The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. The award is named after Randolph (Ralph) Caldecott, 1846-1886. He is considered one of 3 influential children’s illustrators in England in the 19th century.
Randolph Caldecott is called the father of the modern picture book. Maurice Sendak summed it up well when he said, “Caldecott’s work heralds the beginning of the modern picture book. He devised an ingenious juxtaposition of picture and word, a counterpoint that never happened before. Words are left out—but the picture says it. Pictures are left out—but the word says it. In short, it is the invention of the picture book.”
You can identify the Caldecott Winners in the William O. Scahefer library by looking for this sticker on the spine of the books. There is also a large poster with ALL of the Caldecott Medal Winners, 1938-2017 to help guide you… we do own all 81 Caldecott Medal Winners!
2019 Medal Winner
Hello Lighthouse, illustrated and written by Sophie Blackall, published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.
Masterful ink and watercolor illustrations illuminate the story of a lighthouse and the family inside. Stunning images of the lighthouse in all kinds of weather alternate with views of intimate interior detail and circular motifs. Blackall’s skill with composition, line and close attention to detail have
2019 Honor Books
Alma and How She Got Her Name, illustrated and written by Juana Martinez-Neal, published by Candlewick Press.
When Alma’s father shares family stories about the origins of her long beautiful name, she gains an appreciation for its uniqueness and connection to her history. Martinez-Neal uses smudgy graphite and colored pencil to convey a soft palette that gently transports readers into Alma’s rich ancestral past.
A Big Mooncake for Little Star, illustrated and written by Grace Lin, published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.
Lin’s detailed compositions and palette create a wholly original fable imbued with traits of the Chinese Moon Festival. A mischievous child and her mother bake a mooncake and the temptation of sweet treats unfolds nightly against an inky black sky. The phases of the moon have never been so tasty!
The Rough Patch, illustrated and written by Brian Lies, published by Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
“Evan and his dog did everything together” until “one day, the unthinkable happened”. With compelling compositions and mastery of light and shadow, Brian Lies illustrates an emotional arc of loss, grief, healing, and hope.
Thank you, Omu!, illustrated and written by Oge Mora, published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.
The scent of Omu’s thick red stew drifts through the neighborhood, bringing community members to the door for a taste. Through mixed media and paper collage, Mora tells a story of coming together to give and receive. Rich colors and textures celebrate generosity, community, and the rewards of sharing.n
