Caldecott Medal and Honor Books 2015

Caldecott Medal Book: The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend – Dan Santat

From the dust jacket: This magical story begins on an island far away where an imaginary friend is born. He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child, but when he is overlooked time and again, he sets off on an incredible journey to the bustling city, where he finally meets his perfect match and – at long last – is given his special name: Beekle. Award-winning author and illustrator Dan Santat combines classic storytelling with breathtaking art, creating an unforgettable tale about friendship, imagination, and the courage to find one’s place in the world. 

You can listen to the book read aloud here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1DEvJKPgbo

Or listen to the author read his book here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g29lOWkAKjQ

The book is available on Kindle and Audible. 

You can listen to an interview with the author here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZF5Sbsri78 

Author/Illustrator Dan Santat is an American-born son of immigrant parents. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, and then moved to California at a young age. He studied in college for a career in biology, but then made a career switch to art and attended the Art Center College of Design. In 2006, he was the creator of the Disney channel show “The Replacements,” and is also a commercial artist for such big corporations as Macy’s and The Wall Street Journal. This book, The Adventures of Beekle, was his third book for children. He went on to write and illustrate others including Are We There Yet? And After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again. Also, he has collaborated with other authors to illustrate their books. 

My opinion: Santat’s illustrations for this book are done with great variety in pencil, crayon, watercolor, ink, and photoshop, and the text is hand-lettered. The illustrations are appropriately imaginative to match the story well. The imaginary friend waits and waits but is never chosen to be someone’s friend. What child hasn’t felt sad about that at some point in his life? He then decides to set out on his own to find a friend and eventually reaches the real world. He experiences all new things, searches and searches, and finally finds a friend. He gets a new name, Beekles, and off they go to explore the world together. This book is perfect for very young children, many of whom have an imaginary friend; perhaps a toy bear, or a Lego man, or some other character toy. This book displays the value of friendship and the delight that friends bring to life when shared together. Did you have an imaginary friend when you were little?

Caldecott Honor Books

Nana in the City – written and illustrated by Lauren Castillo

From the dust jacket: A boy visits his nana at her new home in the city. The city is busy and loud and filled with scary things. But a special gift from Nana makes the boy feel brave and transforms the city into something . . . extraordinary.

 From the Amazon description: In this magical picture book, a young boy spends an overnight visit with his nana and is frightened to find that the city where she lives is filled with noise and crowds and scary things.

But then Nana makes him a special cape to help him be brave, and soon the everyday sights, sounds, and smells of the city are not scary—but wonderful. The succinct text is paired with watercolor illustrations that capture all the vitality, energy, and beauty of the city.

 

You can listen to the book read aloud here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-KSOBf55jk

 

You can listen to an interview with the author/illustrator here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7rhbIRP5PE

 

Author/Illustrator Lauren Castillo is an American artist. She has collaborated with other authors on other picture books. Lauren writes and illustrates especially for very young children and loves to write and illustrate books of childhood memories. Her drawings are made with thick heavy lines and then painted with watercolor. Lauren even sprinkles the paint with salt to create texture. That would be fun to try at home! She has lived in the city and loved it so her illustrations here come from personal experience. Her website is: https://www.laurencastillo.com Her website even has downloadable activity sheets and coloring sheets for some of her books. I’ve requested several more of her more recent books from my public library to enjoy. Twenty Yawns sounds delightful! And the Hedgehog short chapter books. 

My opinion: This story portrays such a sweet, sensitive relationship between a grandmother and her grandson. She is not too busy to truly recognize and understand his fears of all the new aspects of city life and makes him a red cape to help him be brave. What little child doesn’t feel like a superhero when wearing a cape! I, too, am a grandmother with grandsons and actually live with three of them. I remember one night during a heavy thunderstorm having one of the grandsons come tearing downstairs in great fear to me. I held him, calmed him down, talked about the storm, and got him back to bed. This book will be enjoyed by both little ones facing new circumstances as well as by grandmothers. The text is short and simple and just right for very young children. I highly recommend it. If you enjoy this book, you might also like Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De La Pena. 

The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art - written by Barb Rosenstock and illustrated by Mary Grandpre.

 From the dust jacket:  Vasya Kandinsky was a proper little boy: he studied bookfuls of math and history, he practiced the piano, he sat up straight and was perfectly polite. And when his family sent him to art classes, they expected him to paint pretty houses and flowers—like a proper artist.

But as Vasya opened his paint box and began mixing the reds, the yellows, the blues, he heard a strange sound—the swirling colors trilled like an orchestra tuning up for a symphony! And as he grew older, he continued to hear brilliant colors singing and see vibrant sounds dancing. But was Vasya brave enough to put aside his proper still lifes and portraits and paint...music?

In this exuberant celebration of creativity, Barb Rosenstock and Mary GrandPré tell the fascinating story of Vasya Kandinsky, one of the very first painters of abstract art. Throughout his life, Kandinsky experienced colors as sounds, and sounds as colors—and bold, groundbreaking works burst forth from his noisy paint box.

From the Amazon description: Vasya Kandinsky was a proper little boy: he studied math and history, he practiced the piano, he sat up straight and was perfectly polite. And when his family sent him to art classes, they expected him to paint pretty houses and flowers—like a proper artist.
 
But as Vasya opened his paint box and began mixing the reds, the yellows, the blues, he heard a strange sound—the swirling colors trilled like an orchestra tuning up for a symphony! And as he grew older, he continued to hear brilliant colors singing and see vibrant sounds dancing. But was Vasya brave enough to put aside his proper still lifes and portraits and paint . . . music?
 
In this exuberant celebration of creativity, Barb Rosenstock and Mary GrandPré tell the fascinating story of Vasily Kandinsky, one of the very first painters of abstract art. Throughout his life, Kandinsky experienced colors as sounds, and sounds as colors—and bold, groundbreaking works burst forth from his noisy paint box.
 
Backmatter includes four paintings by Kandinsky, an author’s note, sources, links to websites on synesthesia and abstract art.

 

You can listen to the book read aloud here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDY5S6mD_Ek

 

You can see the book’s story dramatized very creatively here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHBWlxQB3-w

 

Kandinsky’s art can be explored here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGq1IsgQHAs

 

Barb Rosenstock, an American author of children’s books, has written many award-winning picture books. Most of them are picture book biographies. You can see the list here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Barb-Rosenstock/author/B003ECSCII?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

And you can read an interview with her here: https://judaicainthespotlight.com/meet-the-author-barb-rosenstock/

 

Mary Grandpre, the illustrator of The Noisy Paint Box, is an American who is perhaps most well-known for her illustrations in the Harry Potter books. She has also worked on the art for Blue Sky Studios’ film “Ice Age.” You can read more about her and her artwork here: http://www.marygrandpre.com/

 

My opinion: This book presents such an interesting look at the early life and eventual notoriety of Vasily Kandinsky and his art. Some believe he may have had a genetic condition called synesthesia, in which  one sense connects with another to “hear colors, see music, taste words, or smell numbers.” (Author’s note in the book). This concept was so interesting to me because my oldest daughter once had a piano student who associated colors with specific musical tones. Kandinsky was a Russian-born who was first a lawyer and economics professor. He once saw an exhibition of Monet’s paintings. While listening to Wagner’s opera Lohengrin, he saw colors as he listened. He first painted an abstract painting in 1910 which “sparked a revolution in the art world.” (Author’s note in the book)

 

I am not really a fan of abstract art, perhaps because I don’t really understand it, but I do recommend this book because of the influence of synesthesia on his work. Such a fascinating concept! Do you know anyone with that capability? If you like this book, then you might also enjoy Blue Rider, by Geraldo Valerio. Kandinsky was the founder of the art group Blue Rider of Germany.

Viva Frida, written and illustrated by Yuyi Morales.

 From the dust jacket: A young woman searches. She sees. She explores. And finally, she creates. With spare, polished text and luscious illustrations, award-winning author/illustrator Yuyi Morales explores the passionate, imaginative life of the incomparable Frida Kahlo.

 

From the Amazon description: Distinguished author/illustrator Yuyi Morales illuminates Frida's life and work in this elegant and fascinating book, Viva Frida. Frida Kahlo, one of the world's most famous and unusual artists is revered around the world. Her life was filled with laughter, love, and tragedy, all of which influenced what she painted on her canvases.

 

You can listen to the book being read here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj4EKvbla5s&t=62s

 

You can watch a video about how the author/illustrator, Yuyi Mirales, created the illustrations for this book here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mu8mZLmewI

 

You can watch a video here as Morales talks about this book and reads it aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bOOVA32z7c

 

Yuyi Morales is a Mexican-born artist. She hosts a Spanish-language radio program for children. Her artwork reflects her heritage with flamboyant, colorful illustrations. When she emigrated to the United States with her little son, she discovered the public library, and as she read to her son, she learned English right alongside him as he and grew and his language skills developed. Yuyi is a six-time recipient of the prestigious Pura Belpré award, and the first Latina to receive a Caldecott honor for her book, Viva Frida, in 2015. (From https://www.nccil.org/yuyi-morales).

 

My opinion: Yuyi does a lovely job of portraying the story of the life of the Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo whose husband was also an artist and muralist Diego Rivera. The book’s text is very simple and is written in both Spanish and English. While I don’t personally care for Morales’ illustrations, I do understand her purpose here and appreciate the honor she gives to the life of Frida Kahlo. As always, I like the picture book biographies that are being written in our current time and am gladly adding them to my library. Also, for those families studying art, why not gain some knowledge of those artists from Mexico and other countries, not just those from Europe in times long ago. And for any family learning about Mexico, this book adds more to the understanding of the country’s culture. 

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen

From the dust jacket: Sam and Dave are digging a hole, and they will not stop until they find something spectacular.

 

From the Amazon description: With perfect pacing, the multi-award-winning, New York Times best-selling team of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen dig down for a deadpan tale full of visual humor.

Sam and Dave are on a mission. A mission to find something spectacular. So they dig a hole. And they keep digging. And they find . . . nothing. Yet the day turns out to be pretty spectacular after all. Attentive readers will be rewarded with a rare treasure in this witty story of looking for the extraordinary — and finding it in a manner you’d never expect.

 

You can listen to the book being read here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMkScC4Vu5c

 

You can read more about the author and the reviews of this book here: https://www.macbarnett.com/sam-dave-dig-a-hole/

 

Mac Barnett is an American author of many picture books, as well as the Brixton Brothers series of mysteries, The Terrible Two series, Mac B: Kid Spy series, as well as other short fiction. As a child, he dreamed of becoming an author. He loved picture books and his mother kept his collection of picture books on his shelves even after he “outgrew’ them. Because of that, he read picture books all through his life. His favorite picture book authors are Ruth Krauss, Arnold Lobel, Margaret Wise Brown and Maurice Sendak. His books have an interesting quirkiness to them which he says children love. In his view, children understand that life is not all tied up sweetly, and his books reflect this. He has received many honors and awards for his books including E.B. White Read-Aloud Award, New York Times Best Seller, New York Times Notable Book, PBS Best Picture Bok of 2014, Horn Book Fanfare Best Book of 2014, Kirkus Best Book of 2014, and a Junior Library Guild Selection, along with many others. He collaborated with Jon Klassen on Sam & Dave Dig a Hole and also on another on Caldecott Honor book, Extra Yarn.

 

“Jon Klassen grew up in Niagara Falls, Canada, and now lives in Los Angeles, California. He is the author and illustrator of the picture book I Want My Hat Back as well as the illustrator of Cat’s Night Out by Caroline Stutson and the middle-grade series The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood. He also created the concept art for Coraline, the stop-motion animated film based on the book by Neil Gaiman.” (from the dust jacket of Extra Yarn) You can read more about him and see his art here: https://www.imjonklassen.com/

 

My opinion: One of the true tests of a picture book is how children respond to it. In this case, my four-year-old grandson loved it and wanted it read over and over. Sam and Dave? Are they brothers, twins, or friends? They set out to dig a deep hole. They dig and dig and dig. And their dog digs with them. The illustrations are done with a cross-section view of their hole, created digitally and in colored pencil in soft tones. The reader can see a large diamond gem that Sam and Dave keep missing as their digging changes course just at the wrong time. They eat chocolate milk and animal crackers. Wouldn’t it be fun to serve those while reading this book to a child? At the end, the boys are in their home again. How? Or were they dreaming? Let your child decide. 

 

The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus, written by Jen Bryant and illustrated Melissa Sweet

From the dust jacket: If only all the ideas in the world could be found in one place, then everyone would have one book where they could find the best word, the one that really fit. Peter carried this idea with him like a secret treasure. The story of Peter Mark Roget, creator of Roget's Thesaurus, one of the most widely used reference books ever published, is presented in this delightful picture book biography by award-winning author and illustrator Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet. Their previous collaborations include the Caldecott Honor book A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams (Eerdmans) and A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin (Knopf), winner of the NCTE Orbis Pictus Award.

From the Amazon description: For shy young Peter Mark Roget, books were the best companions – and it wasn’t long before Peter began writing his own book. But he didn’t write stories; he wrote lists. Peter took his love for words and turned it to organizing ideas and finding exactly the right word to express just what he thought. His lists grew and grew, eventually turning into one of the more important reference books of all time. Readers of all ages will marvel at Roget’s life, depicted through lyrical text and brilliantly detailed illustrations. This elegant book celebrates the joy of learning and the power of word.

You can listen to the book being read aloud here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRB1bkZYytE

You can read about the author here and listen to an interview with her: https://www.jenbryant.com/about/ab_jen01.html

Jen Bryant, the author, is American-born and writes picture books, poetry, and novels for children and young people. Her poetry has appeared in Highlights magazine and she has won various literary awards. This book, The Right Word, not only won the Caldecott Honor Book award, but also the Robert F. Sibert Medal, an award for the best informational book published each year for children.

Melissa Sweet, the illustrator, has illustrated over 100 books for children. You can read an interview with her here: https://www.melissasweet.net/about. She illustrates with watercolor, mixed media and collage, which is beautifully done in The Right Word and seems to delightfully correspond with the topic of Roget’s life and his many lists of words.

My opinion: I am a list-maker so I totally “get” Roget. I, too, have loved words since I was little, and the thesaurus was a book used many times in our homeschool days as I taught my own children to write. During the years when I taught English/Language Arts in schools, I would have my students help me make lists of synonyms for good, said, and other nondescriptive words. I thoroughly enjoyed The Right Word and learning about Roget’s childhood tendencies and how they blossomed into such a powerful tool still used today, albeit now on the computer at the click of a button. I have several other books by Jen Bryant, all wonderful picture book biographies: Georgia’s Bones, about Georgia O’Keefe, A River of Words, about William Carlos Williams, and Abe’s Fish, about Abraham Lincoln. I can highly recommend The Right Word as well as the others that I personally own and lend from my library, and I will definitely be on the lookout for more by her.

This One Summer, written by Jillian Tamaki and illustrated by Mariko Tamaki

 From the dust jacket: Rose and her parents have been going to Awago Beach since she was a little girl. It’s her summer getaway, her refuge. Her friend Windy is always there, too, like the little sister she never had, completing her summer family. But this summer is different. Rose’s mom and dad won’t stop fighting, and Rose and Windy have gotten tangled up in a tragedy-in-the-making in the small town of Awago Beach. It’s a summer of secrets and heartache, and it’s a good thing Rose and Windy have each other. In This One Summer, cousins Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki, the team behind the award-winning Skim, redefine the teen graphic novel. Gorgeous, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful, This One Summer is a vibrant view into girlhood and growing up. 

From the Amazon description: Every summer, Rose goes with her mom and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach. It's their getaway, their refuge. Rosie's friend Windy is always there, too, like the little sister she never had. But this summer is different. Rose's mom and dad won't stop fighting, and when Rose and Windy seek a distraction from the drama, they find themselves with a whole new set of problems. One of the local teens - just a couple of years older than Rose and Windy - is caught up in something bad... Something life threatening. It's a summer of secrets, and sorrow, and growing up, and it's a good thing Rose and Windy have each other. This One Summer is a tremendously exciting new teen graphic novel from two creators with true literary clout. Cousins Mariko and Jillian Tamaki, the team behind Skim, have collaborated on this gorgeous, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful story about a girl on the cusp of childhood - a story of renewal and revelation. 

Awards: The New York Times Bestseller; 2015 Michael L. Printz Honor Book; An Eisner Award Winner; and the 2015 Caldecott Honor Award.

You can listen to an interview with the author and illustrator here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODS7znhendE&t=14s 

Author: Mariko Tamaki is a Canadian writer and performer. In addition to her celebrated graphic novel Skim, co-created with Jillian Tamaki, she has also published several works of prise fiction and nonfiction, including the young adult novel (You) set Me on Fire. Mariko’s short film, Happy 16^th Birthday, Kevin, premiered at the Inside Out Festival in Toronto in May 2013.  (quoted from the book cover). You can visit her blog here: marikotamaki.blogspot.com 

Illustrator: Jillian Tamaki is a Canadian illustrator and comics artist living in Brooklyn, New York. She is the creator of two books of personal works (including Skim, with Mariko Tamaki) and the ongoing webcomic, SuperMutant Magic Academy. (quoted from the book cover). You can visit her website here: jilliantamaki.com

My Opinion: While there are positive themes in this book like friendships, coming-of-age, and a child’s view of parent problems, I will not be adding this book to my lending library, nor can I recommend it. I personally feel the content is inappropriate, especially as it is recommended for ages 9 to 12. The story line includes a lot of sexual content and crude language. If the book was chosen as a Caldecott Honor book, which is the award given for the best illustrated books published in a given year, I can understand with the growth of graphic novels, the board’s decision to include a graphic novel. Always in the past, however, the award has been given to honor children’s picture books so I am surprised and kind of shocked that a book with this content was chosen. 

 

 

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.

Caldecott Medal and Honor Books 2017

 

2017 Caldecott Medal and Honor books

 

Caldecott Medal

Radiant Child, the Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat written and illustrated by Javaka Steptoe

From the Amazon description: “Jean-Michel Basquiat and his unique, collage-style paintings rocketed to fame in the 1980s as a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the art world had ever seen. But before that, he was a little boy who saw art everywhere: in poetry books and museums, in games and in the words that we speak, and in the pulsing energy of New York City. Now, award-winning illustrator Javaka Steptoe's vivid text and bold artwork echoing Basquiat's own introduce young readers to the powerful message that art doesn't always have to be neat or clean--and definitely not inside the lines--to be beautiful.”

 

You can listen to the book read by the author here (although he doesn’t read it word for word perfectly): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAxpNb6U8Fo

 

Javaka Steptoe, the author and illustrator of this book, was born and raised in Brooklyn. I thought I recognized the Steptoe name. His father, John Steptoe, illustrated two books that were given the Caldecott Honor – The Story of Jumping Mouse, and Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters. So it looks like Javaka is carrying on the family tradition. It is said that he was often a model for his father’s book illustrations. Javaka’s award-winning book, Radiant Child, also received the Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature and the Coretta Scott King Book Award from the American Library Association.

 

My opinion: Basquiat was a Brooklyn-born Haitian-Puerto Rican artist whose first public exhibit was in 1980 when he was only 20 years old. Basquiat’s mother is attributed with fostering his love for art, but she suffered from mental illness. Despite this difficult time in his life, he doesn’t let go of his dreams. In his paintings, he puts a crown on his mother as a sign of honor and value. His collage paintings are bright and bold and reflect his heritage. Sadly, he struggled with drug addiction and died at the age of 27.  As you look at any of Basquiat’s art, watch for certain motifs he used throughout his works: a crown represented power or strength and for those who needed to be respected. Eyes represented remembering or understanding. Cars, trucks, and airplanes represented his childhood and a car accident that badly injured him.

 

Author/illustrator Steptoe grew up in the same part of New York City as Basquiat and so was exposed to his work in high school. He even went to one of Basquiat’s art shows. This inspired Steptoe to believe that even he, a young African American artist, had a chance for success. Steptoe used pieces of discarded wood from old Brooklyn Museum exhibit materials, the dumpsters of Brooklyn brownstones, on which to create his illustrations. While I am not personally a fan of modern art, I have lived outside New York City for a time so this book was of interest to me. I have friends who were also born and raised in Brooklyn, and this book gives me a little more understanding of their world.

 

Caldecott Honor books

 

LEAVE ME ALONE! written and illustrated by Vera Brosgol

From the Amazon description: “an epic tale about one grandmother, a giant sack of yarn, and her ultimate quest to finish her knitting. One day, a grandmother shouts, "LEAVE ME ALONE!" and leaves her tiny home and her very big family to journey to the moon and beyond to find peace and quiet to finish her knitting. Along the way, she encounters ravenous bears, obnoxious goats, and even hordes of aliens! But nothing stops grandma from accomplishing her goal―knitting sweaters for her many grandchildren to keep them warm and toasty for the coming winter. Vera Brosgol's slyly clever and unexpectedly funny modern folktale is certain to warm even the coldest of hearts.”

 

Listen to the book read here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFqfFbXRrrA

 

Vera Brosgol is a young Moscow-born artist who moved to the United States when she was five. She has worked on animation projects as well as written graphic novels. LEAVE ME ALONE! is her first picture book and reflects her love of knitting.

 

My opinion: In addition to being a Caldecott Honor book, LEAVE ME ALONE! also was named A New York Times Notable Children’s Book, the National Public Radio Best Book of 2016, the Horn Book Best Book of 2016, and the Huffington Post Best Picture Book of 2016. This book is a modern folktale that will definitely appeal to those who long for some time alone; you know, those introverts among us. Or even for those who love to knit!

 

Freedom in Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie.

From the Amazon description: “This poetic, nonfiction story about a little-known piece of African American history captures a human's capacity to find hope and joy in difficult circumstances and demonstrates how New Orleans' Congo Square was truly freedom's heart.
Mondays, there were hogs to slop,
mules to train, and logs to chop,
Slavery was no ways fair.
Six more days to Congo Square.
As slaves relentlessly toiled in an unjust system in 19th century Louisiana, they all counted down the days until Sunday, when at least for half a day they were briefly able to congregate in Congo Square in New Orleans. Here they were free to set up an open market, sing, dance, and play music. They were free to forget their cares, their struggles, and their oppression. This story chronicles slaves' duties each day, from chopping logs on Mondays to baking bread on Wednesdays to plucking hens on Saturday, and builds to the freedom of Sundays and the special experience of an afternoon spent in Congo Square. This book includes a forward from Freddi Williams Evans (freddievans.com), a historian and Congo Square expert, as well as a glossary of terms with pronunciations and definitions.”

 

You can listen to the story being read here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ciW_a94yVs

 

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.

 

R. Gregory Christie is a highly regarded illustrator, winning many awards for his work. He also illustrated Book Itch! Freedom, Truth & Harlem's Greatest Bookstore, and Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U. S. Marshal  which I also own. Christie actually has a bookstore very near me. I might just have to go!

 

My opinion: In this book, couplets count down the days of the week until Sunday. Although the book does present the harsh lives of slavery, it is appropriate still for younger children. A definite contrast is portrayed between the labored life during the week of the slaves and the exuberant dance and music of the freedom of Sunday afternoons. The author notes that jazz originated from the African rhythms first celebrated in Congo Square.

 

Du Iz Tak? written and illustrated by Carson Ellis.

From the Amazon description: “Du iz tak? What is that? As a tiny shoot unfurls, two damselflies peer at it in wonder. When the plant grows taller and sprouts leaves, some young beetles arrive to gander, and soon—with the help of a pill bug named Icky—they wrangle a ladder and build a tree fort. But this is the wild world, after all, and something horrible is waiting to swoop down—booby voobeck!—only to be carried off in turn. Su! With exquisitely detailed illustrations and tragicomic flair, Carson Ellis invites readers to imagine the dramatic possibilities to be found in even the humblest backyard. Su!”

 

You can listen to the book being read here exactly as written: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXfUyZEuz1A

 

And you can listen to the book being read here by a grandfather for his grandchildren, complete with his version of the translation of the words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhNhyv7BThk

 

Carson Ellis, the author and illustrator of this book, is a Canadian-born American illustrator. She has illustrated children’s picture books, album art for folk art bands, and even wallpaper! She also is the illustrator for some of the Mysterious Benedict Society series titles.

 

My opinion: The fun thing about this book is that it is written in an imaginary bug language. The story tells of the microcosm of a small square in the insect world as season changes to season over time. This would make a fun read before an ecosystem study of the backyard. The adorable illustrations are done in gouache and ink, with lots of detail and yet a lot of open white space. A nonfiction book that comes to mind to go along with this would be Backyard by Donald Silver, part of the One Small Square series. Honestly, at first I didn’t like Du Iz Tak?, but the more I read it, the more delightful I find it. A made-up language of bugs? Why not? After all, we praise Tolkien for his imaginary world and language; why not one about bugs for children?

 

They All Saw a Cat written and illustrated by Brendan Wenzel.

From the Amazon description: “the cat walked through the world, with its whiskers, ears, and paws . . . In this glorious celebration of observation, curiosity, and imagination, Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see. When you see a cat, what do you see?”

 

You can listen to the story being read here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ4OjYER_nk

 

And here’s a cute song created about the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt_kCPXyHPc

 

Brendan Wenzel is from upstate New York. He is a committed conservationist and works with organizations who seek to protect wild places. His picture books seem centered around animals and critters, and he often portrays a message about perspective and differing viewpoints.

 

My opinion: The illustrations in this book are a variety of colored pencil, oil pastels, acrylic paint, watercolor, charcoal, Magic Marker, good old number 2 pencils, and even a MacBook. And yet, it all comes together delightfully and actually appropriately since his message in the book is one of the diversity of perspective each of us has. The repetitive phrasing is perfect for little ones to enjoy. Also interesting is the introduction to the varying vision capabilities of animals. A nice nonfiction book to accompany this would be Eye to Eye: How Animals See the World by Steve Jenkins.