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Caldecott - quality children's books
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From: Debbie Stewart <dstewart>
Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2000 17:08:55 -0500
I have heard some criticisms of the Caldecott that it is just a compromise, it puts too much focus on one book, the Committee is comparing apples and oranges, and that the same old illustrators get awards every year. The more I learn about the terms and criteria used to pick the Caldecott and the process, I am convinced that they are very fair. The process does produce excellent winners that we as librarians, teachers, parents, and lovers of picture books need to take a look at.
This year the winning illustrators are certainly established and the books are truly distinguished. My favorites are _When Sophie Gets Very, Very Angry_ , _Joseph had a Little Overcoat_, and _A Child's Calendar_. Joseph is very colorful and fun and I was glad to read that a class was able to compare the 1977 version with the 1999 version. What an experience those children had. When I first saw Sophie at the beginning of the year, I knew I liked Molly Bang, but didn't know if I thought
Sophie was distinguished or not. The more I read it and the more I learn about it the more I appreciate it. _Ten, nine, eight_ is a favorite book of mine also, but it took me a long time to really love it. With that book I had to keep looking at it and use it with children. I get warm, fuzzys when viewing _A Child's Calendar_. It is a wonderful, personal addition to Trina Schart Hyman's many fine books that she has illustrated for children. I'm so glad this book came to my attention and that I was able to really look at it again. _The Ugly Duckling_ showcases Jerry Pinkney's abilities and the end papers are spectacular. _Sector 7_ is a book that is not my personal favorite, but I am willing to trust others' opinions and try to understand why it too is distinguished illustration. The Caldecott winner and the 4 honor books are diverse and an exciting representation of children's book illustration being done. Despite complaints (you just can't please everybody), the Caldecott award does call our attention to distinguished picture books we might not have really understood or paid attention to at first glance and celebrates quality picture books!
Debbie Stewart Grand Rapids Public Library
Received on Sat 22 Jan 2000 04:08:55 PM CST
Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2000 17:08:55 -0500
I have heard some criticisms of the Caldecott that it is just a compromise, it puts too much focus on one book, the Committee is comparing apples and oranges, and that the same old illustrators get awards every year. The more I learn about the terms and criteria used to pick the Caldecott and the process, I am convinced that they are very fair. The process does produce excellent winners that we as librarians, teachers, parents, and lovers of picture books need to take a look at.
This year the winning illustrators are certainly established and the books are truly distinguished. My favorites are _When Sophie Gets Very, Very Angry_ , _Joseph had a Little Overcoat_, and _A Child's Calendar_. Joseph is very colorful and fun and I was glad to read that a class was able to compare the 1977 version with the 1999 version. What an experience those children had. When I first saw Sophie at the beginning of the year, I knew I liked Molly Bang, but didn't know if I thought
Sophie was distinguished or not. The more I read it and the more I learn about it the more I appreciate it. _Ten, nine, eight_ is a favorite book of mine also, but it took me a long time to really love it. With that book I had to keep looking at it and use it with children. I get warm, fuzzys when viewing _A Child's Calendar_. It is a wonderful, personal addition to Trina Schart Hyman's many fine books that she has illustrated for children. I'm so glad this book came to my attention and that I was able to really look at it again. _The Ugly Duckling_ showcases Jerry Pinkney's abilities and the end papers are spectacular. _Sector 7_ is a book that is not my personal favorite, but I am willing to trust others' opinions and try to understand why it too is distinguished illustration. The Caldecott winner and the 4 honor books are diverse and an exciting representation of children's book illustration being done. Despite complaints (you just can't please everybody), the Caldecott award does call our attention to distinguished picture books we might not have really understood or paid attention to at first glance and celebrates quality picture books!
Debbie Stewart Grand Rapids Public Library
Received on Sat 22 Jan 2000 04:08:55 PM CST
