Sam Bloom

Okay, sorry if this is a weird place to hide this, but I wanted to get the info out there. So here it is. Yesterday (January 8) children's service professionals from the Lane Libraries, the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, and assorted folks from both Northern Kentucky and the Dayton metro area held a Mock Caldecott. We discussed 25 books, and yes I really am going to list them all: MY BUS - written and ill. by Byron Barton THE BABY TREE - written and ill. by Sophie Blackall A BOY AND A JAGUAR - ill. by Catia Chien, written by Alan Rabinowitz GRAVITY - written and ill. by Jason Chin DRAW! - ill. by Raul Colon A DANCE LIKE STARLIGHT - ill. by Floyd Cooper, written by Kristy Dempsey THE SCRAPS BOOK - written and ill. by Lois Ehlert ASHLEY BRYAN'S PUPPETS - photo. by Rich Entel, written by Ashley Bryan THE FARMER AND THE CLOWN - ill. by Marla Frazee THE NOISY PAINT BOX - ill. by Mary GrandPre, written by Barbara Rosenstock MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE RANCH - ill. by Kevin Hawkes, written by Anne Isaacs MAMA BUILT A LITTLE NEST - ill. by Steve Jenkins, written by Jennifer Ward ALL DIFFERENT NOW - ill. by E.B. Lewis, written by Angela Johnson THIS IS A MOOSE - ill. by Tom Lichtenheld, written by Richard T. Morris BREATHE - written and ill. by Scott Magoon MY GRANDFATHER'S COAT - ill. by Barbara McClintock, written by Jim Aylesworth VIVA FRIDA - written and ill. by Yuyi Morales, photo. by Tim O'Meara FIREBIRD - ill. by Christopher Myers, written by Misty Copeland THE COSMO-BIOGRAPHY OF SUN RA - written and ill. by Chris Raschka JOSEPHINE - ill. by Christian Robinson, written by Patricia Hruby Powell THE PILOT AND THE LITTLE PRINCE - written and ill. by Peter Sis KID SHERIFF AND THE TERRIBLE TOADS - ill. by Lane Smith, written by Bob Shea THREE BEARS IN A BOAT - written and ill. by David Soman THE RIGHT WORD - ill. by Melissa Sweet, written by Jen Bryant SEPARATE IS NEVER EQUAL - written and ill. by Duncan Tonatiuh We separated into ten groups, with each group voting for their three favorites (just like members of the Real Committee do). Amazingly enough, 13 of the 25 titles received votes... but based on the point system used by the Real Committee, the results were as follows: WINNER: The Farmer and the Clown HONORS: Draw!; The Noisy Paintbox; Viva Frida!

Posted : Jan 09, 2015 08:59

Erica

These are my 2nd graders top 5 ... it was a grueling selection process!! Viva Frida Sam and Dave Dig a Hole Hug Machine Shh We Have a Plan Firebird

Posted : Jan 08, 2015 09:50

sam leopold

Five I like..... BAD-BYE, GOOD-BYE QUEST THE GIRL AND THE BICYCLE BLUE ON BLUE BABY BEAR by K.NELSON

Posted : Dec 31, 2014 09:11

Margaret Kensinger-Klopfer

Is The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires not eligible for the Caldecott Medal? I am really surprised that this book didn't make anyone's best books lists. This was one of my favorite! I loved the narrative arc was wonderful, cleverly and completely intertwined with the clever illustrations.

Posted : Dec 23, 2014 02:52

Even in Australia

I am the volunteer librarian at my daughters' K-5 school. The library does NOT get a lot of love and support from the administration, and even the teachers who love it are pressed for time. However, I'm making our first attempt at a mock Caldecott this year. I picked our 10 nominees based on personal preference and online buzz, as I haven't read all of them. I also wanted some diversity of subjects, genre, illustrators, wordless v. not wordless (wordful?). Of course, those are all factors that the committee is not supposed to consider. But my goals are a bit different. Here is my list, in no particular order: The Right Word The Iridescence of Birds Nana in the City Draw! Flashlight Josephine The Scraps Book A Dance Like Starlight Brother Hugo and the Bear Viva Frida!

Posted : Dec 15, 2014 10:00

Robin Smith

Linda, Sorry, these comments don't nest. It's for the committee to decide if a book is an illustrated book or a picture book and it's in deliberations that that will happen. For me, Harlem Hellfighters is a book where the pictures create a feeling and the words do too, but it is all very hard to follow as a story with an arc. The book worked better after I did more research on the Hellfighters. I actually knew a fair amount of the history before I read the book and I am completely amazed by the illustrations--I just think they feel like individual paintings, not like a picture book. Could be just me, of course. There is more of an arc to the two poetry books you mentioned and I would love to be in the room when the committee discusses these. They will hash out whether those two are picture books or not.

Posted : Dec 15, 2014 08:03

Sara Cook

In no particular order and under duress to pick only 5! Viva Frida It's such a beautiful book with a wonderful message. The Right Word The artwork added so much to the interesting story Gaston I'm in love with those puppies and their mommies. Forget Me Not The detail in the art added such a sweetness to the sad tale. Sam and Dave Dig a Hole I liked it but didn't LOVE it however every kid I've shared it with (6 year old, 10 year old and my Mock Caldecott group of 7th graders) LOVE it.

Posted : Dec 15, 2014 06:20

Paula Guiler

In my district, we do a Mock Caldecott exercise with our K-5 students and a smattering of Middle Schoolers. We librarians narrow our list down to 10 (we did that last Friday-early, I know!) and share our picks with students through the end of January, when we vote. This year, many of my top choices didn't make the cut. The district list is: Baby Bear Blizzard Where's Mommy? Elizabeth, the Queen... My teacher is a monster Draw! Have you seen my dragon? The right word Sam and Dave Aviary Wonders My list would have included the following 5: Irisdescence of birds The right word Viva Frida Harlem Hellfighters Grandfather Gandhi

Posted : Dec 15, 2014 06:16

jules

Bad Bye, Good Bye. I'm ashamed to say I'd forgotten about it momentarily, since it was something like a March release. Brilliant what Bean does in that book. I'm not furthering the conversation here, but I just have to add that.

Posted : Dec 15, 2014 02:58

Scope Notes

- Sam & Dave Dig a Hole - Bad Bye, Good Bye - Draw! - The Farmer and the Clown

Posted : Dec 14, 2014 11:45

Cecilia

In no particular order: The Right Word Nana in the City Grandfather Gandhi The Farmer and the Clown Winter Bees We're sold out of both Viva Frida and Iridescence of Birds, so I haven't been able to read them!

Posted : Dec 14, 2014 08:04

Susan Dailey

Not sure of the order (and there are several books that I've not studied closely), but here are my five. Farmer and the Clown Sam and Dave Dig a Hole Bad Bye, Good Bye Draw! Winter Bees and Other Poems of the Cold

Posted : Dec 14, 2014 01:50

Thom Barthelmess

OK, here goes: 1) This One Summer 2) Harlem Hellfighters 3) The Right Word 4) Hug Machine 5) Josephine

Posted : Dec 14, 2014 01:48

Sam Juliano

The 2014 Caldecott celebration seems destined to go on for a while yet!!! Bob Shea and Lane Smith deserved to be honored guests for this utterly fantastic and sublime KID SHERIFF AND THE TERRIBLE TOADS, which also belongs on the best lists. But I know Horn Book is already on to this and will be soon be banging on the drums! Can't wait. :)

Posted : Dec 13, 2014 10:02

Cherylynn

1. Draw 2. Iridescence of Birds 3. Gravity 4. Following Papa's Song 5. Bad Bye, Good Bye

Posted : Dec 13, 2014 03:19

Misti

Oh, so difficult! But: 1. The Farmer and the Clown 2. The Right Word 3. Winter Bees 4. Sam and Dave Dig a Hole 5. Little Melba and Her Big Trombone

Posted : Dec 13, 2014 02:08

Nicole

1. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend 2. Viva Frida 3. Flight School 4. Following Papa's Song 5. Have You Heard the Nesting Bird?

Posted : Dec 13, 2014 12:52

Mike Jung

Disclaimer: I haven't read all of the contenders - or most of them - but I'm partial to BAD BYE, GOOD BYE.

Posted : Dec 12, 2014 11:41

Jess

I'm helping with a local Mock Caldecott this year, so I feel like I've actually read (and thought hard about) a decent number of possible books this year! My top 3 are definitely: THE FARMER AND THE CLOWN THE RIGHT WORD WINTER BEES The other two are harder - I'll throw some love at: FLASHLIGHT HAVE YOU SEEN MY DRAGON* *When I read this in May I said (not so eloquently): "Part dragon hunt, part counting book, all fabulous. The endpapers are a map of the boy's route, items to count stand out in colorful contrast to the pen and ink illustrations, the perspective shifts in fun ways, and there are fun bonus pictures hidden under the dust jacket (attention to detail!)"

Posted : Dec 12, 2014 10:09

Chelsea CS

I'm not sure how I would rank these yet but here are my top five: Extraordinary Jane Brother Hugo and the Bear Sam and Dave Dig a Hole The Farmer and the Clown Grandfather Gandhi Extraordinary Jane and Brother Hugo are two of my most memorable reads of the year that haven't earned much attention yet. Schindler's take on illuminated manuscripts really impressed me, particularly when combined with Beebe's text. That title as a whole makes medieval manuscript history amazingly accessible and engaging, and the illustrations are full of humor and wonderful detail while also providing a visual example of what the story is about. Jane is just an exceptional package. Harrison's incredibly realistic paintings provide oodles of character as well as a wonderfully-realized circus setting, and it all meshes perfectly with the text's overall message of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. I'll stop there, but those are probably my top two for the year.

Posted : Dec 12, 2014 09:09

Jennifer R.

1. Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold 2. The Iridescence of Birds 3. Same and Dave Dig a Hole 4. Viva Frida 5. Gaston

Posted : Dec 12, 2014 07:26

Carter Higgins

I can't shake the feeling that we're all missing something that's flying so under the radar this year. What is it?! I don't know! I don't envy this year's committee either. Stellar, stellar year for kids and the rest of us grownups. In no particular order: 1. The Iridescence of Birds 2. Josephine 3. The Farmer and the Clown 4. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend 5. Sam and Dave Dig a Hole (Actually, just kidding. I think that is my order. Josephine and Matisse would have to arm wrestle for the top spot.) With super sad apologies to Melissa Sweet and Sergio Ruzzier. Love that Leo!

Posted : Dec 12, 2014 05:08

Victoria Stapleton

Hi Robin, A copy of BEEKLE is on its way to you ASAP.

Posted : Dec 12, 2014 04:46

Katy D

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to share our favorites. There are so many wonderful books again this year! My top five are listed below. And if you only look at ONE of these, take a look at A DANCE LIKE STARLIGHT: ONE BALLERINA"S DREAM written by Kristy Dempsey and illustrated by Floyd Cooper. A tribute to dancer Janet Collins, the lyrical text stirs the readers' soul and prompts them to never give up on their dreams. And Cooper's illustrations? It's Floyd Cooper! The art is soft and subtle and it evokes the dreamy nature of the text. A truly, truly wonderful book. My list: 1. A DANCE LIKE STARLIGHT: ONE BALLERINA'S DREAM, by Kristy Dempsey, illus. Floyd Cooper 2. LITTLE ELLIOT, BIG CITY, by Mike Curato 3. EXTRAORDINARY JANE, by Hannah E. Harrision 4. MAPLE, by Lori Nichols 5. BREATHE, by Scott Magoon

Posted : Dec 12, 2014 02:33

Sam Juliano

I would like to put in some strong agreement with those on this thread who love THE ADVENTURES OF BEEKLE by Dan Santat. He had the kids eating out of his hands in 2013 with CRANKENSTEIN and I have to concur with Amanda when she says he has "elevated his game." I just yesterday came upon another book, BLUE ON BLUE by Dianne White and Caldecott Medalist Beth Krommes that is wholly ravishing. I completely understand why Martha recently likened 2014 as memorable a year for children's list as 2013. :)

Posted : Dec 12, 2014 01:53

Teresa

Hi Robin, I am new to these comments, so I'm not sure how to reply directly to your reply to my top five (confused a bit??). To answer your question, I should start by saying that it was so easy to select Iridescence of Birds and The Farmer and The Clown. From my first read-through, they have always been my favorites. I do not own Have You Seen My Dragon? and do not have it right in front of me, but I was drawn to the detail of the illustrations. I also like Steve Light's story of thinking that the steam from sewers in NYC was coming from dragons living under the city. It just made me feel that the illustrations showed a deep love of the city. The illustrations and story seem child-friendly, and by that I mean that I can see children poring over this book. Nana and the City was another early favorite, and then I forgot about it for awhile. I recently re-visited it and appreciate the relationship between illustration and text. I enjoy everything that Lauren Castillo produces, but feel that these illustrations really highlight the emotion and relationship in the story. Sebastian and the Balloon has a dreamy quality. The story is a little off-kilter and jumpy, just like my dreams. The illustrations also have a dreamy quality, and I love the colors. I am writing this in a rush, and really do not feel that I am doing these books justice, but I hope it gives you a little insight to my selections. This is fun, and I hope to contribute (more thoughtfully) in the future. :)

Posted : Dec 12, 2014 02:08

Amanda

1. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend - I always love Santat's style, but with Beekle I think he's really elevated his game, for the reasons very eloquently expressed in earlier comments. 2. Viva Frida 3. Gravity 4. The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus 5. Sam and Dave Dig a Hole

Posted : Dec 11, 2014 10:53

jules

I've been thinking about this since this post first went up, and what really stumps me is that, if we're going to agree that Josephine is not an illustrated book, it actually trumps everything else on my list. (AND I just took a moment to re-read Martha's thoughts on that, and I'm more convinced it's not "an illustrated book.") I think the rest of my list would be: The Iridescence of Birds (though I don't doubt it has child appeal, I do wonder if it has *more* adult appeal? That's my only hesitation here) The Farmer and the Clown Sam and Dave Dig a Hole A Letter for Leo It's hard not to include The Right Word and Firefly July. I'm also still crazy about Lois Ehlert's The Scraps Book. I do not envy the committee.

Posted : Dec 11, 2014 09:28

Rebecca

The Farmer and the Clown The Scraps Book Nana in the City The Right Word Hug Machine

Posted : Dec 11, 2014 09:11

MJ

WINTER BEES by Sidman / Allen VIVA FRIDA by Morales SAM AND DAVE DIG A HOLE by Barnett / Klassen DRAW! by Colon GRAVITY by Chin

Posted : Dec 11, 2014 08:53

Sam Bloom

Well, take my nominations with a giant gem-sized grain of salt, because I am only including fictional picture books. Anyway, my choices are: 1. Sam and Dave Dig a Hole 2. Firebird 3. My Grandfather's Coat 4. My Bus 5. Gaston So hard to leave Draw! and Baby Tree off of this list. And a bunch of others I'm not at liberty to discuss. Narrowing down is HARD.

Posted : Dec 11, 2014 08:53

Dean Schneider

1. Letter for Leo 2. The Farmer and the Clown 3. Blizzard 4. Gaston 5. Sam and Dave Dig a Hole

Posted : Dec 11, 2014 08:53

Sam Juliano

My apologies. First off my ballot is a complete joke, as I accidentally rushing from one class to another left off one of my absolute favorites of the year, HUGO AND THE BEAR by Kate Beebe and S.D. Schindler, and another I hold in very hard regard, HENNY by Elizabeth Rose Stanton. Second, my two posts above copied twice on this thread, because one with inverted name and e mail address went into moderation. If you could, I'd be much obliged if you can remove one set. I'm sorry. I love each and every submission by all the others above.

Posted : Dec 11, 2014 08:32

Sam Juliano

Quest, Gaston, The Pilot and the Little Prince, Mama Built a Little Nest, and Sam and Dave Dig a Hole are just too good to leave off. Oh boy. :)

Posted : Dec 11, 2014 08:10

Sam Juliano

I am finding this restriction exceedingly difficult. I am beside myself in fact, but for now, will put down these dozen not to defy the rules or to look above those rules but to beg and allow me a little more time to narrow it down. Hence no numerical order just yet: Galapagos George Grandfather Gandhi Firefly July The Mayflower The Iridescence of Birds Josephine A Letter for Leo Little Melba and Her Big Trombone The Right Word Maple The Farmer and the Clown Sequoia And yet like just about everyone else there I other I deeply adore. Ugh. :)

Posted : Dec 11, 2014 08:08

TheFountain26@yahoo.com

Quest, The Pilot and the Little Prince, Sam and Dave Dig a Hole and Gaston are too good to leave off. I am glad you will be offering follow-up posts to allow for a narrowing down. :)

Posted : Dec 11, 2014 08:07

TheFountain26@yahoo.com

I am finding this restriction exceedingly difficult. I am beside myself in fact, but for now, will put down these dozen not to defy the rules or to look above those rules but to beg and allow me a little more time to narrow it down. Hence no numerical order just yet: Galapagos George Grandfather Gandhi Firefly July The Mayflower The Iridescence of Birds Josephine A Letter for Leo Little Melba and Her Big Trombone The Right Word Maple The Farmer and the Clown Sequoia And yet like just about everyone else there I other I deeply adore. Ugh. :)

Posted : Dec 11, 2014 08:05

keith k

1) Letter for Leo 2) Draw 3) Grandfather Gandhi 4) Pilot and the Little Prince 5) Sam and Dave Dig a Hole

Posted : Dec 11, 2014 06:00

Minh

Woah, that response looked much longer after I hit submit. Sorry!

Posted : Dec 11, 2014 05:20

Minh

Robin: Well, for a while I thought that Viva Frida was going to be my top choice for this year because I do think that it's absolutely transcendent. In the end, it didn't include it in my top five because it didn't quite resonate on quite the same level as other books when I read it with children. But I still think it's stunning and it's one of my absolute favorites. As for Beekle, there's so much to love about it (and I would love to hear your thoughts once you've taken a look), but if I had to describe it according to the criteria you've outlined in previous posts: Excellence of execution in the artistic technique employed: Santat's use of color and perspective is always brilliant, but but he takes it to another level in this book by contrasting the bright colors of the child/imaginary world with the more subdued palette of the "grown-up" world. It feels like Santat is in complete control the entire time, but not in a way that feels at all limiting. Excellence of pictorial interpretation of story, theme, or concept: The spare text allows the book to lean heavily on the illustrations for the story. For example, all of the children's imaginary friends reflect aspects of their personality (the endpapers show this well). And I love that there is a postmodern element (shown through visual hints embedded throughout) but that the story can stand alone even if the reader doesn't catch them. He does such a great job of telling a very emotional/personal story but leaving enough room for the story to breath and for the reader to develop their own interpretation. Appropriateness of style of illustration to the story, theme or concept: Again, the use of color to draw a strong distinction between a world of the imagination vs. a world without is a strong support for the theme. He puts a lot of detail in the illustrations, but it doesn't feel cluttered. While I love the use of collage/mixed media in other books, it would have felt distracting here and slowed down the momentum of the story. There is a strong coherent sense of drama (cinematic?) that keeps the story always moving forward (and I love that it ends appropriately on an open-ended/forward looking note). Delineation of plot, theme, characters, setting, mood or information through the pictures: There is a scene towards the end (spoiler alert) when we see the girl drawing scenes from the book itself, but in crayon. It's a brilliant way of portraying the "story within a story" through the illustrations without having to say it through the text. Excellence of presentation in recognition of a child audience: Visually, I think it has great appeal for children, both in his dynamic use of color, the fantastic landscapes, and the appealing (and diverse) characters. The playful skewering of the grown-up world is also a clever device that places the child reader clearly on the side of the protagonist. And at its core the story (about finding your way in the world and a search for friendship) are universal themes that any child can relate to--and then the more complicated aspects of the story give the child the opportunity to discover new layers of meaning with repeated readings. Okay, I'll stop now (I could talk about this book all day), but I'd be curious to hear what you think! Whether or not you think it's Caldecott-worthy, I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed.

Posted : Dec 11, 2014 03:03

Barb Outside Boston

5. Sam and Dave Dig a Hole 4. The Right Word 3. The Baby Tree 2. Viva Frida 1. Separate Is Never Equal Separate is Never Equal beautifully integrates meaning from style and inspiration with meaning from the words. However, I would be perfectly happy with any of these winning the top spot.

Posted : Dec 11, 2014 01:06

Beth

1. Draw 2. Quest 3. Viva Frida 4. Sam and Dave 5. All Different Now

Posted : Dec 11, 2014 12:40

Teresa

1. The Iridescence of Birds: A Book about Henri Matisse by Patricia MacLachlan, ill. Hadley Hooper 2. The Farmer and the Clown by Marla Frazee 3. Have You Seen My Dragon? by Steve Light 4. Nana and the City by Lauren Castillo 5. Sebastian and the Balloon by Philip Stead

Posted : Dec 10, 2014 11:35

Minh

Such a difficult exercise, but my final five would be: 1. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat 2. Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker by Patricia Hruby Powell, ill. Christian Robinson 3. The Iridescence of Birds: A Book about Henri Matisse by Patricia MacLachlan, ill. Hadley Hooper 4. The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Melissa Sweet 5. The Farmer and the Clown by Marla Frazee ...with the hardest omissions being Viva Frida (Yuyi Morales) and Nana in the City (Lauren Castillo).

Posted : Dec 10, 2014 06:38