Mock Caldecott 2026 discussion

Have you read a contender for 2018 yet? Let us know.

I sure have. The Legendary Miss Lena Horne by Carole Boston Weatherford. It is spectacular in every way.

Egg
Almost wordless; most of the story is in the illustrations.

Beverly wrote: "Egg
Almost wordless; most of the story is in the illustrations."

Yes! Love it!

Will you be reading books each month this year? I found this group late last year and would like to participate more this year.

This House, Once by Deborah Freedman was beautiful.

Stacy wrote: "This House, Once by Deborah Freedman was beautiful."

It is stunning. I was filled with emotion reading it. Simple but powerful.

Beverly wrote: "Egg
Almost wordless; most of the story is in the illustrations."

Egg is really spectacular. It looks simple but it holds up so well to being read over and over (and over).

How about A Perfect Day by Lane Smith? And Little Fox in the Forest by Stephanie Graegin?

Ellen wrote: "How about A Perfect Day by Lane Smith? And Little Fox in the Forest by Stephanie Graegin?"

A Perfect Day is whimsical and stunning. I'm not quite over Lane's There is a Tribe of Kids not winning a Caldecott for 2016. It was wonderful. Little Fox in the Forest is lovely.

Jennifer wrote: "Will you be reading books each month this year? I found this group late last year and would like to participate more this year."

Yes, Jennifer welcome. We typically read 3-4 and occasionally 6 books a month. Read all of them or just a few, we appreciate your comments.

I also loved A Perfect Day! You Don't Want a Unicorn is hilarious! Not sure if it is Caldecott worthy...but a fun book to read with students.

Little Fox in the Forest is gorgeous and heartwarming. I loved the story it told!

I enjoyed Little Fox in the Forest as well. But I'd have to say my favorite book so far this year is Triangle by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen. What a dynamic duo!

Ellen wrote: "How about A Perfect Day by Lane Smith? And Little Fox in the Forest by Stephanie Graegin?"

I finally saw a copy of A Perfect Day & I loved it!

I'm obsessed with The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet. Everytime I read it to a group of preschoolers or elementary kids, I am so wowed by the thoughtful conversation it promotes. And the bleed with the kee-kee-ke-ree when the rooster is in the dark is so powerful. I loved the illustrations and the story.

Alyx wrote: "I'm obsessed with The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet. Everytime I read it to a group of preschoolers or elementary kids, I am so wowed by the thoughtful conversation it promotes. And the bleed with..."

I liked the story and the depiction of the rooster and other chickens; I personally did not like the distorted depiction of the people's faces.

Alyx wrote: "I'm obsessed with The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet. Everytime I read it to a group of preschoolers or elementary kids, I am so wowed by the thoughtful conversation it promotes. And the bleed with..."

I didn't like this one very much.

Just read Olivia the Spy by Ian Falconer. It is incredible! Falconer hasn't released an Olivia picture book in years. Olivia the Spy is classic Falconer. Clever, so funny with amazing illustrations. A definite Caldecott hopeful!

Stacy wrote: "I enjoyed Little Fox in the Forest as well. But I'd have to say my favorite book so far this year is Triangle by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen. What a dynamic duo!"

Not a fan of Klassen but I haven't seen this book yet.

In addition to some of the ones listed above, I've read and enjoyed Tony, illustrated by Erin Stead; Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell; This House, Once by Deborah Freedman; and Laundry Day by Jessixa Bagley. The Secret Project is a harsh, eye opener - a must read by Jonah Winter.

The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors is hilarious!!!

I'm not over Lane Smith not be honored for "Tribe",
it simply was a huge miss.
A Perfect Day is another beautiful book from him.
Let's see if this group on the Caldecott committee can get anything right.
I'm not even hanging up the new winners poster this year.

Caren wrote: "I'm not over Lane Smith not be honored for "Tribe",
it simply was a huge miss.
A Perfect Day is another beautiful book from him.
Let's see if this group on the Caldecott committee can get anything..."

Tribe was glorious. I'm stunned that it was overlooked as well.

Anyone see Ice Boy by David Ezra Stein? Love the illustrations and how they complement the story
!

Love the new Jerry Pinkney retelling of The Three Billy Goats

Alyx wrote: "Love the new Jerry Pinkney retelling of The Three Billy Goats"

It is beautiful. I would not expect anything less of Mr. Pinkney.

Alyx wrote: "Love the new Jerry Pinkney retelling of The Three Billy Goats"

I really liked it, too!

Just read The Hawk of the Castle: A Story of Medieval Falconry. It has gorgeous acrylic gouache paintings by Bagram Ibatoulline (resident of New York), and a great text. There is one really nice painting of the hawk in the air and its aerial view. I hope it is seriously considered by the Committee.

Triangle is already the front runner with my students. Klassen is huge at my school.

Pinkney's Three Billy Goats is a delightful read and has wonderful illustrations!

What did you all think about Flowers for Sarajevo? I found it hauntingly beautiful.

Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus
Absolutely gorgeous oil paintings and a simple, but emotionally evocative poem.

Nope by Drew Sheneman
A very funny wordless picture book with one of the most expressive baby birds I have ever seen.

Beverly wrote: "
Nope by Drew Sheneman
A very funny wordless picture book with one of the most expressive baby birds I have ever seen."

I know what you mean. It's hilarious, too!

Laura wrote: I know what you mean. It's hilarious, too!"

I whole-heartedly agree!

The Mermaid by Jan Brett caught my eye. It's a retelling of Goldilocks, but Goldilocks is a mermaid named Kiniro and the three bears are three octopuses. It's packed full of the most gorgeous under-the-sea watercolors ever. Each page is this crazy intricate underwater world. I love it!

Two recent, starred-reviewed, beautiful books for consideration:

"NOW" by writer/illustrator Antoinette Portis
- painterly, kid-friendly, and somehow profound.

"THE POMEGRANATE WITCH" illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
- gorgeous palette, wonderfully realized characters, beyond sweet and moving.

Carolyn wrote: "The Mermaid by Jan Brett caught my eye. It's a retelling of Goldilocks, but Goldilocks is a mermaid named Kiniro and the three bears are three octopuses. It's packed full of the most gorgeous under..."

Impatiently waiting for a copy from the library!

There are so many outstanding books this year, so far! The books starring Mighty Moby, Tony, and Alfred Fiddleduckling top my favorites as Caldecott contenders.

Carol wrote: "There are so many outstanding books this year, so far! The books starring Mighty Moby, Tony, and Alfred Fiddleduckling top my favorites as Caldecott contenders."

I just read Mighty Moby and I think it should be a Caldecott contender, also.

Beverly wrote: "Carol wrote: "There are so many outstanding books this year, so far! The books starring Mighty Moby, Tony, and Alfred Fiddleduckling top my favorites as Caldecott contenders."

I just read [book:Mi..."

I'm not sure there is a book Ed Young has illustrated that isn't Caldecott worthy :)

Has anyone read Peter Sis's new book Robinson?

I also really enjoyed That Neighborhood Kid by Daniel Miyares. From the cover art, both jacket and cover, to end papers the illustrations tell a great story of a developing friendship, and working together. the color and mood of the story brighten with each page. Definitely see this as a possible contender.

Pam wrote: "Has anyone read Peter Sis's new book Robinson?

I also really enjoyed That Neighborhood Kid by Daniel Miyares. From the cover art, both jacket and cover, to end papers the illustrations tell a gre..."

I have read both. Definite contenders.

This is the best time of the year, anticipating which one will win. It's hard on my pocket book, though, but I will have my Children's Lit class pour over the books and vote in January so its worth it. Here are my favorites so far...not in any order, since I love them all...
"NOPE". The expressions on the birds are priceless. I think this is a strong contender.
"The Antlered Boat"-illustrations are beautiful, and the illustrator adds clever perspectives. it's got a chance.
"The Book of Mistakes"-brilliant! So creative.
"The Perfect Day"-best expressions and fun story plot.
"After the Fall"-clever, and Sandtat's illustrations tell the story of his delightful tale.
"Wolf in the Snow"-another wordless book, so the illlustrations must tell the story, and they do!
"Mighty Moby"-not sure about the 'red' that speaks volumes, until the end...a great twist and a clever illustration style added.
I am a fan of Floyd Cooper-his book, "The Ring Bearer" has a misty look that adds emotion to the story.

Patty said: "The Antlered Boat"-illustrations are beautiful, and the illustrator adds clever perspectives. it's got a chance.

I loved this book! But I have a question. The Fan brothers live in Canada. I read where at least one of them was born in Illinois. So, I was not sure if they would be eligible for a Caldecott or not. Does anyone know?

Beverly wrote: "Patty said: "The Antlered Boat"-illustrations are beautiful, and the illustrator adds clever perspectives. it's got a chance.

I loved this book! But I have a question. The Fan brothers live in Can..."

This should be a Jeopardy question :) Yes, they are eligible.

Laura wrote: "Stacy wrote: "This House, Once by Deborah Freedman was beautiful."

It is stunning. I was filled with emotion reading it. Simple but powerful."

I haven't read much this year but loved "This House, Once"!

I loved Little Fox in the Forest by Stephanie Graegin

I am a fan of Floyd Cooper-his book, "The Ring Bearer" has a misty look that adds emotion to the story. from Patty (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...)

I also thoroughly enjoyed this one. Another in that important group of books that includes an African-American on the cover. Cooper's illustrations perfectly capture the ritual and timelessness of a wedding; the text captures the sense of tension that children feel when thrust into the adult world.