Mock Caldecott 2027 discussion

Stronger Than by Nikki Grimes and Stacey Wells, illustrated by E. B. Lewis.





Goldfinches by Mary Oliver and illustrated by Melissa Sweet.




Claire and the Cathedral by Pam Fong.




While We’re Here by Anne Wynter and illustrated by Micha Archer.


Are they distinguished?

I was really impressed by While We're Here, and have added this to my frontrunners list. The use of perspective is magnificent.

Goldfinches is pretty and ok. It doesn't stand out to me or my kids much. Would love to hear what others like or appreciate about it.

I really like , While we're here. My kids also like that one. I agree the perspective on the story is so intriguing but the art is also beautiful. One of my favorites I've read this year so far.

Goldfinches
Melissa Sweet's illustrations of this deceased poetess's poem about goldfinches are rendered in watercolor, gouache, pencil, vintage and handmade papers, mixed media collage, thistle down, and a bird's nest. The poetess's words are surrounded by Sweet's illustrations, and to her words are added snippets of facts about goldfinch life and habits. The book concludes with the full poem typed out on one page, a photo of a bird list that Mary Oliver wrote, and a note about Mary Oliver's life. A lovely book for bird lovers.

Claire and the Cathedral
In this wordless picture book, a little girl and her mother explore a gray cathedral. The little girl is getting tired and/or bored, when she sees light pouring through a stained glass window in rainbow colors. So she dances in that light until the light fades, because of a rainstorm outside. The buildings look very realistic, but the mother and child have a more cartoon style look. Most of the illustrations are black and white, except for musical notes on ribbons of color, and color coming through windows. The illustrations are large: some double-page spreads, some single pages, and several panels. I would vote for this book for a Caldecott award.

While We're Here
Archer used acrylic inkis, tissue paper layering, handmade stamped papers, and various collected papers to create the lovely collage illustrations in this book. A mother and child, who hurried to a birthday party, take the long, slow way back home, enjoying nature, the city, and being together. I also think this is a Caldecott worthy book.

Goldfinches is absolutely perfect!
Mary Oliver was an amazing poet. This book will not only introduce kids to her, but also teach kids about birding.
A fantastic book.
Melissa Sweets illustrations are magnificent.

I LOVE wordless books. I suspected where Claire and the Cathedral was going when I saw bored Claire as her mother looks at art and architecture on a dreary day. Inside a cathedral the stained glass window captures light and makes the joy Claire is seeking. She then finds her own joy in music, puddles, and dancing! Claire is helping us find our joy no matter the weather. This book has some of the best illustrations of a cathedral since David Macauley! Pair this one with Mark Ludy's wordless book, The Flower Man. This is going on my Mock Caldecott this year!