Mock Caldecott 2026 discussion

The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken .

Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets by Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Ekua Holmes.

Life by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Brendan Wenzel.

Mighty Moby by Barbara DaCosta and illustrated by Ed Young.

We are getting closer to finding out what books will be next years Caldecott winners.
Are any of these selections medal worthy?

The Book of Mistakes is creative but I'm not in love with it. I am crazy about Out of Wonder. Most definitely Caldecott worthy. Life is intricate, original, whimsical and beautiful. Brendan Wenzel creates the perfect mood throughout. The illustrations are Caldecott worthy. The text is not. The two should compliment each other. The cover and various spreads of Mighty Moby are amazing. But it is kind of an odd book. I ended up not liking it. Sad for me because I love Ed Young.

Mighty Moby
I did like this book, with its mixed-media collage using cut paper, photos, string, and pastel. I found the segue from classic whale vs man story to bathtime play amusing. Dacosta and Young have managed to distill a very long, complicated classic into its bare essentials, and I thought it worked well.

The Book of Mistakes
I really liked how creative this book was, and the theme of being able to redeem one's mistakes and make them over into non-mistakes. I also liked how the book came full circle.

Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets
The colorful collage artwork certainly does a great job of illustrating the various poems. The art style is not a favorite of mine, but that has never stopped the Caldecott committee before.

Life
A beautiful book that contemplates how things start out small and grow larger over time. I was a bit disappointed that there was no info in the publisher's info about the media used for the illustrations.

Beverly wrote: "Life
A beautiful book that contemplates how things start out small and grow larger over time. I was a bit disappointed that there was no info in the publisher's info about the medi..."

I agree! I searched for what type of media Wenzel used, and all I could find was one interview where he stated he likes to use many types of media.

Full review can be found at: weelittlelit.weebly.com

I enjoyed the concept of Life. Wenzel did a fantastic job of giving this book an amount of depth that allows the experience to cross generations. Definitely in the running.

I'm tracking these down; thanks for the discussion. For books released in October, I'd like to add Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut for discussion. https://www.indiebound.org/book/97815...

I just read the The Book of Mistakes and I loved it. I love the white background and the illustrator's intentional use of the page. I love the whole concept of growth mindset. Turning a mistake into something great. I love the color palette.

Full review can be found at weelittlelit.weebly.com

The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken was a beautiful example of how a mistake can develop into a work of art. An important message for children to learn; don't become frustrated by your mistakes, take them and shape them into something more than you ever imagined. A great text supported by graceful and understated illustrations.

Has anyone read Out! by Arree Chung? This is one of my favorite 2017 picture books. The cover, end pages, illustrations are amazing.

Margaret Boling wrote: "I'm tracking these down; thanks for the discussion. For books released in October, I'd like to add Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut for discussion. https://www.indiebound.org/book/97815..."

Hi Margaret & all. I am new to the group so don't know if I am joining in properly, but I LOVE the book Crown and hope it gets attention! It has such voice, and the artwork is amazing. It captures a special place/experience for many in the black community, and I love sharing it with children.

Love these...(that haven't been mentioned)

I also love Claymates! Original, with photos of clay sculptures for the illustrations. Is photography permissible for the Caldecott? Both the text and art are witty and amusing!

Has anyone read Oliver Jeffers "Here We Are: Notes For Living on Planet Earth?" I really loved it...I am torn over wether it is Caldecott worthy, but it is a wonderful book.

Lisa wrote: "Has anyone read Oliver Jeffers "Here We Are: Notes For Living on Planet Earth?" I really loved it...I am torn over wether it is Caldecott worthy, but it is a wonderful book."

I really liked it, too. It definitely has a chance. There are so many fantastic picture books this year. The Caldecott committee really has their work cut out for them.

Is Oliver Jeffers eligible for Caldecott?

Serenity wrote: "Is Oliver Jeffers eligible for Caldecott?"

I believe he is eligible, since he lives and works in Brooklyn. From the Caldecott qualifications: " “Resident” specifies that author has established and maintains a residence in the United States, U.S. territory, or U.S. commonwealth as distinct from being a casual or occasional visitor."