloise Greenfield
illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist

Summary: Describes the period of the 20th century when many African Americans left the South to make better lives for themselves in the nothern states.

HarperCollins Children's Books, 2011.

Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku

2011-03-07T15:20:00.004-05:00

Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku
by Lee Wardlaw
illustrated by Eugene Yelchin

Summary: A cat arrives at a shelter, arranges to go home with a good family, and settles in with them.

Henry Holt, 2011.

Underground

2011-03-01T14:24:00.004-05:00

Underground
by Shane W. Evans

Summary: A family silently crawls along the ground. They run barefoot through unlit woods, sleep beneath bushes, take shelter in a kind stranger's home. Where are they heading? They are heading for Freedom by way of the Underground Railroad.

Roaring Brook Press, 2011.

Little White Rabbit

2011-02-24T17:44:00.004-05:00

Little White Rabbit
by Kevin Henkes
Greenwillow Books, 2011

Summary: As he hops along a little rabbit wonders what it would be like to be green as grass, tall as fir trees, hard as rocks, and flutter like butterflies.

Gearing Up for Mock Caldecott 2012!

2011-02-23T17:44:00.002-05:00

Wow! What a great year we had, reading and evaluating and discussing and voting and watching and waiting for winners to be announced. Whew!

Now, it's time to start again. New picture books are being published every day, and we've seen many intriguing titles come across our desks. Check back soon for our first postings of the new season!

2011 Caldecott Medal Winner and Honor Books

2011-01-11T11:52:00.017-05:00

Yesterday, the winner of the 2011 Caldecott Medal was announced at the ALA Midwinter Meeting in San Diego.

A Sick Day for Amos McGee
illustrated by Erin Stead
written by Philip Stead

is the very worthy recipient of this year's Caldecott Medal.

Two honor books were also named. They are...

Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave
illustrated by Bryan Collier
written by Laban Carrick Hill

and

Interrupting Chicken
illustrated and written by David Ezra Stein

Congratulations to the winners!!

2011 Mock Caldecott Winners!

2011-01-08T14:24:00.013-05:00

I'm very pleased to be able to announce the winning titles in our Mock Caldecott Election, which was held this morning at the Main Library in downtown Fort Wayne. Twelve enthusiastic picture-book-lovers met to learn, ponder, discuss, and vote on which picture book deserves the honor of being "the most distinguished American picture book for children".

The result was a very close race -- there were many, many strong contenders this year! When the dust cleared and the final votes were tallied, the winning title was...

Art and Max
by David Wiesner

Two honor books were also named. They were...

Chalk
by Bill Thomson

City Dog, Country Frog
by Mo Willems

Mock Caldecott Election is Tomorrow!

2011-01-07T12:53:00.003-05:00

I can hardly wait -- the excitement is building -- tomorrow we will be meeting to choose this year's ACPL Mock Caldecott winner, and possibly honor books, as well! It's not too late to join us -- just call us at 260-421-1220 or click here to register!

The REAL Caldecott Medal will be awarded on Monday, January 10th at 7:45 a.m. Pacific Standard Time -- that's 10:45 a.m. in Fort Wayne. To find out which book wins the Caldecott Medal, as well as many other Youth Media Award winners, there are several options...

Watch the LIVE webcast from the American Library Association Conference in San Diego as the awards are announced
Follow the announcements live on Twitter
Follow the announcements live on ALA's Youth Media Awards Facebook Page
Check back here on the ACPL Mock Caldecott Blog, where we will also be posting the winners asap!

Henry Knox: Bookseller, Soldier, Patriot

2010-12-09T14:15:00.009-05:00

Henry Knox: Bookseller, Soldier, Patriot
by Anita Silvey
illustrated by Wendell Minor

Summary: Presents a biography of the man in charge of the artillery during the Revolutionary War, who became a trusted advisor to George Washington and the secretary of war in the newly appointed government.

Clarion Books, 2010.

Presenting...List #3!

2010-11-27T15:34:00.015-05:00

Here is the next list of titles to be added to our "Short List" -- these books, along with those in List 1 and List 2, will be brought up for discussion at our Mock Caldecott program on Saturday January 8, 2011. Please join us! Click here to register.

Kids are invited to attend our Mock Caldecott for Kids on Sunday, January 9th, 2011 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. To register for the children's program, click here.

A Pig Parade is a Terrible Idea by Michael Ian Black, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword by Barry Deutsch
Clever Jack Takes the Cake by Candace Fleming, illustrated by G. Brian Karas
Jimi: Sounds Like a Rainbow by Gary Golio, illustrated by Javaka Steptoe
Dust Devil by Anne Isaacs, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
12 Days of Christmas by Rachel Isadora
Christmas is Here, words from the King James Bible, illustrated by Lauren Castillo
Bats at the Ballgame by Brian Lies
Nini Lost and Found by Anita Lobel
Snook Alone by Marilyn Nelson, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
A Pirate's Guide to First Grade by James Preller, illustrated by Greg Ruth
The Boy in the Garden by Allen Say
Art & Max by David Wiesner
Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion by Mo Willems
Switching on the Moon: A Very First Book of Bedtime Poems, collected by Jane Yolen & Andrew Fusek Peters, illustrated by G. Brian Karas

12 Days of Christmas

2010-11-26T13:24:00.004-05:00

12 Days of Christmas
by Rachel Isadora

Summary: Sets the traditional Christmas carol in Africa, using a combination of text and rebuses. Includes author's note about some of the African traditions depicted.

G.P. Putnam's Sons, c2010.

Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword

2010-11-26T13:12:00.006-05:00

Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword
by Barry Deutsch

Summary: The first-ever wisecracking, troll-fighting, Orthodox Jewish heroine, Mirka is a spunky, strong-willed 11-year-old girl who wants to go out and fight dragons.

Amulet, 2010.

A Pirate's Guide to First Grade

2010-11-26T13:08:00.007-05:00

A Pirate's Guide to First Grade
by James Preller
illustrated by Greg Ruth

Summary: A young "pirate" and his "crew" embark on a grand adventure when they board the bus for the first day of first grade.

Feiwel and Friends, 2010.

Switching on the Moon: A Very First Book of Bedtime Poems

2010-11-26T11:54:00.006-05:00

Switching on the Moon: A Very First Book of Bedtime Poems
collected by Jane Yolen & Andrew Fusek Peters
illustrated by G. Brian Karas

Summary: 60 poems range from old favorite poets such as Alfred, Lord Tennyson and Eleanor Farjeon to beloved contemporary poets like Marilyn Singer and Children's Poet Laureate Mary Ann Hoberman.

Candlewick Press, 2010.