Caldecott Medal and Honor Books 2016

2016 Caldecott Medal and Honor Books

 

Caldecott Medal book

Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear written by Lindsay Mattick and illustrated by Sophie Blackall.

From the Amazon description: “In 1914, Harry Colebourn, a veterinarian on his way to tend horses in World War I, followed his heart and rescued a baby bear. He named her Winnie, after his hometown of Winnipeg, and he took the bear to war. Harry Colebourn's real-life great-granddaughter tells the true story of a remarkable friendship and an even more remarkable journey--from the fields of Canada to a convoy across the ocean to an army base in England. And finally to the London Zoo, where Winnie made another new friend: a real boy named Christopher Robin. Before Winnie-the-Pooh, there was a real bear named Winnie. And she was a girl!”

You can listen to the story read aloud here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b8kICewJ9c

And listen to an interview with the author here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfj9ZkD0dN8

Lindsay Mattick is the great-granddaughter of Captain Harry Colebourn. This story has been part of her family for generations. She is Canadian.

Sophie Blackall is an Australian illustrator based in Brooklyn. She is also the illustrator of another Caldecott Medal book, Hello Lighthouse. She has worked together with authors such as Jacqueline Woodson, Aldous Huxley, Jane Yolen, and Polly Horvath. She has written and illustrated books such as The Baby Tree and Are You Awake. Blackall has received many awards including the New York Time Best Children’s Book of the Year, the Ezra Jack Keats Award for Best New Illustrator, and the Horn Book Honor award.

My opinion: This is a must-have book for any child who loves Winnie-the-Pooh. I had never known the background of the creation of the character Winnie. The illustrations are lovely and sweet, done with Chinese ink and watercolor on hot-press paper. The front cover shows Harry and Winnie, and the back cover shows Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh to tie the story together. Under the dust jacket are soldiers marching led by the bear. Blackall also tucked in several other surprises in the illustrations: a message in the signal flags and details in the map of the zoo. Fun! See if you can find them!

Caldecott Honor books

Trombone Shorty written by Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews and illustrated by Bryan Collier.

From the Amazon description: “’Who’s that playing out there?’ Bo Diddley asked the New Orleans crowd. It was a small child who’d been nicknamed ‘Trombone Shorty’ because his trombone was twice as large as he was. Trombone Shorty was lifted in the air and carried through the audience until he reached the stage with Bo Diddley. He has been onstage ever since. Hailing from the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, where music always floated in the air, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews didn’t always have the money to buy an instrument, but he did have the dream to play music. This is the story of how he made his dream take flight.  Today, Troy Andrews is a Grammy-nominated musician who tours the world with his band, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. He continues to inspire hope for the next generation in New Orleans and for music lovers everywhere.”

 

You can listen to the book being read here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oxsh96E9HHk

 

Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews wrote this autobiographical picture book; he is a Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist. Andrews is committed to “preserving the musical heritage of New Orleans” and mentors young musicians. Some of his music can be listened to free on youtube which might be fun for kids before reading the book.

 

Bryan Collier is a four-time recipient of the Caldecott Honor Award. He has also won the Coretta Scott King Award six times. Some of the books he’s illustrated are: Trombone Shorty, Dave the Potter, Martin’s Big Words, and Rosa, all of which I own and enjoy.

 

My opinion: Collier’s illustrations for this book are done in his signature style with pen and ink, watercolor and collage. Trombone Shorty’s love of the music of New Orleans comes through clearly in the story of his life presented here. This book is an inspiration to young musicians to pursue their dreams.

 

Waiting written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes.

From the Amazon description: “Five friends sit happily on a windowsill, waiting for something amazing to happen. The owl is waiting for the moon. The pig is waiting for the rain. The bear is waiting for the wind. The puppy is waiting for the snow. And the rabbit is just looking out the window because he likes to wait! What will happen? Will patience win in the end? Or someday will the friends stop waiting and do something unexpected? Waiting is a big part of childhood—waiting in line, waiting to grow up, waiting for something special to happen—but in this book, a child sets the stage and pulls the strings. Timeless, beautiful, and deeply heartfelt, this picture book about imaginative play, the seasons, friendship, and surprises.”

 

You can listen to the book read here by the author: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89bZv8tEOx4  Henkes even treats the children in the class to impromptu drawings.

 

And check out the author’s website here for lots of ideas to accompany his books: https://kevinhenkes.com/

 

Kevin Henkes, the author and illustrator of this book, is Wisconsin-born and raised. He has won many awards for his books over the years. In 2020, he won the Children’s Literature Legacy Award, given to authors whose books have made outstanding contributions to children’s literature. And rightly so! Some of his other books include: Kitten’s First Full Moon, All Alone, and Clean Enough. He has written both picture books and novels.

 

My opinion: The illustrations are lovely and quiet, done in brown ink, watercolor paint, and colored pencils. Lots of creamy white space and soft colors tell the simple, gentle story. Do you like to wait? Most of us don’t, and young children especially will identify with this story. It’s lovely!

 

Voice of Freedom, Fannie Lou Hamer: Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Ekua Holmes.

From the Amazon description: ” Stirring poems and stunning collage illustrations combine to celebrate the life of Fannie Lou Hamer, a champion of equal voting rights.’I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.’ Despite fierce prejudice and abuse, even being beaten to within an inch of her life, Fannie Lou Hamer was a champion of civil rights from the 1950s until her death in 1977. Integral to the Freedom Summer of 1964, Ms. Hamer gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention that, despite President Johnson’s interference, aired on national TV news and spurred the nation to support the Freedom Democrats. Featuring vibrant mixed-media art full of intricate detail, Voice of Freedom celebrates Fannie Lou Hamer’s life and legacy with a message of hope, determination, and strength.

 

You can listen to the book read aloud here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF-4xKmHiSo

 

Carole Boston Weatherford is an African-American author who began writing poetry at a very young age, being inspired by Dr. Seuss and Langston Hughes. She feels her calling is "to mine the past for family stories, fading traditions and forgotten struggles." She also wrote Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom which is a Newbery Honor book. Many of her books reflect her desire to present the truth about people and events of her heritage. Other fine examples of her work are Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-ins, and Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom, both of which I own and love.

 

Ekua Holmes creates colorful illustrations in mixed-media. This book is her debut as a children’s book illustrator with illustrations done in collage on paper. Check out her website here: http://www.ekuaholmes.com/ 

 

My opinion: This is definitely a book for older children. The story Is told with poems. The hardships of Hamer’s life are told including severe beatings, bullets shot into her home, and unjust treatment through her life. I was glad to read this book and learn about this brave lady. Her legacy lives on.

 

Last Stop on Market Street written by Matt De La Pena and illustrated by Christian Robinson.

From the Amazon description: “This award-winning modern classic—a must-have for every child’s home library—is an inclusive ode to kindness, empathy, gratitude, and finding joy in unexpected places, and celebrates the special bond between a curious young boy and his loving grandmother. Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don’t own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them. This energetic ride through a bustling city highlights the wonderful perspective only grandparent and grandchild can share, and comes to life through Matt de la Peña’s vibrant text and Christian Robinson’s radiant illustrations.

 

You can listen to the book being read here by the illustrator: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoPS0Ok5YiI

 

Matt De La Pena, the author of this book, also specializes in novels for young adults. I have not read any of those. Last Stop on Market Street also won the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book.

 

Christian Robinson is an illustrator and animator who was raised by his grandmother, thus his identification with this story. Much of his work is influenced by his African American heritage. He has illustrated many renowned authors as Cynthia Rylant and Julie Fogliano. He even illustrated the reissue of Margaret Wise Brown’s book The Dead Bird. The art for this book, Last Stop on Market Street, is created with acrylic paint, collage, and a bit of digital manipulation.

 

My opinion: I love the comradery of this little boy and his grandmother. He asks so many questions! I know how that is, living with three little grandsons. This story is simply told and appropriate for little ones. Grandmother finds the good in everyone, and the beauty of her surroundings. She says, “Sometimes when you’re surrounded by dirt, C.J., you’re a better witness for what’s beautiful.” We need that mindset so much today. Some have criticized this book for the improper grammar spoken by grandmother and grandson; I don’t see that as a problem. It just reflects the dialect of the characters.