Journal topic 3: My choices for the Caldecott

I chose five picture books published in 2008 that I considered for the Caldecott Award based on the existing requirements and considerations for judges.
1. Just in Case by Yuyi Morales.
A skeleton, Senor Calavera, is bicycling to Grandma Beetle's birthday party. The ghost of Grandpa Zelmiro sidetracks him by pondering possible presents for her. Each option is a Spanish word from A-Z, and they run the gamut from ladders to instruments, food to animals. The illustrations are fun and fantastical, using elements and decorations from the Mexico's Day of the Dead traditions. The artwork has a cohesive style and uses simple, easy to understand words that are appropriate for this age group. Additional Spanish words appear at the end of the book as illustrated playing cards. The paintings lead the eye across the page and enhance the story. Like many Caldecott winners, the actual wording is not perfect. For example, no one seems to notice or care that Grandpa Zelmiro is no longer a ghost at the end of the book when Senor Calavera finally arrives and brings him as the birthday present. Also, some children might find the skeleton scary, especially if they don't have any understanding of the Day of the Dead. Even if the text is slightly confusing, the illustrations are exceptional. I would give Just In Case an Honor Award winner. (Note: It was only after I chose this book that I found it Just In Case had won the Pura Belpre prize for 2009.)

2. Chee-Lin: A Giraffe's Journey by James Rumford.
Loosely based on a painting and historical documents from the 1400's, Iweega the giraffe (pronounced chee-lin in Chinese) was trapped in Kenya and sold as a prize and symbol of wealth. Iweega travels from Africa to Arabia, India and finally China, and he meets friends along the way. The illustrations are absolutely stunning in this book. Rumford captures the beauty and elegance of the traditional dress, landscape and color palate of each of the countries in this time period. He also shows the loneliness and kindness of Iweega in his expressive face and eyes. The painterly quality adds depth and texture to the illustrations and provides a visual experience for readers. Sometimes the book felt a bit advanced for young children in terms of the storyline. Children may not understand all of the elements in the illustrations or understand the historical aspects to the plot. Although the Caldecott does not consider popularity or text as major factors in its requirements, these did affect my appreciation of the story. That is why I awarded Chee-Lin an Honor Award rather than the Caldecott medal.

3. Bats At the Library by Brian Lies
I was immediately enchanted with Bats At the Library. This is one of those rare books where the text and illustrations mesh perfectly. When someone leaves a window open at the library, a family of bats descend on the building and explore the wonders of reading. The illustrations capture the attention of readers, adding layers of humor and meaning as the book progresses. The text and drawings show the active bats and their excitement as they travel to worlds beyond the covers of the books they read. Lies interweaves references to other classic stories (but with animal characters). The illustrations are age appropriate and are equally appealing for adults. The artwork has a high level of skill and originality. The book feels fresh and fun, and it includes a great message for kids. I almost chose Bats At the Library as the winner of my Caldecott Medal, both because of its exemplary illustrations and because of its overall theme, but chose another. Instead it gets an Honor Award.

4. Peekaboo Bedtime by Rachel Isadora
An adorable African American boy plays peekaboo around his house at night. This book is perfect for preschoolers. It uses simple words and visual clues through the common game of peekaboo as a way to entertain readers and build vocabulary. The illustrations are both realistic and visually stimulating. As the narrator plays peekaboo, a small bordered drawing of a scene or object is shown. The repetitive text encourages the reader to turn the page, where the objects--his family members, the cat, his slippers--are revealed. The chalk/pastel drawings are rich and detailed with great color and texture. While Peekaboo Bedtime is very good book and I thoroughly enjoyed it, I am giving it an Honor Award since it is aimed at such a narrow group of readers.

5. Wabi Sabi by Mark Reibstein, art by Ed Young.
I LOVED this book and was shocked that it didn't win the Caldecott. I just can't say enough complimentary things about it. Wabi Sabi, a cat in Japan, goes on an adventure to find out the meaning of his name. Through his travels and interactions with other animals, the drawings and text demonstrate the cat's personality and the meaning of the term "wabi sabi." The illustrations are made of homemade paper and collage, using recycled paper, pressed flowers, string, hair and other natural materials. By using these items rather than paintings or sculptures, it echoes the state of simplicity, modesty and impermanence that embody "wabi sabi." Each of the characters is created by using simple paper forms (with the exception of the monkey and the dog, who have elaborate shaggy hair and face markings), but express so much personality and emotional depth as the story unfolds. In addition, the book opens up and down rather than side to side, enhancing the reading experience. Wabi Sabi also captures the visual tone of Japan's culture, using color schemes, local animals and plants, and haikus (which are scattered throughout the book in Japanese and translated at the end). Even though other books use paper collage (like Doowop Pop, which won an Honor Award), Wabi Sabi utilizes this medium in an exciting, beautiful, new way that epitomizes the essence of wabi sabi and unifies the text and illustrations. It is age appropriate, contains multicultural themes, is highly original and outstanding in its execution. This book receives my highest praise and wins my top Caldecott prize.