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Caldecott discussion
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From: chichild at sfpl.lib.ca.us <chichild>
Date: Wed, 14 Feb 1996 13:09:38 -0800
Greetings:
I've been lurking on this discussion, because Peggy Rathmann is a personal friend of mind (she went to college with my husband), and I was afraid my opinion might be skewed by this. I have found the discussion enlightening. I must echo Marge--I think it was Marge?--who said words to the effect of, having served on one of the awards committees, I thought I would never again presume to know how other committees reached their decisions.
I am very fond of Officer Buckle and Gloria, and I think Peggy has shown in each of her 4 books that she is a delightful illustrator who can tell a darn good story as well (she didn't write Bootsie Barker, and granted Good Night Gorilla has a limited text, but I think both OBAG and Ruby the Copycat are gems of storytelling, and wonderful examples of picture stories). I also think that "distinguished" is the most difficult criterion to define.
I'd like to comment a bit on the year's output--and that of past years. I am still not sure if Smoky Night or Swamp Angel was *the* most distinguished illustrated book last year--I am in awe of both of them. But in 1994, I *knew* the winner had to be Grandfather's Journey. No doubt in my mind!
But this year, I had no special favorite. I liked a few (I think Zin Zin Zin has wonderfully joyous and musical illustrations, but I find the narrative rough in spots), but was hard pressed to make a decision at the San Francisco Public Library Mock Caldecott awards (OBAG was not one of the ones we discussed; Chato's Kitchen won. I confess to having a few problems with Chato's Kitchen. This is perhaps due to my love of cats--I found these two ugly in both personality, which can happen, and in looks, which is rare in cats!).
That being the case, I was thrilled with the committee's decision. I like OBAG more every time I read it. I love the details and expressions. When Officer Buckle and Gloria have forgiven each other, the love just shines from their faces. I had hoped OBAG might get an honor, but I don't think Peggy was expecting anything. She is one happy woman, and I'm looking forward to cheering for her at the banquet, and seeing what she comes up with next.
Carla Kozak Chinatown Branch Library, SFPL carlak at sfpl.lib.ca.us or chichild at sfpl.lib.ca.us
Received on Wed 14 Feb 1996 03:09:38 PM CST
Date: Wed, 14 Feb 1996 13:09:38 -0800
Greetings:
I've been lurking on this discussion, because Peggy Rathmann is a personal friend of mind (she went to college with my husband), and I was afraid my opinion might be skewed by this. I have found the discussion enlightening. I must echo Marge--I think it was Marge?--who said words to the effect of, having served on one of the awards committees, I thought I would never again presume to know how other committees reached their decisions.
I am very fond of Officer Buckle and Gloria, and I think Peggy has shown in each of her 4 books that she is a delightful illustrator who can tell a darn good story as well (she didn't write Bootsie Barker, and granted Good Night Gorilla has a limited text, but I think both OBAG and Ruby the Copycat are gems of storytelling, and wonderful examples of picture stories). I also think that "distinguished" is the most difficult criterion to define.
I'd like to comment a bit on the year's output--and that of past years. I am still not sure if Smoky Night or Swamp Angel was *the* most distinguished illustrated book last year--I am in awe of both of them. But in 1994, I *knew* the winner had to be Grandfather's Journey. No doubt in my mind!
But this year, I had no special favorite. I liked a few (I think Zin Zin Zin has wonderfully joyous and musical illustrations, but I find the narrative rough in spots), but was hard pressed to make a decision at the San Francisco Public Library Mock Caldecott awards (OBAG was not one of the ones we discussed; Chato's Kitchen won. I confess to having a few problems with Chato's Kitchen. This is perhaps due to my love of cats--I found these two ugly in both personality, which can happen, and in looks, which is rare in cats!).
That being the case, I was thrilled with the committee's decision. I like OBAG more every time I read it. I love the details and expressions. When Officer Buckle and Gloria have forgiven each other, the love just shines from their faces. I had hoped OBAG might get an honor, but I don't think Peggy was expecting anything. She is one happy woman, and I'm looking forward to cheering for her at the banquet, and seeing what she comes up with next.
Carla Kozak Chinatown Branch Library, SFPL carlak at sfpl.lib.ca.us or chichild at sfpl.lib.ca.us
Received on Wed 14 Feb 1996 03:09:38 PM CST
