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A Sick Day for Amos McGee
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From: Ginny Moore Kruse <gmkruse_at_wisc.edu>
Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2011 13:39:19 -0600
There are many elements I enjoy within this delightful picture book. Most have been mentioned on CCBC-Net already. The book production, choice of paper stock, page layouts and overall design are superb. I noticed visual contrasts within the pages - for example, abundant verticals vs. the globular masses of the elephant and the rhinoceros. I smile time and again when I see visual irony within this picture book - a penguin requiring socks to warm its feet, a huge animal perched on a small stool to manipulate tiny chessboard pieces. Small moments of humor are pleasing at a child's level, as well - bus passengers seated according to size. I also value the author's and artist's attention to quiet, dignified, kind acts and the reciprocity of same. Helping someone to wipe a runny nose can be a small kindness. Family can be whoever one cares for and - if lucky - is cared by. I think the artist was quoted as remarking that this is a quiet book about Kindness. Perhaps Kindness is almost always quiet.
I think it was Norma Jean who commented about post-award-announcement criticisms. If not that, then something to this effect. After every ALA/ALSC Newbery and Caldecott Award is announced, a huge spotlight illuminates the winners. Few details escape wide attention. Few books are perfect, and most cannot easily withstand the critical glare of such illumination. As always, time can tell whether or not an award book will become a lasting book. However, even exquisitely quiet, understated book award winners do make huge differences for some young readers and listeners and their families. I'm happy that the 2011 Caldecott Award Committee discovered many reasons to honor this fine book. If they, like Sharron, discovered in its originality an homage to "Good Night, Moon," good for this jury and all the more praise for Erin Stead's accomplishment.
With appreciation, Ginny
Ginny Moore Kruse gmkruse_at_wisc.edu
Received on Mon 24 Jan 2011 01:39:19 PM CST
Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2011 13:39:19 -0600
There are many elements I enjoy within this delightful picture book. Most have been mentioned on CCBC-Net already. The book production, choice of paper stock, page layouts and overall design are superb. I noticed visual contrasts within the pages - for example, abundant verticals vs. the globular masses of the elephant and the rhinoceros. I smile time and again when I see visual irony within this picture book - a penguin requiring socks to warm its feet, a huge animal perched on a small stool to manipulate tiny chessboard pieces. Small moments of humor are pleasing at a child's level, as well - bus passengers seated according to size. I also value the author's and artist's attention to quiet, dignified, kind acts and the reciprocity of same. Helping someone to wipe a runny nose can be a small kindness. Family can be whoever one cares for and - if lucky - is cared by. I think the artist was quoted as remarking that this is a quiet book about Kindness. Perhaps Kindness is almost always quiet.
I think it was Norma Jean who commented about post-award-announcement criticisms. If not that, then something to this effect. After every ALA/ALSC Newbery and Caldecott Award is announced, a huge spotlight illuminates the winners. Few details escape wide attention. Few books are perfect, and most cannot easily withstand the critical glare of such illumination. As always, time can tell whether or not an award book will become a lasting book. However, even exquisitely quiet, understated book award winners do make huge differences for some young readers and listeners and their families. I'm happy that the 2011 Caldecott Award Committee discovered many reasons to honor this fine book. If they, like Sharron, discovered in its originality an homage to "Good Night, Moon," good for this jury and all the more praise for Erin Stead's accomplishment.
With appreciation, Ginny
Ginny Moore Kruse gmkruse_at_wisc.edu
Received on Mon 24 Jan 2011 01:39:19 PM CST
