Caldecott Medal and Honor books for the year 2020

Caldecott Medal

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson.

This book is also a 2020 Newbery Honor book and the winner of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award.

From the Amazon description of this book: “Originally performed for ESPN's The Undefeated, this poem is a love letter to black life in the United States. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world's greatest heroes. The text is also peppered with references to the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, and others, offering deeper insights into the accomplishments of the past, while bringing stark attention to the endurance and spirit of those surviving and thriving in the present. Robust back matter at the end provides valuable historical context and additional detail for those wishing to learn more.”

 

You can watch the book being read aloud by the author to a group of students here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cHIWtl8PNk

 

Alexander is an accomplished, award-winning poet and author of 35 books, most of which seem to be centered around African Americans.

 

Kadir Nelson is a painter, illustrator and author. He has been a Caldecott Honor recipient twice (Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad in 2008, and Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom in 2007– both favorites of mine) and won the Caldecott Medal for his illustrations in this book, The Undefeated.

 

My opinion: Definitely makes an inspiring statement about African-American history and those who overcame so much. Includes the statement Black Lives Matter, which seems appropriate for the year 2020, but in this case without the violence of the movement. More on the inspiring side. The illustrations are oils on panel and are striking! One thing I liked about the words in this book are the repetitious use of the prefix “un” as in unforgettable, undeniable, unflappable, unafraid, unspeakable, unlimited, undiscovered, unbelievable, unbending, underdogs, uncertain, unspoken, untitled, and the undefeated. Those adjectives capture the poem’s meaning. I also like the facial expressions throughout the book and how they change from somber, hurting, determined, and finally hopeful and happy as the last page shows young black Americans smiling.

 

Caldecott Honor

Bear Came Along by Richard T. Morris, illustrated by LeUyen Pham.

From the Amazon description of this book: “A cheerful and action-packed adventure about the importance of friendship and community from a successful author and illustrator duo! Once there was a river flowing through a forest. The river didn't know it was capable of adventures until a big bear came along. But adventures aren't any fun by yourself, and so enters Froggy, Turtles, Beaver, Racoons, and Duck. These very different animals take off downstream, but they didn't know they needed one another until thankfully, the river came along. This hilarious picture book and heartfelt message celebrates the joy and fun that's in store when you embark together on a ride of a lifetime.”

You can watch a video of the author reading and commenting on the story here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW9OYd5bcTI

And an interview with Morris here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--wyfRojEGA

Richard T. Morris is a more recent author. Morris also wrote Fear the Bunny, Sheep 101, This is a Moose, Two Brothers One Tail and Bye Bye Baby. He is an E.B. White Award Honoree and a Midwest Bookseller Choice Award winner.

LeUyen Pham was born in Vietnam and came to the US for art school. She has illustrated over 80 books including the Freckleface Strawberry series and the graphic novel series Real Friends (I have not read these yet). Bear Came Along is her first Caldecott award.

 

My opinion: The illustrations in this book are so fun and lively. They are done in watercolor, ink, and gouache on hot-press illustration board. The story line follows bear as he gathers friends along the journey down the river. They do well until they find themselves at the very top of a waterfall. Over they go holding on to each other. “So many different animals living their separate lives, but they didn’t know they were in it together until….” This book about friendships and enjoying life together will be enjoyed by young children. I love the author’s use of the word “until” which brings some suspense at the end of one page before you turn to the next page to find out what happens. Delightful!

 

Double Bass Blues by Andrea J. Loney and illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez.

From the Amazon description: “A joyous celebration of family, community, and the unifying power of music, perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street. Nic is an aspiring musician whose life spans two different worlds--his suburban school where he wows his friends in orchestra, and the busy city streets of his home where he's jostled by the crowd. Nic makes his way home from a busy day at school with a double bass on his back, the symphony of his surroundings in his heart, and a sweet surprise for the reader at the end of his journey. This is a sweet, melodious picture book about how dedication, music, and family can overcome any obstacle.”

 

You can listen to the book read aloud here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qD70U6EqyM

Delightfully done with commentary and sound effects.

 

The book has acrylic painted illustrations that are rich in color and portray movement and energy to match the story. I like the School Library Journal’s description of this book: “Colorful, full of movement, limited in text but loaded with emotion, this is an ode to the diversity of music and the determination of a talented kid.”

 

Andrea J. Loney won the New Voices Award for Take a Picture of Me, Mr. Van Der Zee!

 

Rudy Gutierrez has won many awards for his illustrations:  Pura Belpré Honor, an Américas Award, a Children's Africana Book Award, and a New York Book Award. Much of his work features Puerto Rican images, based on his own background. He has taught art at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn since 1990. His illustrations are even featured on U.S. postage stamps in the Musical Icon series of Jimi Hendrix.

 

My opinion: Although the book is mostly wordless, the words that are in this book introduce the idea of onomatopoeia, very appropriate for a book about music. The book will be enjoyed by any child who is interested in playing an instrument and learning music. The boy’s passion for music and especially his large instrument are inspiring. He sets a goal and has self-discipline and determination to accomplish it. And he doesn’t let the scorn and unkindness of others stop him. This book made me glad I learned to play the flute and piccolo which are far easier to transport!

 

Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons and illustrated by Daniel Mintor.

From the Amazon description: “Set at one young boy’s annual family reunion, this Caldecott Honor-winning picture book by Kelly Starling Lyons and Daniel Minter is a rich and moving celebration of Black history, culture, and the power of family traditions. On reunion morning, we rise before the sun. Daddy hums as he packs our car with suitcases and a cooler full of snacks. He says there’s nothing like going down home. Down home is Granny’s house. Down home is where Lil Alan and his parents and sister will gather with great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Down home is where Lil Alan will hear stories of the ancestors and visit the land that has meant so much to all of them. And down home is where all of the children will find their special way to pay tribute to their family history. All the kids have to decide what they’ll share, but what will Lil Alan do?”

You can listen to the book read aloud by the author here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cHIWtl8PNk

The book not only is a Caldecott Honor book for 2020 but is also on the 2020 ALSC Notable Children's Book List.

Kelly Starling Lyons has written over a dozen books featuring African-American history and culture, including Ellen’s Broom which is a Coretta Scott King Honor book about a young girl who learns the true meaning of freedom during the years of Reconstruction.

Daniel Mintor, the illustrator, is a Georgian-born African-American artist whose work mainly features African Americans such as Sojourner Truth and William “Doc” Key.

My opinion: What stands out to me in this book is the concept of family, especially intergenerational family. And especially in the year of 2020, when so many family gatherings were cancelled. I know our family reunion in upstate NY had to be postponed, and we had been so much looking forward to it! The illustrations were created in acrylic wash. Some of the pages are bright and colorful and others are all in a deep blue hue. The concept of owning their land and its importance is featured. I feel this way, too, about the land where I grew up. Some of it has stayed in our family for two generations now; some of it has been sold as the older generation passed on. In today’s transient society, many have lost that love for “the land.” This book reminds me of another Caldecott book,The Relatives Came by Rylant, in which another family travels to grandparents’ house in the country for a reunion. That book was a Caldecott Honor book in 1986, a whole generation before this book. Interesting how similar the books are. From generation to generation, there is just something satisfying about gathering with relatives. It says you belong!