Caldecott Winner 2015

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.

(Print information from http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottmedal)

2015 Medal Winner : The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend

 illustrated and written by Dan Santat 

I am thrilled that one of my picks for my elementary library 'must haves' has been selected as this years winner!  Beekle is so visually appealing and adorable that it practically jumped off the shelf and into my arms.

In four delightful “visual chapters,” Beekle, an imaginary friend, undergoes an emotional journey looking for his human. Santat uses fine details, kaleidoscopic saturated colors, and exquisite curved and angular lines to masterfully convey the emotional essence of this special childhood relationship. 

“Santat makes the unimaginable, imaginable,” said Caldecott Medal Committee Chair Junko Yokota. 

Have a look inside:

Click HERE for an interview with 
Author and Illustrator Dan Santat from Bookpage.com





2015 Honor Books

Nana in the City, written and illustrated by Lauren Castillo

Castillo’s evocative watercolor illustrations tell the story of a young boy’s visit to his grandmother, and the reassuring way she helps him to lose his fear and experience the busy, loud city in a new way.

The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky's Abstract Art, illustrated by Mary GrandPré, written by Barb Rosenstock
Abstract artist Vasily Kandinsky experienced colors as sounds and sounds as colors; he created work that was bold and groundbreaking using colors from his "noisy paint box.” His process is reflected beautifully by GrandPré, whose paint flows across the page in ethereal ribbons of color..

Sam & Dave Dig a Hole, illustrated by Jon Klassen, written by Mac Barnett
Klassen’s use of texture, shape and earth tones in this deceptively simple book invite readers into the experience of two boys, who, accompanied by their dog, set out to dig a hole. Readers will find an unexpected treasure and be challenged to ponder the meaning of “spectacular.”

Viva Frida, illustrated and written by Yuyi Morales 
 Using a unique variety of media - puppetry, printmaking, painting and photography - combined with an intoxicating use of color and unfailing sense of composition, Morales celebrates the artistic process.