On Monday, the 2009 Caldecott and Newbury awards were announced, and I must say I am no less than inspired. Working on my own children's book has given me a completely new perception of what these awards represent. Here at home, we acquire new books monthly...mostly from the library, but we have since built up our own children's book library. I even have my own picture book collection that the kids aren't allowed to touch (or chew or rip!). And I started thinking....I would love to start a picture book review weekly on the blog! Every week, I'll introduce a favorite find...old and new in the category: Books you'll love. But for this week, here are the Caldecott winners for 2009!
The Lion and the Mouse illustrated and written by Jerry Pinkney (Caldecott Medal)
All the World illustrated by Marla Frazee, written by Liz Garton Scanlon (Caldecott Honor)
Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski, written by Joyce Sidman (Caldecott Honor)
It's really fun to think that right now, I have acquired these books without the medal on them. I purchased them before the gold sticker perminently gets placed. I think I like it best that way: it reminds me of what first came out of the publishing house...fresh and raw, ready for review.
But check these books out...you won't be disappointed. How a story is told in pictures is a genius I am so intrigued and inspired by. Hope you are too!