Comments on: Calling Caldecott 2013 ballot list

By: Dorcas

Dorcas — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 07:11:07 +0000

Hi to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one
is getting more from this website, and your views are good for new users.

By: Robin Smith

Robin Smith — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 23:47:40 +0000

I love her work too, but this one is something special! I hope people get it, listen to the NPR interviews with Sylvia Earle and pass the book around. So good.

By: AllisonGK

AllisonGK — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 23:31:05 +0000

I’m late commenting, but wanted to put in a word for the exquisite Life in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle by Claire A. Nivola. While I readily admit that having a newborn has prevented me from keeping up with all the books, I have read about half of them, and Life in the Ocean is still my favorite. Claire Nivola is an illustrator whose artistry deserves appreciation and no book is more deserving than this one.

By: Caryn

Caryn — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 07:32:39 +0000

Oh, so many great books. I’m seriously in love with the beauty and simplicity of Baby Bear Sees Blue, but I’m rooting for Extra Yarn to take it. Love Klassen’s work in that. Beautiful, simple, detailed. Yes, stunning!

By: kk

kk — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 03:45:01 +0000

A HOME FOR BIRD gets my first place vote. From the front cover to the very back is brilliant. Isn’t it clever that on the back cover the birds are pointing the way for Skunk and Porcupine to find their friends, Vernon and Bird? Talk about a book about friendship with bright and messy, childlike illustrations. What’s not to love? Look closely or not there are details and delights on each page.

By: Betsy Dewey

Betsy Dewey — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 01:12:30 +0000

I agree, Judy, I think Unspoken is the most distinguished of this year’s picks (and my college class agreed in their Mock Caldecott selection today…) Cole tells the story of the Underground Railroad wordlessly in perfectly detailed illustrations, very reminiscent of Brian Selznick’s work. I would definitely give Green an honor. I am unsure of the other honors…I like Oh, No!, Baby Bear Sees Blue, and even Jenkins’ The Beetle Book, but definitely not Hello Hello which I find much too didactic and not particularly well illustrated…sorry

By: Allison

Allison — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:43:06 +0000

I’m happy to see someone mention Sleep Like a Tiger! It’s not on the list, but that would be my vote. It’s such a wonderful combination of an eloquent text, a lovely story, and beautiful illustrations. The illustrations are rich with detail and texture. They’re slightly surreal, giving the book a dreamy, whimsical feel, which suits the story. Even the end-papers are wonderful.

As for what’s on the ballot, A Home for Bird would be my pick.I love that the illustrations are bright, colorful, messy and exuberant. The humor and childlike sweetness are charming. So many good books to choose from!

By: Judy Houser

Judy Houser — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 17:13:35 +0000

Green is a very unique book and I like it very much, but considering the award is for the most distinguished illustrations, I have to go with Unspoken. I tell my students that the award is not just for good artwork, but for artwork that enhances the story. It is a beautiful and provacative book.

By: Robin Smith

Robin Smith — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 03:37:18 +0000

Nicely said. Just talking about this book over Scrabble. (I won.)

By: Jules

Jules — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 03:35:14 +0000

I can’t remember the last time I rooted so hard for one book to win. (Well, I did want Amos McGee to win, so I guess it wasn’t that long ago.)

Anyway, I am still rooting for Cordell’s hello! hello! I love his distinctive style. I love the smart design choices. I love the book’s rhythm and pacing—so spot-on, especially the explosion of color right where it matters—and the fantastical elements in the book’s climax (Lydia’s romp on the horse with animals like an octopus and dinosaur). I love all the details (especially the book’s lettering) and what they tell us about the story. I think the subject matter is timely, yet not too finger-waggy. I love Cordell’s line work — economical, light, full of movement. I’ve said this before (I’ve been rooting for this book all year), but I think Cordell pulls it all off with delicacy, a sophisticated restraint, and a satisfying elegance. And humor to top it all off.