Cloud Tea Monkeys

Cloud Tea Monkeys
by Mal Peet & Elspeth Graham
illustrated by Juan Wijngaard

When her mother becomes too ill to harvest tea on the nearby plantation, Shenaz is too small to fill in, but when she tells the monkeys she has befriended why she is sad, they bring her a basket filled with rare and valuable wild tea.

Candlewick Press, 2010.

Paris in the Spring with Picasso

Paris in the Spring with Picasso
written by Joan Yolleck
illustrated by Marjorie Priceman

Summary: Describes how some of Paris's famous artists and writers, such as Pablo Picasso, Max Jacob, and Guillaume Apollinaire, spend their day before preparing to attend a party at Gertrude Stein's apartment.

Schwartz & Wade Books, 2010.

The 2010 "Aw, Shucks!" List

As you may know, books must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the Caldecott Award. Included are...

• Books must be originally published in the United States.
  


• Illustrators must be residents of the United States.

Because of these criteria, many excellent picture books published in 2009 did not receive recognition on this blog; however, we would like to highlight some of them now in our "Aw, Shucks!" List. These are all books that MIGHT have been contenders in the 2010 Mock Caldecott had they met all of the criteria, and are worth a closer look.

Thunder-Boomer!
written by Shutta Crum
illustrated by Carol Thompson









You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?
written by Jonah Winter
illustrated by André Carrilho








The Snow Day
written and illustrated by Komako Sakai










Little Chick
written by Amy Hest
illustrated by Amy Jeram









Bubble Trouble
written by Margaret Mahy
illustrated by Polly Dunbar









Pippo the Fool
written by Tracey E. Fern
illustrated by Pau Estrada









Moon Rabbit
written and illustrated by Natalie Russell










As I mentioned above, the books listed here are just a few of the great picture books published in other countries or by illustrators from countries outside the U.S. I know there are others out there...do YOU have any other titles to add?

We Troubled the Waters by Ntozake Shange

Illustrated by Rod Brown.

Abstract: Gives voice to all those who fought for their unalienable rights in a triumphant book about the power of the human spirit.

HarperCollins, 2009.

Sojourner Truth's Step-Stomp Stride by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Illustrated by Brian Pinkney.

Abstract: Tells the story of one of the most unique and courageous women in American history.

Disney Press, 2009.

Looking Like Me by Walter Dean Myers

Illustrated by Christopher Myers.

Summary: Jeremy sets out to discover all of the different "people" that make him who he is, including brother, son, writer, and runner.

Egmont USA, 2009.

Sweethearts of Rhythm: The Story of the Greatest All-Girl Swing Band in the World by Marilyn Nelson

Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney.

Abstract: In the 1940s, as the world was at war, a remarkable jazz band performed on the American home front. This all-female band, originating from a boarding school in the heart of Mississippi, found its way to the most famous ballrooms in the country, offering solace during the hard years of the war.

Dial Books, 2009.

Sophie Peterman Tells the Truth! by Sarah Weeks

Illustrated by Robert Neubecker.

Abstract: Sophie Peterman is an expert on younger siblings, and she offers a step-by-step guide to dealing with younger brothers and sisters.

Beach Lane Books, 2009.

John Brown: His Fight for Freedom by John Hendrix

Illustrated by John Hendrix.

Summary: In the late 1850s, at a time when many men and women spoke out against slavery, few had the same impact as John Brown, the infamous white abolitionist who backed his beliefs with unstoppable action.

Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2009.

Alfred Nobel: The Man Behind the Peace Prize by Kathy-Jo Wargin

Illustrated by Zachary Pullen.

Abstract: Alfred Nobel was the man who founded what became known as The Nobel Prizes. Nobel also invented dynamite, becoming very wealthy from his invention. Saddened by its use for harmful destruction, Nobel left his fortune to create yearly prizes for those who have rendered the greatest services to mankind.

Sleeping Bear Press, 2009.

The Sleepy Little Alphabet by Judy Sierra

Illustrated by Melissa Sweet.

Abstract: Sleepy letters of the alphabet get ready for bed.

Alfred A. Knopf, 2009.

Steady Hands: Poems about Work by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

Illustrated by Megan Halsey & Sean Addy.

Abstract: "Short, direct free-verse poems and complex multimedia illustrations combine to profile a wide variety of jobs..."--front flap.

Clarion Books, 2009.

A Chair for Always by Vera Williams

Illustrated by Vera B. Williams.

Abstract: Rosa is excited when her new cousin, Benji, is born, but when Grandma wants to remove a beloved armchair, Rosa puts her foot down and insists that the chair, just like Benji, is a member of the family.

Greenwillow Books, 2009.

Princess Hyacinth: The Surprising Tale of a Girl Who Floated by Florence Parry Heide

Illustrated by Lane Smith.

Abstract: Princess Hyacinth is bored and unhappy sitting in her palace every day because, unless she is weighed down by specially-made clothes, she will float away, but her days are made brighter when kite-flying Boy stops to say hello.

Schwartz & Wade Books, 2009.

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.

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.

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.