Mock Caldecott 2026 discussion

Soy Sauce! by Laura G. Lee




To See an Owl by Matthew Cordell




When Alexander Graced the Table by Alexander Smalls




How Sweet the Sound by Kwame Alexander



Did you think these publications are Caldecott contenders?

I have only read to see an Owl, but it's my favorite book of the year so far. What are your thoughts on soy sauce? I've seen it a few other places but haven't read it yet

I'm wondering if I am the only person who stopped getting notifications from this group. Anyway, I have read all of these titles except Soy Sauce. To See an Owl may win Matthew Cordell another Caldecott. Matthew has become a real birder in the last few years and a huge fan of owls. It is evident in the story and his incredibly beautiful and detailed illustrations. I truly hope he gets it. How Sweet the Sound is magnificent! Personally, I think it is the best book that both Kwame Alexander and Charly Parker have ever created. A beautiful narrative on the history of black music and the most amazing variety of black artists. This book screams Put a Caldecott Medal on Me! When Alexander Graced the Table is a comforting read. Full of family, tradition, love and cooking. Incredible illustrations by Frank Morrison.

To See an Owl
When I saw this book, it immediately brought back to mind Jane Yolen's Owl Moon (1987). The stories are similar, although the illustrations are very different. Cordell's illustrations were rendered in pen-and-ink with watercolor, and are mostly in muted tones of browns, greens, and blues. This young girl searches for owls through several seasons, including a wintry, snowy evening. Perhaps another owl book will garner a Caldecott award.

When Alexander Graced the Table
I enjoyed the story of the young Alexander learning to prep food, and then cook on his own. The oil paint illustrations were very nice, but they made Alexander look super skinny. However, they did an excellent job of matching and extending the text. This book reminded me somewhat of Soul Food Sunday by Winsome Bingham (2021).

How Sweet the Sound
An energetic, colorful, and poetic look at black music through the centuries. However, not really the book for me, since I am white, and was unfamiliar with most of the songs listed, especially more recent ones.

Soy Sauce
The joyous illustrations were rendered in watercolors, Prismacolor, color pencils, and soy sauce (several different varieties which are listed). On every page, the illustrations reflect and extend the text. The story follows a Chinese family, Japanese family, and Korean family, all working to make their different varieties of soy sauce. The back matter gives more information on how soy sauce is made. I could see this book receiving some Caldecott love.