From: Jane Botham <jbotham>
Date: Tue, 13 Feb 1996 11:11:46 -0600

Well, here goes! I've been a lurker for a few months and now have to put my 2 cents in. I was the Caldecott chair for Mirette and the High Wire and have served, as Katie and Ginny have (actually, Ginny and I were on one committee together!) on both committees. What Katie so eloquently states, in her last e-mail, I heartily agree with. The N/C awards are a result of long correspondence throughout the year, phone calls, discussion groups, and conversations. The fifteen members not only take the responsibilities as outlined in the Newbery/Caldecott process seriously--they also take very seriously what EVERYONE says to them!! Oftentimes, the formal discussions voice the criticisms of people not a part of that table. As to the importance of these awards. Ginny's comments about the publishers reprint orders are indeed correct. And these books will be in print for a very long time. And then, everyone begins to comment on their enduring qualities. I, for one, like Katie, am very proud of the fact that this is these are the only awards that literally stop the presses for reprinting when the announcements are made. That also includes adult book awards. Whenever anyone asks me about my opinion of an award, I think of how CCBC discusses books. What are the positive aspects of this book? When we discuss among ourselves we gain a valuable insight into the winners, but what do we say to the public? I would hope we could look at the reviews, talk among ourselves and present to people who do not know of the process the positive aspects of a book, no matter what our own opinions are. And then tell them our opinions. I think it's very helpful to the public to be aware of the other awards, especially since they point up the tremendous variety and excellence of the books that our daring and caring publishers make sure are published. Boy--I hope I don't write anything else for a looooooong Time!!
Received on Tue 13 Feb 1996 11:11:46 AM CST