Maria Simon

We had lots of fun at our mock election. Here is the press release we sent to our local paper about our experience. Library Streams the ALA Media Awards 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 .

Posted : Jan 26, 2013 01:20

Cheryllynn

I had trouble with Extra Yarn and the almost lack of facial expressions. Everyone got beautiful warm sweaters and yet very little change in expression.

Posted : Jan 25, 2013 02:45

Lynn Van Auken

I did not vote for Extra Yarn or A Home for Bird in the first round, but I'm holding off on my final vote in case someone would like to speak to my concerns here. I'm still deciding . . . 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.

Posted : Jan 24, 2013 11:30

Becky

It's still a hard choice. I agree that Henry Cole has changed his style in an amazing way, and he should get some recognition for the book. Z IS FOR MOOSE is a fun book. It was a difficult manuscript to illustrate, and Zelinsky did so with wit and a style that complements the text.

Posted : Jan 24, 2013 10:22

Jill

My first and second graders chose their Mock Caldecott winner today, after a week of discussions. Their winner was Unspoken! House Held Up By Trees, The Beetle Book, and More were their honor books! They are so thrilled to share their picks with our whole school tomorrow!

Posted : Jan 24, 2013 08:17

Lee Bennett Hopkins

After a very long career as an artist, Henry Cole has entered into an entirely new dimension of artwork.with UNSPOKEN,, one the most difficult things to do. UNSPOKEN in a quiet masterpiece.

Posted : Jan 24, 2013 05:06

Sam Bloom

1. Home for Bird 2. And then it's Spring 3. Unspoken I had a hard time choosing between Unspoken and Green, and sadly it is that little mistake on the firefly page that knocked Green out for me. Otherwise, I love that book.

Posted : Jan 23, 2013 07:48

Robin Smith

I think I am going to slow down on my voting--some of my favorites are gone..gone..gone. But I feel all jazzed up with extra votes in my hot little fist.

Posted : Jan 23, 2013 07:13