Erin Y.

I have say ADVENTURES OF BEEKLE was wonderful, as was GRANDFATHER GHANDI were both great, those are the 2 that are sticking in my mind...

Posted : Sep 17, 2014 05:52

chuck rosenow

'My Pet Book' by Bob Staake

Posted : Sep 13, 2014 02:09

leda

I do really want to get my hands on HARLEM HELLFIGHTERS, by J. Patrick Lewis, illustrations by Gary Kelley.

Posted : Sep 11, 2014 01:26

leda

So frustrating not to have access to all these enticing titles! Our local independent is wonderful, but can't possibly stock everything. Sounds like a great year so far.

Posted : Sep 11, 2014 01:24

Sam Juliano

OK Robin, I am not one that usually balks at a friendly challenge. I thought good and hard about the committee requirement of seven (7) Caldecott Medal finalists. :) In now particular order here are the seven in no specific order. Naturally, I did not choose more than a single book from one illustrator: Galapagos George Firefly July Maple Grandfather Gandhi Brother Hugo and the Bear The Adventures of Beekle Frieda Mama Built a Little Nest, Anna Carries Water (if eligible) and The Pilot and the Little Prince are knocking hard on the door, and would be there to round out a top 10. I await Ms. Frazee's work, as well as a number of others that will release in the coming months. As is the case with everyone else on these boards there could well be changes when the picture is complete. The point of my (enthusiastically) listing so many books above was to document what I thought were outstanding picture books over the 2014 year - books that I felt deserved to be broached in the Caldecott discussions, even if ultimately a number were behind the absolute leaders. :) I was very excited to see this post and I was inspired to survey the year.

Posted : Sep 06, 2014 09:13

Sam Juliano

Thanks Robin. You certainly got that right! But in the coming months I will definitely pare down that list. For my own planned Caldecott Contender series, I must get it down to 15. :)

Posted : Sep 06, 2014 05:24

Sam Juliano

Oh geez, I forgot Aaron Becker's beautiful QUEST (sequel to JOURNEY). Yet another work contemplating. I will now retreat from this thread and let others take over and list their own favorites.

Posted : Sep 06, 2014 03:21

Mercer Black

As a parent and a writer, I'd cast a vote for Grandfather Gandhi by Arun Gandhi and Bethany Hegedus with illustrations by Evan Turk.

Posted : Sep 06, 2014 02:30

Sam Juliano

I am very sorry to post again, but I my previous submissions here have yielded incomplete results. I beg your indulgence one last time Robin. :) My very good friend the esteemed Roger Sutton launched this thread with the proposition of THE FARMER AND THE CLOWN by Marla Frazee. Unfortunately I have not seen the book yet -it streets on September 23rd - but I am a huge admirer of Ms. Frazee's work. It was not at all surprise me at all if this book were to end up under serious consideration by the committee---what I have been able to find looks fantastic!!! Also: I accidentally left out a few other potentially heavy-hitters. Each is a big favorite of mine: Anna Carries Water (Olive Senoir/Laura James) This is a jewel of a picture book with some stunning work from the renowned artist, Ms. James. Is the book eligible, I hope? Ms. James is American, but the author is Jamaican. I defer to those who may know here. In any case I stated my case for this book a few months ago at my site in my Picture Book Treasures series: http://wondersinthedark.wordpress.com/2014/04/17/picture-book-treasures-anna-carries-water/ Three Bears in a Boat (David Soman) I do like this book, but for me not the grand slam others are claiming. But my wife loves it and I may see the light soon enough. It took me months to finally realize Sergio Ruzzier's book from last year was exceptional. Florence Nightingale (Demi) I like this best of all her picture books. Poem Depot - Aisles of Smiles (Douglas Florian) Is there a greater artist out there who has demonstrated an equal propensity for remarkable kid-friendly poetry and some of the finest abstract art being created stateside? Florian is another treasure of a very high order, and his career is dotted with one gem after another. POETREES, DINOTHESAURUS, POEM RUNS, SHIVER ME TIMBERS (a rare collaboration), the list goes on and on. Howe great would that be if he finally makes an appearance in the winner's circle with this great new effort? I know some of the gifted Horn Book educators have used his work in theme units. Tiny Rabbit's Big Wish (Margarita Engel) Another great talent and an effervescent and tireless spokesperson for children's lit to boot. Marvelous little book here! I also would like to acknowledge a wonderful non-American book--- Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino and Isabelle Malenfant An audacious picture book about a young boy who brazenly dresses in girl's clothes - a stellar treatment of tolerance and acceptance---riveting story and gorgeous art.

Posted : Sep 06, 2014 12:55

Sam Juliano

I hope to have my copy of FRIEDA this week. I am pretty certain it will join the above books.

Posted : Sep 05, 2014 10:59

Sam Juliano

Thrilled to hear the talk begin!!! There are numerous book I like that I will not include in this proposed short list for the sake of a more pointed survey. But like many other I may yet change my mind. Then there are several months left from which to choose some others that fit the profile. So, what book should win, or what books should be considered? Connecticut illustrator Wendell Minor in my view is long overdue for recognition, and astonishingly he has crafted two masterpieces in the same calender year: GALAPAGOS GEORGE, based on a moving story by the late and beloved Jean Craighead George and EDWARD HOPPER PAINTS HIS WORLD are extraordinarily beautiful books, and well-deserving of this definitive accolade. The former is a real tear-jerker of a book, guaranteed to ravish one's emotions, while the latter is as exquisite a work of Americana and loving tribute to an iconic artist that we've ever been blessed with. Mr. Minor is a national treasure with as formidable a resume as any children's book author and illustrator out there. I really do believe it is his time. Not sure which of the two I would go with--it is like deciding between the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, but I must say I am close to tears every time I open GALAPAGOS GEORGE. I pray that the Caldecott committee will in the end rally decisively between one of these two masterpieces. (EDWARD HOPPER was written by Robert Burleigh). Then we have two books by that remarkable artist Melissa Sweet, FIREFLY JULY and THE RIGHT WORD. Both are simply stunning. I will try now to offer up an answer to the question Robin asked Monica Edinger. In a very very close call, I would favor FIREFLY JULY, which is just Melissa Sweet sublimity on every page. Painting after painting is eye candy of a very high order, in that unique abstract stylistic she treats her audience to with every new book. She came close last year of course for another collaboration with Ms. Bryant and won an Honor with the same author, but she is just one of those greats who will always be there near the finish line. Then we have one of the most economical works of sheer picture book perfection in Lori Nichols' rapturous MAPLE. This book is intoxicating to absorb, and even the paper and the feel of the book contributes to the old adage "less is more." Without question one of the premier achievements of 2014. GRANDFATHER GANDHI by Bethany Hagedus and Arum Gandhi with illustrations by Evan Turk is a picture book masterwork in every sense, and it teaches a valuable lesson on bullying. So so thrilled that author and illustrator will be doing day long presentations in my school in a few weeks, but that seeming bias is trumped by the fact that I fell in love with this book immediately after I first saw it back in the Spring. Newcomer Turk's watercolor, paper collage art is simply spectacular. MAMA BUILT A LITTLE NEST is another triumph for author/poet Jennifer Ward and previous Caldecott Honor artist Steve Jenkins. Utterly lovely verse from Ms. Ward, and for Caldecott purposes sumptuous watercolor paper collage by Jenkins. BROTHER HUGO AND THE BEAR is one of my favorite books of the year, period. Just beautiful in the way it used ornamentation and design to tell this alluring Medieval take set in and around a monastery. Katy Beebe wrote it, and the master-class art is from S.D. Schindler. NEVER SAY A MEAN WORD by Jacqueline Jules with sublime period illustrations by Durga Yael Bernhard is a tale from Medieval Spain that achieves artistic excellence. I can't talk about the other great ones that I think should be considered, simply because I've talked too much already, and don't want to overstay my welcome. But here they are, fantastic books, Caldecott pedigrees one and all: The Pilot and the Little Prince (Peter Sis) The Adventures of Beekle (Dan Santat) Gaston (DiPucchio/Robinson) A Walk in Paris (Salvatore Rubbino) Henny (Elizabeth Rose Stanton) A Home For Mr. Emerson (Kerley/Fotheringham) Green is a Chilli Pepper (Thong/Parra) Josephine (Powell/Robinson) Nest (Jorey Hurley) Sparky! (Offill/Appelhans) Bad Bye, Good Bye (Underwood/Bean) My Teacher is a Monster (Peter Brown) Baby Bear (Kadir Nelson) Separate is Equal (Duncan Tonitieh) The Pet Book (Bob Staake) In New York (Marc Brown) Following Papa's Song (Gianna Marino) Bad Apple's Bad Day (Edward Hemingway) The Troublemaker (Lauren Castillo) The Baby Tree (Sophie Blackall) Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas (Cox/Floca) Beauty and the Beast (Lee/Cummings) Too bad the masterful THE SNATCHABOOK by Helen and Thomas Docherty won't quality as its husband and wife team are British. Same with the audacious RULES OF SUMMER.

Posted : Sep 05, 2014 10:56

Sam Bloom

I'm so glad you guys are back! Oh, and this thread needs more Kadir... seriously, we always, always need more Kadir. BABY BEAR is pretty great, you know. I'm with Eric on SAM AND DAVE and MY TEACHER IS A MONSTER, and I know someone mentioned GASTON... I whole-heartedly agree on that one too. STAR CHILD (Claire Nivola), KID SHERIFF AND THE TERRIBLE TOADS (Lane Smith), NUMBER ONE SAM (Greg Pizzoli), THE BABY TREE (Sophie Blackall), and DEER DANCER (Lauren Stringer... she's growing on me with each book she releases) are all strong as well.

Posted : Sep 05, 2014 07:53

Eric Carpenter

Hi, Koo!, The Right Word, Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, Quest, My Teacher is a Monster, Weasels, and Sparky! are my current favorites (not including the amazing but sadly ineligible Rules of Summer)

Posted : Sep 05, 2014 06:44

Jess

Renee, I also loved PEGGY, but I believe that Anna Walker is Australian. I'm liking FIREFLY JULY (although I haven't seen THE RIGHT WORD yet), BROTHER HUGO AND THE BEAR, and HAVE YOU SEEN MY DRAGON. Also, BEEKLE, GRAVITY, and THREE BEARS IN A BOAT. Lots of solid options, but so far no single title that I would defend to the death.

Posted : Sep 05, 2014 05:24

Allison

THREE BEARS IN A BOAT by David Soman would be my top pick of what I've been able to read so far. I also like BIG BUG and EXTRAORDINARY JANE a lot.

Posted : Sep 05, 2014 05:03

MJ

Many of the titles mentioned so far I've enjoyed. Others that are at the top of my list year include GRAVITY by Jason Chin, BIG BUG by Henry Cole, CHENGDU COULD NOT, WOULD NOT FALL ASLEEP by Barry Saltzberg, and ADVENTURES OF BEEKLE by Dan Santat. I'm excited to see what everyone's thoughts are this season!

Posted : Sep 05, 2014 03:48

Alys

It's a dark horse, but I love I am a Witch's Cat. The interaction between the paper characters and their three dimensional world intrigues me. There is some fun to be had comparing the words on the page and what is actually being depicted in the illustrations, so there is some interplay between the words and illustrations, even if relatively simple.

Posted : Sep 05, 2014 03:40

Renee Wheeler

I am a children’s librarian and some of my personal 2014 favorites are Maple by Lori Nichols, Winter is Coming by Tony Johnston and Jim LaMarche, and Peggy: A Brave Chicken on a Big Adventure by Anna Walker.

Posted : Sep 05, 2014 03:11

Monica Edinger

Robin, The Right Word hands-down.

Posted : Sep 05, 2014 02:37

Jennifer Schultz

Oh, darn. So much for that, then. I knew about the residency requirement, but didn't know Claudia Rueda was not a resident.

Posted : Sep 05, 2014 01:35

Jennifer Schultz

Wonderful! I'm hoping for discussions of Beauty and the Beast (written by H. Chuku Lee and illustrated by Pat Cummings), Maple (written and illustrated by Lori Nichols), and perhaps Here Comes the Easter Cat (written by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Claudia Rueda). I'm also wondering where Lois Ehlert's Scraps: Notes From a Colorful Life would fit. Caldecott or Newbery?

Posted : Sep 05, 2014 01:12

Monica Edinger

The Right Word.

Posted : Sep 05, 2014 10:02

Melissa LaSalle

Goodness. So many gems. This is a quiet one, but I really love the way that Lauren Castillo has crafted "The Troublemaker" (just wrote about this today: http://whattoreadtoyourkids.com/2014/09/04/mischief-making-and-lauren-castillo/); so tight, so subtle, and yet ripe with humor and emotion. Illustrations in "Grandfather Gandhi" absolutely blow me away. I adore everything Melissa Sweet does, but would especially love to see "Firefly July" get some recognition. "Noisy Paint Box" also so lovely. Barbara McClintock's new "My Grandfather's Coat" I also thought was exceptionally constructed though perhaps too traditional for the committee....

Posted : Sep 05, 2014 12:27

Jessica

Gaston by Kelly DiPucchio. Christian Robinson is amazing!

Posted : Sep 05, 2014 12:05

Celia Pérez

Viva Frida! I'm curious how a book that includes multiple art forms--Yuyi's puppets and Tim O'Meara's photography is handled. Two artists? One? Seems that the photography and digital manipulation of images is as important as the puppets.

Posted : Sep 04, 2014 10:18

Sergio R.

I think "Lion, Lion" is this one: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780062271044 The cover looks good, and Larry Day, the illustrator, has done vey nice things.

Posted : Sep 04, 2014 07:03

Danyelle

Firefly July!

Posted : Sep 04, 2014 06:30

Amy

Sounds great! I love your thoughts here and look forward to following along again this year. -Amy

Posted : Sep 04, 2014 06:06

Donna Koppelman

Lion, Lion

Posted : Sep 04, 2014 04:49

Roger Sutton

THE FARMER AND THE CLOWN!

Posted : Sep 04, 2014 03:45