Comments on: Calling Caldecott ballot #1 results

By: Calling Caldecott final ballot is OPEN — The Horn Book

Calling Caldecott final ballot is OPEN — The Horn Book — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:43:20 +0000

[...] Aaaaand they’re off! Here is a link to the second and final ballot. We’ll leave the polls on this one open until Thursday morning and aim to post the final results Thursday noon. If you missed the results of the first ballot, they are here. [...]

By: Susan Dailey

Susan Dailey — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:18:25 +0000

Can someone explain why they love “Balloons over Broadway?” I haven’t had time to study it, onlly glance at it. However, it didn’t strike me. What am I missing? (And I’m sure I am missing something since it made Horn Book and PW’s best picture books of the year lists.)

By: Robin Smith

Robin Smith — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:03:47 +0000

I obviously started my post and finished it with a few hours in between! I am comforted knowing that you too loved Neville. I just hope someone on the committee will be able to put into words just how marvelous it is. I do like all the remaining books a lot, but, Neville will always be my first love. And Daisy.
See how fickle I can be?

By: Robin Smith

Robin Smith — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:52:53 +0000

Thanks, Angela. I hope NEVILLE didn’t get votes because maybe people haven’t seen it yet. (I know, I live in a state of denial when it comes to my love of a book.)

I do have a question about the gatefold in Grandpa Green–why do y’all think there is a big green trunk to the left of the gutter, blocking the elephant? I just didn’t have a great answer when my second graders asked today. They have looked at these books a lot and just noticed it today.

By: Thom Barthelmess

Thom Barthelmess — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:28:27 +0000

I, too, had Neville as a first choice and join in your sorrow.
I feel less sorrowful about Walrus. I have always been troubled by its cultural representations. I find it unfortunate that it depicts a New York City without any people of color. I find it unfortunate that women are relegated to being Can Can dancers and mannequins and onlookers. But that, evidently, is just me.
I will say that I am very fond of Me…Jane and Balloons Over Broadway and I Want My Hat Back, each of which seems particularly indelible in its own way.

By: Angela Reynolds

Angela Reynolds — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:55:42 +0000

I too, am sad to see NEVILLE drop off the list, as I was one of the 4 who chose that as my #1 vote (no secrecy here). The choices that remain, however, are good ones. Grandpa Green is so imaginative, the use of shape and color are brilliant. I have one concern about Blackout, but maybe it is not troubling to others — is the main character a boy or a girl? Does it matter? I think the design of this book is fantastic, but I keep going back to that little issue for me. Me..Jane has a wonderfully nostalgic feel, and i love the journal feel to the pages. Thanks for letting us vote in your virtual election!

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:32:25 +0000

I really loved Grandpa Green AND Me, Jane! I purchased both for my “must-have” picture book collection. Balloons over Broadway is sitting in my cart while I think it over.

To me, I feel that Grandpa Green is a true masterpiece. The whole book is so beautiful to me. The way that Smith evokes the detail of each and every leaf without actually detailing the leaves is something that startles me every time I open the book. And the gradual fading of the colors, the use of browns as Grandpa’s memory fades is a little heartbreaking to me. I just love this book.

By: Robin Smith

Robin Smith — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:46:44 +0000

I know.
I was surprised by Walrus, but it is really hard to only choose three titles. I have a feeling that some of these titles (Walrus, Daisy, Swirl by Swirl, Bone Dog) might have more longevity with the committee.

By: Annie

Annie — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:41:29 +0000

Poor Walrus! That was one of my favorites. That said, Grandpa Green is truly lovely, and Me…Jane already feels like a classic.