From: ERLENE KILLEEN <KILLEER>
Date: Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:57:57 -0600

I am just back from Philadelphia and can attest to the energy in the room! The Caldecott announcement sent everyone into squeals of excitement. My personal feeling was that I was proud of the committee for being brave and rewarding something so unusual and really different. Since the award is for ages birth-14, this book winning seems very appropriate. Many will probably not agree but they did a good job! The King awards were not too surprising to me. Nor were the Newbery honor books, but the Newbery winner was completely unknown to me. Reactions to the Geisel award choices were very positive in the room.

Do people really roll out early? You Bet! I was in the front row of the observers and then the hotel staff placed more chairs in front of us at the last minute ? so much for getting there early!!

ALA Council takes great delight in watching the Tuesday morning interview from the Today Show on Wednesday morning in their (our) last session. It's always great to see how happy the Caldecott and Newbery recipient are when they are being interviewed there! Ann Curry was wild about the whole thing this year ? she was so bubbly!

It's a very pleasurable event and each year has unique features! If you are ever at ALA Midwinter, don't miss it! Erlene


Erlene Bishop Killeen Library Media Specialist/District Coordinator Fox Prairie Elementary Stoughton Area School District 1601 West South Street Stoughton, WI 53589 608-877-5181 FAX 608-877-5184 killeer at stoughton.k12.wi.us
"Nothing great is ever achieved without enthusiasm." Ralph Waldo Emerson
Received on Wed 16 Jan 2008 06:57:57 PM CST