Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Not a #Nerdcott Update

It's been a busy week, and I just couldn't quite pull it together for my Caldecott Challenge update, aka my #nerdcott update. Instead here is a Not a #nerdcott update, featuring an appearance by Darth Vader and a reference to a bad but very dear to my heart 80s movie.


Mentioned in the video above:

Up! Tall! and High! by Ethan Long


I posted about Up! Tall! and High! recently here.

Step Gently Out by Helen Frost



Wonderful review over at 100 Scope Notes.



Chloe and the Lion by Mac Barnett






Boy + Bot by Ame Dyckman




Sunday, May 27, 2012

Up! Tall! and High! by Long


What it's about: 

Through three simple stories, a cast of colorful birds demonstrate tall, high and up with a touch of early reader humor.

What I love: 

I love that my 6 year old (who can read this book on his own) and my 2.5 year old are both drawn to this one over and over. The language is perfect for early readers, and engaging and clever as well. The extra thick pages are great - especially with a fun flap to flip for each story.

My fans of series like Mo Willems Cat the Cat and Elephant and Piggie are sure to keep this one circulating in my library.


Other Connections:

Visit Ethan Long's website:



Print your own Up! Tall! and High! bookmarks:







Monday, May 21, 2012

The Cats of Early Caldecotts

As I have been reading books for the Caldecott Challenge, I have been documenting my reads with a picture of the cover and of a favorite illustration.

So far I have finished the first 17 years of the award, and I am discovering that many of my favorite illustrations seem to include cats (and snow scenes - but that's another post!).

I went back through my photos, and in no particular order I give you 15 Cats of Early Caldecott winner and honor books:


Can you name the books from whence these cats came? (Truly any opportunity to use the phrase "from whence" is one that should be taken).

Click here if you would like to know the titles.

Caldecott Challenge 1954


1954 Winner and Honor books - missing The Steadfast Tin Soldier
(see the video or pics below)




The beginning of The Steadfast Tin Soldier Video I remember from Elementary School:


1954 Medal Winner: Madeline's Rescue 
by Ludwig Bemelmans



another smoking man

Pop-Up Madeline Book on display at the Minneapolis Central Public Library
Green Eyes 
by A. Birnbaum






The Steadfast Tin Soldier
illustrated by Marcia Brown
written by Hans Christian Andersen






When Will the World Be Mine? 
illustrated by Jean Charlot
written by Miriam Schlein






Journey Cake, Ho! 
illustrated by Robert McCloskey 
written by Ruth Sawyer


A Very Special House
illustrated by Maurice Sendak
written by Ruth Krauss





A little catching up from 1952 with a visit to the 
Minneapolis Central Public Library permanent Milestones Collection:

Skipper John's Cook 
by Marcia Brown




Looking back at photos of my favorite illustrations from 1938-1954, I have discovered I am a sucker for illustrations of cats and snow scenes. 

Favorite 1954 illustration: 
The end pages of Green Eyes
Favorite 1954 line: 
"Oh it's right in the middle --
Oh it's ret in the meedle --
Oh it's root in the moodle of my head head head."
 from A Very Special House

CURRENT CALDECOTT CHALLENGE COUNT: 85

Interested in joining the Caldecott Challenge? More information here.


Monday, May 14, 2012

Caldecott Challenge 1953






1953 Medal Winner: 

The Biggest Bear 
by Lynd Ward



1953 Honor Books:

Puss in Boots 
by Marcia Brown



One Morning in Maine 
by Robert McCloskey 



The Storm Book 
written by Charlotte Zolotow 
illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham




Ape in a Cape: An Alphabet of Odd Animals 
by Fritz Eichenberg



Five Little Monkeys by Juliet Kepes






Chloe and the Lion
written by Mac Barnett
illustrated by Adam Rex


Whoops... how did this get in here?
(Jump to 8:45 in the video above)








Current Caldecott Challenge Count: 78

Interested in joining the Caldecott Challenge? More information here.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Caldecott Challenge 1952



1952 Caldecott Medal

Finders Keepers
illustrated by Nicholas Mordvinoff 
written by William Lipkind


  

 

1952 Caldecott Honor Books

All Falling Down 
illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham
written by Gene Zion


 
 
  

  


Bear Party 
 by William Pène du Bois

  
   

Mr. T. W. Anthony Woo  
by Marie Hall Ets

  


Scads of pets.
Treefulls of Koalas.
One smoking man.


Current Caldecott Challenge Count: 72

Interested in joining the Caldecott Challenge? More information here.