Mock Caldecott 2027 discussion

How a Bear Became a Book: The Collaboration That Created Winnie-the-Pooh by Annette Bay Pimentel and illustrated by Faith Pray - illustrator.




Loops by Jashar Awan.




Bing's Cherries by Livia Blackburne and illustrated by Julia Kuo.




102 by Matthew Cordell.



I'm really excited about a couple of publications this month.

What do you think? Are any of these books worthy of a Caldecott award?

How a Bear Became a Book
My review:
This was a wonderful story of how Milne was inspired to write his Pooh books, and how Shepard was inspired to create the art for the books. Faith Pray, the illustrator of this book rendered her full-color illustrations loosely in the style and spirit of Shepard's illustrations. The depiction of Pooh begins with him being very faint on the first pages, and slowly gaining color and outline throughout the book--a very clever way to imply his creation. A marvelous story, and perfect for primary students. I think the Caldecott committee should seriously consider this book for an award. (5 stars)

Loops
My review:
Readers will root for the newly big kid who has learned how to tie his shoes, but the left shoe continues to become untied and fall off. The illustrations were rendered digitally, so not my favorite, but they are good at showing the many facial expressions of the young boy.
(4 stars)

102
My review:
I enjoyed this fantasy of the shrinking boy who realized he must free the mouse he had caught earlier in the day. I loved the illustrations, which Cordell rendered with 16 multicolored pens. While there is plenty of detail in the pictures, they are large enough to use with a group. I do think that this book is worthy of a Caldecott. (5 stars)

102 is a gorgeous fever dream. Astounding. I am still rooting for Navigating Night to get the medal, but I am hoping 102 gets an honor

I liked all of these books, but I felt only Bing's had a shot with my students for Mock Caldecott. I am now going back through our year of reading to find something I missed to add in for one more book.

I don't typically like the nods to past artists, but How a Bear Became a Book is lovely!

My gut is still strong for Navigating Night. I hope kids like it as much as I do, but I fear they won't. Maybe I should consider Pray's book. I do love that little bear myself.