Before you know it, 2024 will be here, and with each new year comes the announcement of the latest Caldecott Award winner (among other important American Library Association awards).
Weeks prior to the awards announcements are made- an event that usually takes place the Monday after Martin Luther King, Jr. Day- people all around the United States take part in a Mock Caldecott Award process, where they attempt to make a guess at the top contenders for the best illustrated picture book from the previous year; rating, evaluating, and comparing books until they wind up with one clear (unofficial) winner. Imaginary glory goes to anyone lucky or talented enough to guess the actual winner, as there are literally thousands of picture books that could be real prospects, and only the official Caldecott committee knows for sure which ones have a true chance.
So, joining Mock Caldecott participators across the land, let's take a wild guess at some possible medal hopefuls.
If I Was a Horse by Sophie Blackall
PICTURE BLACKALL
Illustrator/author Blackall has already won Caldecott medals for two of her past books- Hello, Lighthouse and Finding Winnie, but who knows- If I Was a Horse could be her third! Whimsical and lots of fun, the art and words work seamlessly together to paint a story of an imaginative child who pictures how much fun life would be if they were a horse!
Oh, Olive! by Lian Cho
PICTURE CHO
Lian Cho and her protagonist Olive Chen have something special in common- they are both amazing artists who aren't afraid to follow their heart and express themselves artistically, even if their styles are unusual! This book is a delight for your eyes, and has a great message. It deserves some recognition, and I hope it gets it!
Evergreen by Matthew Cordell
PICTURE CORDELL
Simplicity and nostalgia are strong with this charming picture book, which includes chapters that introduce a nervous little squirrel who is afraid of practically everything. While completing an errand for her mother, she accidentally ends up on four mini adventures, and eventually realizes that the world is an exciting, rather than scary, place. The muted color palette, adorable characters, and masterful use of shading and perspective have landed this book on many Mock Caldecott lists.
Remember by Joy Harjo, with illustrations by Michaela Goade
J811.54 HARJO
When you combine the writing of a US Poet Laureate with illustrations by an artist who has already won a silver Caldecott Honor Award as well as the highly prized gold Caldecott Medal Award, you know you have something special on your hands. Simple text reminding readers about their connection to their communities, the Earth, and themselves paired with the mystical, magical artwork that Goade is known for will surely impress readers…and maybe the official Caldecott committee?
Big by Vashti Harrison
PICTURE HARRISON
With a focus on the important topic of body image and self-acceptance, Harrison creates a powerful tale that is perfectly illustrated. She uses fold out pages, shifts in her color palette, wordless page spreads, the edges of the pages, and more, to bolster the text of the story, and add a moving visual element to the main character's tale. Unmissable.
Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider by Jessica Lanan
J595.44 LANAN
As much as I am not a fan of spiders, this book is spectacular enough to make me suppress my instinctive aversion. Lanan does an impressive job of creating an informative, interesting, and well illustrated book that will likely inthrall all readers. The artwork includes unusual angles, nice use of shadow and light, and attention-grabbing spreads. The book includes back matter that provides additional information, definitions, and tips for observing spiders in their natural habitat. Although I will politely decline the invitation to spend time spider-watching, I wouldn’t be opposed to another reading of this well-crafted book.
Once Upon a Book by Grace Lin and Kate Messner, with illustrations by Grace Lin
PICTURE LIN
A wish for warmer weather leads to a girl being invited into a book by the characters in the story! Two literary powerhouses have teamed up to present a celebration of books and reading, with nods to Alice in Wonderland, Goldilocks, and Where the Wild Things Are. Keep an eye on the main character's pattern and color-changing dress, and the rabbit who follows her through every page spread.
Very Good Hats by Emma Straub, with illustrations by Blanca Gómez
PICTURE STRAUB
Adult author Straub tries her hand at children’s literature, and very successfully, I might add- especially when she collaborates with the talented Blanca Gómez. The premise of the book is simple: anything can make a very good hat if you give it a try! The silly story line is paired perfectly with artwork that will undoubtedly leave you with a big grin on your face!
Simon and the Better Bone by Corey R. Tabor
PICTURE TABOR
Tabor, whose previous book Mel Fell, I thought had a real shot at the Caldecott two years ago (but alas..), has really outdone himself this time. The narrative, adapted from Aesop’s fable “The Dog and His Reflection”, is funny and well paced, with a delightfully goofy protagonist. The artwork, which is presented in a sweet childlike drawing style, is just plain fun. Motion and emotion cues are included in the illustrations, and Tabor plays with the book's orientation, the gutter space, and more. There’s even a bit of a twist at the end, which hints to the possible further adventures of Simon and his new “friend”. This book is a blast!