Gather your books and get ready

by Lolly Robinson
Sep 14, 2011 | Filed in Articles & Opinion
We've assembled a preliminary list, aiming to start discussions about each of these books over the next few weeks. Robin and I are still waiting to get our hands on Wonderstruck and I probably won't read it until next week since it would take up half my suitcase (traveling to a Beatrix Potter conference Friday-Sunday).

All the Water in the World by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Katherine Tillotson
Blackout by John Rocco
Blue Chicken by Deborah Freedman
Bone Dog by Eric Rohman
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson
Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell
Naamah and the Ark at Night by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, illustrated by Holly Meade
Orani: My Father’s Village by Claire A. Nivola
Where’s Walrus? by Stephen Savage
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

On your mark, get set, GO find books!

Lolly Robinson

Lolly Robinson is a freelance designer and consultant with degrees in studio art and children’s literature. She is the former creative director for The Horn Book, Inc., and has taught children’s literature at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. She has served on the Caldecott and Boston Globe-Horn Book Award committees and blogged for Calling Caldecott and Lolly's Classroom on this site.

 

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Steffaney Smith

One of my favorites from viewing over the holidays was Nancy Tillman's "The Crown On Your Head." Her illustrations are luminous and really suit the text.

Posted : Jan 04, 2012 11:42

Sam Bloom

Hey, I'm a lover (of picture books) not a fighter! They all have great qualities, and after posts about the particular titles I've got a whole lot more to think about. I'm still catching up on posts/comments on this blog and Heavy Medal! Whew! I finally got a copy of Heart and Soul! Woohooo!! I also was thinking yesterday of a book that had sort of fallen off my radar because it came out so long ago, but it is lovely... Underground, by Shane W. Evans. Have you or Lolly seen this one yet, Robin?

Posted : Oct 06, 2011 08:10

Robin Smith

Yes, I have seen Underground. I am a fan and gave it to the teacher at my school who is starting her mock Geisel. I will grab it back and add it to the Caldecott-suggested-by-readers pile. Thanks!

Posted : Oct 06, 2011 08:10

Sam Bloom

I've been looking at some of these titles over the last few days, and my difficulty is comparing one vs another. To paraphrase Monica, I don't know that I really "speak" illustrations yet - but hopefully by the end of this process I'll be better. Having said that, after looking at Bone Dog, All the Water in the World, A Ball for Daisy, and Blue Chicken, I'd give the nod to Blue Chicken. Loved that book! And I love this blog!

Posted : Sep 24, 2011 07:32

Robin Smith

Them's fightin' words, Sam! (which means we are going to call you by name when we talk about those particular books) That's probably a good pile to compare one to another, though I think we will talk about them individually first. There is a lot of watercolor there, if I am remembering correctly. Glad you were able to find so many of the titles, both on the list and the suggestions from blog readers. I just have an pre-publication edition of Blue Chicken, so I will have to look at a finished copy. As you learned from serving on Newbery, the finished copy is the one the committee examines. There can be some changes and the quality of the paper and ink can be quite different from the ARC to the final copy.

Posted : Sep 24, 2011 07:32

Monica Edinger

Just to say, ladies, I'm enjoying this mightily so far. Didn't think I'd have much to say (being more articulate about text than illustrations, tho I "know what I like"), but who knows! Thanks!

Posted : Sep 24, 2011 10:42

Steffaney Smith

In our library we love the illustrated nonfiction of Diana Hutts Aston (An Egg is Quiet; A Seed is Sleepy) and I find "A Butterfly Is Patient" does not disappoint. Please consider this book in your quest for the 2012 Caldecott!

Posted : Sep 17, 2011 04:33

Robin Smith

Thanks, Steffaney. These are, indeed, lovely books.

Posted : Sep 17, 2011 04:33

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