We're almost there! This weekend the Real Caldecott Committee gathers in Baltimore to advocate, discuss, listen, compromise — and then do it all over again and again, until the winner and honor book(s) are chosen.  

Before we get caught up in the excitement of The Big Announcement, however, we want to take a moment to shine a spotlight of gratitude on our guest bloggers who share not just their expertise and insight, but their time. It's not easy to write these posts; our contributors' enthusiastic participation and professional expertise add variety, perspective, insight, and passionate voices and opinions. Our sincere thanks to Betsy Bird, Rachel Blier, Julie Danielson, Monica de los Reyes, Kimberley Fakih, Shoshana Flax, Stephanie Ford, Elisa Gall, Monique Harris, Marva Anne Hinton, Jonathan Hunt, Annisha Jefferies, Dana Jones, Allison Grover Khoury, Maeve Visser Knoth, Cathryn M. Mercier, Adrienne L. Pettinelli, Julie Roach, Dean Schneider, Scot Smith, and Brian Wilson. 

Also huge thanks to Media Source's Research Manager Laura Girmscheid, who creates and monitors the poll for Calling Caldecott's mock vote. Laura is so generous with her time, and we couldn't stage our vote without her. If you missed the results of that mock vote announced on Wednesday, they are here.  

The ALA’s Youth Media Awards presentation will be livestreamed this Monday starting at 8 a.m. EST; toward the end, we will learn the Caldecott Committee's choices. Here is the link to the video stream.  Best wishes to the committee members!