Likewise, on the snow page with the cardinal–that isn’t a “purple wing”, that’s a red wing in shadow.

In any case, I have a hard time seeing how these mistakes could knock GREEN out of contention by themselves. Though I can’t find any mistakes, so I guess I can’t judge.

On Monday, January 28th at 11:00am, the Wood County District Public Library will be watching the ALA (American Library Association) Youth Media Awards announcement. All children and teen book enthusiasts are welcome to join us in the Children’s Place to watch the results.

Each year, ALA honors books, videos, and other outstanding materials for children and teens. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, the ALA Youth Media Awards, including the prestigious Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, and Coretta Scott King Book Awards, guide parents, educators, librarians, and others in selecting the best materials for youth. Selected by committees composed of librarians and other literature and media experts, the awards encourage original and creative work in the field of children’s and young adult literature and media.

This year, 2013, marks the 75th anniversary of the Randolph Caldecott Medal, honoring the illustrator of the recent year’s most distinguished American picture book for children. Two weeks ago, the Wood County District Public Library had a mock election event to select our favorite picture book. A group of over twenty adults and children—including elementary, middle, and high school students; parents; local librarians; booksellers; and educators—met under the guidance of Kathy East, retired children’s librarian, to learn how the Caldecott Medal is awarded, and to hold a Caldecott election of our own. After splitting into eight groups to select our top eight choices, all participants voted on the WCDPL Mock Caldecott Winner and Honor books. Our Mock Caldecott winner was Abe Lincoln’s Dream by Lane Smith, published by Roaring Book Press. This book was voted the most distinguished by virtue of its use of a variety of media, the way the lines of the story are worked into the illustrations, and the patterns and designs Lane Smith incorporated into every page of his masterful book about a young African-American girl able to show Abraham Lincoln’s ghost just how far our country has come in the nearly 150 years since he was President.

Our committee also chose to present Honor awards to More by I. C. Springman and Brian Lies, published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children; Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham and Paul O. Zelinsky, published by Greenwillow Books; and Meet Me at the Moon by Gianna Marino, published by Viking Juvenile. Which books will this years’ Caldecott committee choose? We’re looking forward to finding out, so join us in the Children’s Place on Monday, January 28th at 11:00am for the official announcement of this year’s winner! For more information, contact the Children’s Place at 419-352-8253 .

I think you are supposed to connect with Vernon. I felt that Bird’s lack of response made Vernon’s devotion exceptional–a wonderful example of selfless friendship.

I love the colors and style Klassen used to illustrate Barnett’s story, but the archduke bothers me. He (and his boat) look like they’re from a different century than the rest of the characters; to my eye and mind he doesn’t fit. And even though this is a story point rather than an illustration issue, I wish the ending was different. A nasty curse doesn’t seem necessary. And why make the teacher so snippy? I think the same story could be told – and to better effect – without these two distasteful characters.

Character’s my problem in A Home for Bird, too. I know the artwork’s “The Thing” and I could vote for Bird based on the artwork alone, but as of now it wouldn’t be an enthusiastic vote. Maybe someone can convince me otherwise? I want to “feel for” bird and I don’t. While at first the stoic creature was amusing, I really wanted there to be some small change in his affect by the end of the tale. And while Vernon’s efforts to help Bird find his home are commendable, I began to question his quest on behalf of a completely unresponsive companion. In spite of the glorious artwork, by the end of the story I really didn’t care much for either of them.