Mock Caldecott 2027 discussion

Awe! by Chana Stiefel and illustrated by Susan Gal.




The Future Book by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Shawn Harris.




Hold by Randy Ribay and illustrated by Zeke Peña.




Fourteen Ways of Looking at Jellyfish by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline.



What did you think of these publications?

The future book has been a big hit with all the kids I have read it to, that being said it doesn't feel like a standout on illustrations like other books I have seen this year.

Fourteen Ways of Looking at Jellyfish
Random, but fascinating, facts about several species of jellyfish may send young readers to learn more about these strange and mysterious creatures. Some of Ibatoulline's illustrations rendered in watercolor, gouache, pen, pencil, and colored paper, are very realistic, while others have a cartoon or comic book appearance. Backmatter includes a bibliography of books and websites.

I am a believer in books increasing vocabulary and I suspect Awe! will engage more students in the joy of gathering words with power to use in their writing. The illustrations are gorgeous! The book quite literally brought me joy!

14 Ways of looking at a jellyfish is beautiful. My 4 year old really liked it and cried when I took it back to the library, her favorite page was the phantom red jellyfish. She was the only member in our family who picked the 2026 winner in our mock family Caldecott and also got one of the honors so I pay attention to what she gravitates toward and she was only 3 at the time!

Denise wrote: "14 Ways of looking at a jellyfish is beautiful. My 4 year old really liked it and cried when I took it back to the library, her favorite page was the phantom red jellyfish. She was the only member ..."

Awesome!

AWE

This picture book is bursting with life and color. Chana Stiefel's poem is based on the work of psychologist Dacher Keltner on the emotion of awe. Each page depicts a scene which may provoke awe in most people, from the breaching of a massive humpback whale, to the beauties of the Grand Canyon, and even a butterfly landing on one's finger. Susan Gal used pencil, ink and watercolor to great effect in creating all of these large illustrations, which can be easily shared with a group. People of many ethnicities and abilities are depicted. A lovely book that will bring joy to young readers.

HOLD

The colored pencil and digitized illustrations were the stars of this book, more than the text. The toddler and his dad have square faces and stocky bodies. One does wonder how the cat put up with being held by the toddler, along with all the other stuff he was holding. The fact that the toddler found that holding Daddy was the best thing of all to hold was sweet. Alert youngsters will notice that the keys Dad is looking for are on the small table by the door. A fun story for one-on-one sharing.