From: Leda Schubert <bobr_at_vtlink.net>
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:00:42 -0500

Excuse the cross-posting, but I forgot to post that THE LION AND THE MOUSE is the winner of this year's Vermont mock-Caldecott, which is co-sponsored by the Vermont Department of Libraries and the Vermont School Librarians' Association. This was our fifteenth almost-annual event, and I got to be the presenter this time. About 40 librarians/children's literature experts/writers chose Pinkney's book after small-group discussion, etc. OTIS was the honor book, but some Vermonters felt there were "agricultural inaccuracies" having to do with hay and whatnot. I don't have a copy so I can't recreate the intense conversation.

I've fallen terribly far behind in my reading of 2009 books. One picture book that I love is THE SECRET CIRCUS, by Johanna Wright (Porter/Roaring Brook). I must go out and comb the byways to find a small child to read it to (after I buy it)--it needs whispering and slow turning of pages to fully savor its magic. At the other end of the spectrum is the Emberleys' CHICKEN LITTLE, which is just hilarious and bursts with wildness.

And I agree with most of the titles you have all posted. Funny how that happens. MARCHING FOR FREEDOM, WHEN YOU REACH ME, JUMPED (Rita Williams-Garcia; I don't think anyone mentioned it yet), MARCELO, CALPURNIA TATE--all on my list. And others which I shall try to remember.

Leda, who is mourning the demise of Kirkus this morning. www.ledaschubert.com FEEDING THE SHEEP: FSG, March, 2010
Received on Fri 11 Dec 2009 09:00:42 AM CST