From: Robin Smith <smithr>
Date: Thu, 1 Feb 2007 11:01:17 -0600

Thanks to all. I really wanted to hear more from the CCBC list about the Caldecott books and I am glad to hear all these ideas for Flotsam. It sounds like this is a book that needs a special touch. I found the same touch was needed with The Three Pigs as well.

I love Moses, too, Henrietta. Kadir Nelson's is a rare talent. I can't remember the first book I read of his (I think it was Thunder Rose or on eof the Debbie Allen books), but I remember thinking, "This art reminds me, in its detail and color and depth, of Trina Schart Hyman." I appreciate his use of deep color and light. Moses was a big book with so much and I applaud the committee for choosing to honor it. I had worried that the religious text might be a problem for the committee and then a grad student asked, "But would the committee have to consider the text? Or just the illustrations?" (and here I went to the ALSC site for:

"Each book is to be considered as a picture book. The committee is to make its decision primarily on the illustration, but other components of a book are to be considered especially when they make a book less effective as a children's picture book. Such other components might include the written text, the overall design of the book, etc.

Note: The committee should keep in mind that the award is for distinguished illustrations in a picture book and for excellence of pictoral presentation for children. The award is not for didactic intent or for popularity."
 

Anyway, I am pleased that Moses won the CSK Picture book award and was honored by Caldecott. I hope you all grab a copy of the very captivating Henry's Freedom Box (Ellen Levine and Kadir Nelson) too.

Wishing it would snow here in Tennessee, Robin
Received on Thu 01 Feb 2007 11:01:17 AM CST