Show & Tell by Dilys Evans

Reading about picture book illustration is one way I like to work on my own professional development -- and this title is one of my favorites.  In this work, published in 2008, author Dilys Evans highlights twelve children's book illustrators with a wide range of styles and techniques.

In her author's note, she states: "...my hope is that this book might help all of us who value children's books to find a universal language to use to talk about art on the page...And we will then take that vocabulary and use it to explore the many other wonderful books that are on our shelves."

Trina Schart Hyman -- David Shannon -- Bryan Collier -- Denise Fleming -- Hilary Knight -- Harry Bliss -- Paul O. Zelinsky -- Petra Mathers -- Brian Selznick -- David Wiesner -- Betsy Lewin -- Lane Smith.  These are just a few of the great illustrators of our time, and this book allows me to explore some of their work.  Thank, Ms. Evans, for sharing these wonderful introductions and insights!

The REAL 2012 Caldecott Medal winner is...

 A Ball for Daisy
by Chris Raschka











Three Caldecott Honor Books were chosen.  They are:

Blackout
by John Rocco









Grandpa Green
by Lane Smith

Me...Jane
by Patrick McDonnell









Congratulations to the winners! This year's crop of picture books was quite exceptional.

2012 ACPL Mock Caldecott Winners

On January 14, a group of 14 devoted picture book lovers met to discuss and vote on the best children's picture book published in 2011.  And the winning title was...

I Want My Hat Back
by Jon Klassen

Two honor books were chosen:

Me...Jane
by Patrick McDonnell

Around the World
by Matt Phelan

Watch for the announcement of the REAL Caldecott Award, to be announced by the American Library Association on Monday, January 23, 2012.  Click here for more information from ALA.

Introducing...Short Reading List #3!

Below you will find our third (and final) short reading list for the ACPL Mock Caldecott Election.   These are the books we'll discuss and eventually vote on at our program on January 14, 2012, along with the titles on Short List 1 and Short List 2.  Click on the link to the right to register to attend!  If you're in the neighborhood of the Main Library, stop in Children's Services and take a peek at them -- all of our short list books are on display for your reading pleasure.

And now....... List 3!

Alicia Alonso: Prima Ballerina
written by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, illustrated by Raúl Colón

Around the World
written & illustrated by Matt Phelan

A Ball for Daisy
written & illustrated Chris Raschka

Balloons Over Broadway
written & illustrated Melissa Sweet

Basketball Belles
written by Sue Macy, illustrated by Matt Collins

Blue Chicken
written & illustrated Deborah Freedman

Bumble-ardy
written & illustrated Maurice Sendak

A Dazzling Display of Dogs
written by Betsy Franco, illustrated by Michael Wertz

The House Baba Built
written & illustrated by Ed Young

I Want My Hat Back
written & illustrated by Jon Klassen

Ice
written & illustrated by Arthur Geisert

Levi Strauss Gets a Bright Idea
written by Tony Johnston, illustrated by Stacy Innerst

Mary and Her Little Lamb
written & illustrated by Will Moses

The Money We'll Save
written & illustrated by Brock Cole

Never Forgotten
written by Patricia McKissack, illustrated by Leo & Diane Dillon

Neville
written by Norton Juster, illustrated by G. Brian Karas

Red Sled
written & illustrated by Lita Judge

Stars
written by Mary Lyn Ray, illustrated by Marla Frazee

Around the World

Around the World
by Matt Phelan

Summary:  "As the nineteenth century wound down, a public inspired by Jules Verne's novel Around the World in Eighty Days clamored for intrepid adventure.  The challenge of circumnavigating the globe...attracted the fearless in droves.  Three hardy spirits stayed the course..."--front flap.

Candlewick Press, 2011.

Mary and Her Little Lamb: The True Story of the Famous Nursery Rhyme

Mary and her Little Lamb: The True Story of the Famous Nursery Rhyme
by Will Moses

Summary:  "The poem about Mary and her little lamb is one of the most popular rhymes in America, but did you know that the rhyme is true?..."--front flap.

Philomel Books, 2011.

Basketball Belles

Basketball Belles: How Two Teams and One Scrappy Player Put Women's Hoops on the Map
by Sue Macy
illustrated by Matt Collins

Summary:  "My parents hoped Stanford University would make a lady out of me...a lady can even play basketball."--front flap.

Holiday House, 2011.