Mock Caldecott 2026 discussion

Islandborn by Junot Díaz illustrated by Leo Espinosa

Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

What If... by Samantha Berger Illustrated by Mike Curato

I Am a Cat by Galia Bernstein

Are any of these "distinguished?"

What If...
The artwork for this book about a girl imagining how she can create art in many different ways was created with pencil, ink and lots of found objects to create fabulous art work that carries the story along.

Beverly wrote: "What If...
The artwork for this book about a girl imagining how she can create art in many different ways was created with pencil, ink and lots of found objects to create fabulous art work that car..."

What If... is magnificent. So creative, beautiful and powerful. Mike Curato is truly becoming one of the best illustrators out there. I would be very happy if What If... won a Caldecott.

The illustrations for I am a Cat by Galia Bernstein are lovely. The story is too short and doesn't really have much of an impact. Not a contender.

I love, love, love Islandborn. The text is beautiful and really quite perfect. This is the best illustrated work that Leo Espinosa has ever done in my opinion. It truly looks like he put his whole heart and soul in this book. Another fantastic contender.

The more I study Julian is a Mermaid the more I love it. The illustrations are more than beautiful- they are fascinating. Every page is a wonder. Julian is a Mermaid is about absolute acceptance, love and belonging. It is a brave book that is truly unique. I believe it deserves a Caldecott.

I Am a Cat
Unfortunately, this book was published in 2017 by Abrams, so it would have been eligible last year, but not this year.

Islandborn
I really liked this book about a little girl whose teacher gives the class an assignment to draw a picture of the country that they originally came from. Since Lola left the Dominican Republic when she was a baby, she has to interview family and friends for their views and opinions. Instead of one drawing, she comes to school with a whole book of pictures! The mixed media illustrations are very colorful and emphasize the diversity of children in Lola's classroom, and do a great job of depicting island life.

I thought Julian and What If were both fantastic, both in terms of artistic quality and imagination. I liked I Am a Cat, but didn't find a lot of depth in the illustrations or story.

Island Born
The illustrations are bright, detailed, diverse and relative to the author's purpose. A story that can be read and explored on many age levels.

I loved the book What If... the illustrations were beautiful. I loved the mix of paint and collage, almost resembled stop animation. It had some resemblance of Viva Frida.
Islandborn is a beautiful story and a beautiful book,however I doubt we will see it on any watch list since the allegations against the author.
When readers were offended in past years by A Fine Dessert and There is a Tribe of kids, those books (beautiful yes) were never considered.

Charlene wrote: "I loved the book What If... the illustrations were beautiful. I loved the mix of paint and collage, almost resembled stop animation. It had some resemblance of Viva Frida.
Islandborn is a beautifu..."

You are right about Islandborn. It will be a shame if it is passed on. The text and illustrations are extraordinary.

Charlene wrote: "I loved the book What If... the illustrations were beautiful. I loved the mix of paint and collage, almost resembled stop animation. It had some resemblance of Viva Frida.
Islandborn is a beautifu..." How do we reconcile the art with the actions of the artist? Is it our job to do so? I love Islandborn. It is a beautiful and intricate story that moves at a perfect pace to pull young children into a complex piece of work. Right now, Islandborn is #2 on my list for the year.

Cathy wrote: "Charlene wrote: "I loved the book What If... the illustrations were beautiful. I loved the mix of paint and collage, almost resembled stop animation. It had some resemblance of Viva Frida.
Islandb..."

To be clear, the controversy is surrounding Diaz, not the illustrator Leo Espinosa. The writing and the illustrations are perfect together. Islandborn merits an award.

Charlene wrote: "I loved the book What If... the illustrations were beautiful. I loved the mix of paint and collage, almost resembled stop animation. It had some resemblance of Viva Frida.
Islandborn is a beautifu..."

I still haven't gotten over There is a Tribe of Kids not winning even an honor. It should have.

JULIAN IS A MERMAID - There is so much to love about these 32 pages! The watercolor and gouache illustrations are perfect for a story about LOVING mermaids - and Julian does! Julian's imagination transforms him into a mermaid. When he announces to his abuela that he IS a mermaid, abuela is off for a bath. Alone, Julian transforms himself into a mermaid using ferns, flowers, makeup and curtains and he is so proud of himself. Abuela looks disapproving but then, lovingly, gives him beads and takes Julian to meet the mermaids. What an expression of self and of love - unconditional, wholehearted, unbounded love. I love Julian but I ADORE Abuela. This is in the top 5, for me!

The art really carries the story in Julian is Mermaid. I hope to see it bring in at least an honor.