Mock Caldecott 2026 discussion

Stalactite & Stalagmite: A Big Tale from a Little Cave by Drew Beckmeyer




Home by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Loren Long (Illustrator)




Cranky, Crabby Crow by Corey R. Tabor




The History of We by Nikkolas Smith


I can't believe that we have not read these as a group yet!

What do you think of them?

I gave the first 5 stars. From my Goodreads: Perhaps one of the most interesting books I have seen on understanding stalactites and stalagmites and how slowly they grow until a column is formed in a cave. Make sure to take notice of the bottom of the page to show the passage of time and the end pages. The front end page is the start of the book and the back is a very cool timeline of the history of earth and her inhabitants. I will most certainly add this one to both of my elementary school collections!

I am so happy that I learned about this book at Picture Book Palooza with SLJ. Hearing Drew Beckmeyer explain the subtle details he used to show the passage of eons was fascinating!

Cranky Crabby Crow
Tabor has done it again with a quirky adventure story accompanied by appealing cartoon illustrations.
I loved that in Crow's rocket ship, he not only has buttons for missiles and lasers, but also for bubbles and cupcakes!

The Badger Chronicles: Defenders of Bunger Hill (The Badgers of Bunger Hill) Paperback – 10 Aug. 2025
by Martin Newbold (Author)
Book 4 of 4: The Badgers of Bunger Hill
The Badger Chronicles: Defenders of Bunger Hill is an enthralling adventure that immerses you in the heart of a brave badger community nestled in the tranquil yet wild landscape of Bunger Hill. When a looming threat endangers their peaceful haven, the badgers must abandon their routines and unite to protect their beloved home.

As nature and industry collide, serenity is shattered, compelling the burrow’s creatures to unite and confront unseen perils. Guided by a wise owl's warning, allies emerge from the shadows, launching a daring operation to defend their home. Haunted by echoes of the past, they rally around the last standing oak, forging new alliances under the moonlit canopy and strengthening their resolve.

With encroachment continuing, a child’s discovery reveals shrinking horizons, sparking a beacon of hope. Amidst gathering storms, the secrets of the Silver Paw are unveiled, leading to a dramatic exodus from the burrow. Whispers in the wind rally the village, uniting the voices of the forest. From the ashes, the burrow is reborn, guarded by steadfast defenders in an inspiring tale of survival and renewal.

Martin wrote: "The Badger Chronicles: Defenders of Bunger Hill (The Badgers of Bunger Hill) Paperback – 10 Aug. 2025
by Martin Newbold (Author)
Book 4 of 4: The Badgers of Bunger Hill
The Badger Chronicles: Defen..."

Martin, this is not the place to promote your book. This topic is for discussing the four specific picture books shown above, and evaluating whether they are likely Caldecott Award candidates. At 185 pages, your book is not a picture book, and unless it is heavily illustrated, is unlikely to be a candidate for an award that is given for excellence in illustration.

Home
A kind of quiet philosophical treatise on what makes a home--and not necessarily a building. Loren Long states that "the art for this book was crafted by hand on archival foam core with acrylic paint and whatever dust and dog hair happened to be floating around the artist's studio." The illustrations are lovely and give extra details not mentioned in the text.