Mock Caldecott 2026 discussion

This Is Not a Picture Book! by Sergio Ruzzier

Ada's Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay by Susan Hood illustrated by Sally Wern Comport

School's First Day of School by Adam Rex illustrated by Christian Robinson

Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photograph by Roxane Orgill illustrated Francis Vallejo

Are any of these possible Caldecott contenders?

Kristen wrote: " This Is Not a Picture Book! by Sergio Ruzzier

[bookcover:Ada's Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Para..."

Jazz Day is an exciting, informative, creative, original and stunning piece of work. It should win not only a Caldecott but a Coretta Scott King Award. I am so thrilled that children are being introduced to Jazz and other music legends. It seems to be a trend that took off a few years back and hasn't slowed down. There is a picture book about Lena Horne being released in early 2017. I can hardly wait!

Jazz Day is delightful. I immediately sought out more information about its topic(s) including the documentary about that particular day.

I agree about Jazz Day winning CSK too. It was gorgeous and celebrated something I don't think many people know about. It was news to me! There are lots of great choices so far this year.

Ada's Violin
What an inspiring story! The illustrations, which were created from collage, acrylic glazes and paints, drawings and digital mediums executed on stipple paper, are an excellent match for the text about musical instruments made from recycled materials, because it looks like the illustrations use recycled materials as well.

Jazz Day
I, on the other hand, was not impressed by the illustrations--they looked drab and muddy to me.

This is Not a Picture Book!
I really liked this very short, very appealing story and its cartoon-like watercolors. However, I don't think it will garner a Caldecott award.

School's First Day of School is really, really cute. Christian Robinson is a wonder. I am truly looking forward to The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles by Michelle Cuevas and illustrated by Erin E. Stead. Cuevas is a great writer and Stead is a picture book genius.

This Is Not a Picture Book is a great picture book, very original. The watercolors are among the very best, with a wonderful, unexpected palette. I don't see why this shouldn't get some serious consideration.

Christian Robinson is a true talent. This school book is good, but maybe not as good as others of his.

School's First Day of School:
I thought this was a very cute story. The illustrations expand on the story very well; and while I like the illustrations and think they nicely illustrate the text, they are not my favorite style of illustration. But since Robinson won a couple of illustration awards last year, he may very well receive some more for this book as well.

I loved "This is Not a Picture Book!". My students will love it.
Many lesson possibilities.

I would be surprised to see any of these get any Caldecott recognition. Ada's Violin was my favorite of the batch due to its inspiring story and unique illustrations. While the illustrations in School's First Day of School were cute, the storyline went in a direction I didn't really love, and found kind of disappointing. This is Not a Picture book did not stand out for me in concept or illustrations. Jazz Day seemed like a missed opportunity. I agree with Beverly, the illustrations were on the drab side. I would've like to see a brighter, more playful approach to the story (more like last year's Bird and Diz).

Not sure if any are Caldecott bound, but I love "This is Not a Picture Book!" if only for the endpapers. They are great to show teachers, and kids how reading might feel for a person with learning difficulties.

Rachel wrote: "I agree about Jazz Day winning CSK too. It was gorgeous and celebrated something I don't think many people know about. It was news to me! There are lots of great choices so far this year."

Jazz Day did win the Boston Globe/Horn Book Picture Book Award.

I read/viewed all four books in early in July and didn't post about them and now of course they are all back at the library!
None of the titles this month stood out as contenders, but I agree that Jazz Day will most likely get a CSK nod. I truly enjoyed the book, but I know it's a special teacher or student that would appreciate the book.
Robinson's illustrations for School's First Day of School were perfect for the book, but I too agree that the story turned in a way I didn't think it would. Still a fun story for anyone who is starting the year in a new school building.
Ada's Violin had the most unique illustrations and I felt fit the story well. I think we'll see it on short lists in the late fall. I'm thinking Sibert.
I wish I remember This is Not a Picture Book more, but I don't.
Here's to posting in August after I've read the book! Goals!!

"ABC Dreams" by Kim Krans is a stunning book. In my top 5 thus far.

Does anyone know if the author and/or illustrator of Jazz Day are eligible for a CSK? I agree it's a great book, but it "Must be written/illustrated by an African American" to be eligible.

Jess wrote: "Does anyone know if the author and/or illustrator of Jazz Day are eligible for a CSK? I agree it's a great book, but it "Must be written/illustrated by an African American" to be eligible."

You are absolutely right. I don't think author or illustrator are eligible.

My favorite picture in Jazz Day was the Scuffle: the Boys. On this page there is a line of boys sitting on the curb with Count Basie sitting on the end. The expression on the faces of the boys are so true to life. The untied shoes, the little spots of red and blue all make this a special work of art that shows the feeling of the day. The girl at the window shows realistic detail of a girl sitting in a window daydreaming. Looking at people with little detail shown. The play of light on the banister and the window. These are things that make it a beautiful wonder to me. Yes the colors are not bright and abstract they are closer to the sepia colors of an old photograph with a few bright colors added. All this made me admire the work of the artist who illustrated this story told in poetry.

I'm running behind this summer! I've only managed to read two of July's picks (I still have Ada's Violin checked out waiting for me).

School's First Day of School was a sweet introduction to the first day of school nervousness that everybody probably feels. By making those emotions about the school itself it allows the child to work through those feelings without even knowing it! The illustrations were fun, though not my favorite.

This is Not a Picture Book! was a wonderful homage to the love of books! I loved that the characters envisioned the story in their minds, much as they will do once they are reading books without pictures. The illustrations were very creative. I really dislike the use of the word "stupid" in children's books, but other than that I had no complaints.

Neither would be my pick for the Caldecott, but they will still be popular with children.