The Caldecott and Newbery Awards

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) awards both the Caldecott and Newbery Awards. The Newbery Award is the oldest of the two, the idea for the award was proposed in 1921. The award is intended to honor original American literature which is determined to be named distinguished as a contribution to children's literature. Other books may be given the status of "Honor Book". The Caldecott Award came to be in 1937 because of concerns that artists who created picture books were just as deserving of recognition. Other books may be given the status of "Honor Book".
Is one a better award than the other? I fail to see a way to compare the two awards. The Newbery Award is focused on the text of the story. Does the text present issues of theme or concept, plot, characters, setting, and style that are distinguished in their conveyance as well as respectful toward children as the audience? Illustrations, if included with the text, are not considered unless they detract from the text.
The Caldecott Medal considers the illustrations to see whether they can convey the theme or concept, story-line, and characters. Flotsam, the newest award winner, is a book devoid of text yet still conveys a wonderful and engaging story-line. The other components of the book may be considered if they detract from the illustrations.
I personally think to compare the two reduces the effectiveness that each award brings. One does not compare apples to oranges, except to point out they are both fruits. One cannot compare a Caldecott to a Newbery Award winning book except to point out they are both examples of children's literature. These awards help librarians, teachers, parents and especially children to seek out and find those books which are examples of excellence in their categories.

The Cat in the Hat, The Lorax

The Cat in the Hat and The Lorax, two stories written by Dr. Seuss

I must admit I had never been a Dr. Seuss fan until I began to teach young readers and could appreciate his contribution to children's literature. I came from a generation that were still reading Dick and Jane and had been subjected to the stilted, controlled text within each story. (Sometimes I wonder how I came to love reading!) The Cat in the Hat is a wonderful, refreshing take on controlled text. Theodore Geisel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss) made quite a different story with only 225 basic vocabulary words.

In the story the children struggle with the desire to have fun as well as the desire to please their mother. The fish is their conscience characterized, repeatedly reminding them that the cat should not be in the house. The question posed as the end of the story is thought provoking and worthy of discussion as it asks, "Should we tell her about it? Now, what should we do? Well. . .What would you do, If your mother asked you?" It would be interesting to have children answer that question. As one can see, there is a moral struggle in should one tell the truth, or since there is no evidence, is it better to not mention what happened at all? I'm pretty sure I know what most children will choose (if they are honest.)

The Lorax is another of Dr. Seuss' stories. There are many concepts introduced within the text such as pollution, conservation, greed and mismanagement of natural resources. The reader is left at the end with the hope that the one Truffula seed may be used to once again renew the forest of Truffula trees and herald the return of the Lorax and his friends. The Lorax was not well received in 1971. Environmental awareness was in its infancy with The Clean Air Act having just been passed in 1960s. Was this a topic for our young impressionable children? Dr. Seuss wrote a book that was published before its time. This is a book that would be better received today, didactic as it is. Our population is more aware of environmental issues, recycling occurs more often and movies that discuss environmental issues are given awards. Yes, Dr. Seuss was ahead of his time but perhaps he tried to gently show the world, through its children, that change must occur.

There is a Theodore Seuss Geisel Award now presented every year to both the author and illustrator of the "most distinguished American book for beginning readers" What a tribute to the man who showed us that with limited vocabulary, rhyme and nonsense words books can be produced that are entertaining and provide encouragement for beginning readers.

John Henry, a story by Julius Lester

John Henry by Julius Lester

This is a story of an incredible man named John Henry. He, of course, is a larger than life folk hero who is portrayed as a very strong man, much in the tradition of Paul Bunyan. While Paul was a hero out west, John Henry was in the eastern United States building roads and a tunnel through the Allegheny Mountains. Was John Henry a real man? No one knows for sure, but his story has been sung about and retold by many.

The author Julius Lester tells the tale in such a way that you cheer John Henry's attempts and subsequent success. The language of the story is rich and I was humored by such phrases as, "the wind was out of breath trying to keep up with him" and "it was as hard as anger". Lester paints a picture with words of a larger than life man who is able to tackle seemingly impossible jobs. I loved the end when it states, "Dying ain't important. Everybody does that. What matters is how well you do your living." What a very important lesson to give to the reader!

Lester has written many other books such as: Day of Tears, To Be A Slave, The Autobiography of God: A Novel, Black Folktales, Dressed Like Freedom. Further collaboration with Pinkney can be found in these titles: Uncle Remus: The Complete Tales and Sam and the Tigers: a retelling of "Little Black Sambo". He has received the Coretta Scott King Award for Day of Tears and Honors for The Tales of Uncle Remus: The Adventures of Brer Rabbit and This Strange New Feeling. I have not read any other selections by Lester but would like to see if his other books are as enjoyable and rich in language as John Henry.

John Henry, an illustrated book by Jerry Pinkney

John Henry by Julius Lester and pictures by Jerry Pinkney

I think Pinkney's illustrations in the book John Henry are wonderful examples of art in a child's hands. The illustrations are colorful and rendered with pencil, colored pencils and watercolor. Each picture is rich in detail. These are the types of illustrations you look at again and again to find more within the picture. Pinkney does a wonderful job of showing the reader the action in the text. You can see how John Henry is larger than life by the perspective used in some of the illustrations. Texture and movement are quite evident as John Henry swings his mighty hammers.

Pinkney received a Caldecott Honor in 1995 for this book. He has received the Honor for this award before: Mirandy and Brother Wind (1989), The Talking Eggs: A Folktale from the American South (1990), The Ugly Duckling (2000) and Noah's Ark (2003). I surely hope Pinkney is not the "Susan Luci" for the Caldecott Medal. Hopefully, he will receive the medal soon. He has won The Coretta Scott Kind Award for Goin Someplace Special (2002), Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman (1997), Mirandy and Brother Wind (1989), Half a Moon and One Whole Star (1987) and The Patchwork Quilt (1986). He has won Honors for this award three times as well. Pinkney is quite the prolific illustrator. I am familiar with some of these illustrated stories of Pinkney's and have enjoyed his art. The use of Pinkney's illustrations would make art concepts come alive for students.

Makoto, The Smallest Boy: A Story of Japan, a book by Yoshiko Uchida

Makoto, The Smallest Boy: A Story of Japan by Yoshiko Uchida

This is a story written in 1970 that today is still a timeless story. Boys and girls around the world can relate to the struggles and desires of Makoto. In the story the main character of Makoto is tired of being the smallest boy in class. He does not play sports well and is usually on the losing team. With the help of his neighbor, Mr. Imai, he decides that drawing is something that he likes to do. Mr. Imai cautions Makoto that he must draw every day and one day he will sit down to draw and will forget about everything and thus create the finest picture he has ever done.

Makoto begins to sketch, day after day, all sorts of different things until he has ten sketch pads full. He shows Mr. Imai his sketches and the neighbor gives Makoto his old box of oil paints and brushes. Makota uses these paints to create several pictures of the temple, one of which he shows in the school Hobby Show. Makoto is surprised to find his painting receives the "Best in Class" award and he finally feels he is able to be good at something.

In this story Uchida introduces the reader to Japan. There are no stereotypes in the book, mainly aspects of the culture as presented as part of Makoto's life, although one must keep in mind the age of the book. Women do not run around in kimonos and tea is not always taken. Instead, an image is presented of modern day Kyoto (during 1970s) and the lives of its craftsmen and their families. The main focus of the story is Makoto's persistence and subsequent reward.

I have never read any books by Uchida before but I have found her to be quite the prolific author. It was hard to find her more recent work in my local library. I do know that she has written titles such as: A Jar of Dreams, Journey to Topaz: A Story of the Japanese-American Evacuation, Desert Exile: The Uprooting of a Japanese-American Family, The Bracelet, The Magic Purse, Samurai of Gold Hill, Sea of Gold, Takao and Grandfather's Sword, Lone Wolf and Cub-Sword of Vengeance, The Magic Listening Cap: More Folk Tales from Japan, Journey Home

Moses, When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom, A Coretta Scott King Award Book

Moses, When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford

This was truly a superb book, both the text and illustrations told the wonderful story of Harriet Tubman, a famous conductor of the Underground Railroad. In the story Harriet is a slave who decides to run away instead of being sold. Harriet's flight is recorded as well as her special relationship with God. Moses led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt and Harriet became, with her trust in God, the Moses for her people.

This book illustrates how one person can make a difference in the world. Harriet was able to free as many as three hundred slaves. She changed so many lives. The Coretta Scott King Award is inscribed with "Non Violent Social Change - Peace - Brotherhood". We are amazed at the story of Tubman, who did so much for her people with only her faith in God, no violence was required.

This book also received a Caldecott Honor Medal. (I'm sure if Flotsam had not been published the same year this book would have definitely been awarded the Caldecott Award as well.) The illustrations by Nelson are realistic and convey Harriet's struggles as well as her emotions. My favorite illustration is that of Harriet asleep in the woods. You see the animals of the woods around her, as if sent by God for protection. The image of Harriet on the front cover shows her absolute trust and faith in God. This is an important story as it tells of our nation's past and the issue of slavery as well as the story of the unselfish love and courage of one woman to free her people.

I have not read any other books by Carol Boston Weatherford. I feel she did a wonderful job of placing the reader in that time of our nations' history. She makes you feel as if Harriet is not alone on her journey, she has God with her always. Weatherford makes history come alive. I look forward to reading more of her work.

Bridge to Terabithia, a children's book and a feature film

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson

What a powerful book about friendship! Jess and Leslie, two children from vastly different worlds become the best of friends. They escape to a make believe world of Terabithia. The two personalities complement each other as Jess accepts and respects Leslie for who she is and teaches Leslie about life in their rural town. Leslie, in turn, teaches Jess about the world all around and especially their own world of make believe.

This story has a very moving ending. I am not ashamed to admit I cried through the tragedy and loss of Jess' friend. Anyone who has lost someone close to them can identify with Jess' reaction in the situation. His disbelief, anger and ability to disconnect with reality are strategies he uses to cope. We finally see Jess able to understand and move beyond, with help from the memory of Leslie. What a wonderful book to help children deal with the issue of death and the loss of a special friend.

I also reviewed the movie, a recent release. I liked the movie but I am sure I would have liked it more if I had not read the book previously. The book focuses on the relationship between Jess and Leslie, their escape into Terabithia seemed secondary. In the movie the imaginations of the world of Terabithia seemed to be the primary focus. The special effects crew surely outdid themselves with such fantastical characters, but that is not the focus of the book. Many parts of the movie were not part of the book. Janice Avery becoming friends with Jess? No way! Not ever, couldn't happen! Jess' father was portrayed differently as well. He seemed more harsh with Jess in the movie, in the book he seemed preoccupied. I wonder how authors feel about the treatment of their characters in movies. Are they pleased with the results or, are they disappointed? How much control do they have?

I enjoyed Bridge to Terabithia and I would like to read some more of her work, especially her medal and honor selections such as: Jacob Have I Loved, The Great Gilly Hopkins, and The Master Puppeteer. Her characters in Bridge to Terabithia were strong and true, very believable. I would like to see if that trait is evident in her other books.

Because of Winn Dixie, a children's book and a feature film

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

I absolutely loved this book! The story is of a lonely girl, new to town, who adopts a stray dog and through the dog is able to make friends with a various assortment of townspeople. The character of India Opal is charming. The reader watches as Opal struggles through her sadness of the loss of her mother, who left her at a young age. We see Opal begin to question and seek answers from her father, who has been tight-lipped about her mother. But mostly, the readers see how Opal discovers through her friends that everyone has some sadness in their lives and friendship fills an empty heart.

When I watched the film, Because of Winn-Dixie I was somewhat disappointed in its portrayal of the book. The characters seemed richer in the book, more multidimensional. I didn't really feel Otis' terrible shyness when watching the movie. The preacher was a disappointment as the book portrayed his relationship with Opal as being much closer. The movie introduced a new character of a bumbling sheriff, which was probably added for laughs but was rather a flat, limited character who didn't fit at all. The character of Mr. Alfred was only discussed in the book as owning the trailer park, but in the movie he was the antagonist who did not want Winn Dixie to stay. The book did a far better job of introducing the character of Winn Dixie and how the dog helped Opal meet new friends as well as talk to the preacher. Perhaps I am a purist and I do not like a good story to be changed but I really feel that the movie would have been fine if it would have stayed more true to the story.

Because of Winn-Dixie is the second book I have read by Kate DiCamillo. I had already read The Tale of Despereaux. I was surprised by how different the two books are. Just like having children who are of different temperaments, DiCamillo has written two books that have different themes. The Tale of Despereaux is a story of courage, becoming brave when you are most fearful. Because of Winn-Dixie is about accepting the sorrow in your life and filling your heart with friendship and love. DiCamillo is definitely an author from whom I want to hear more stories.

Holes, A children's book and a feature film

Holes by Louis Sachar

What a very clever and enjoyable book! Sachar creates a story that is imaginative and far-fetched but yet simply believable. I know there could be no detention center for boys that would have such a strenuous "character building" program but Sachar paints a picture that is so believable. I enjoyed the way Stanley, Zero and "the Warden's" lives were connected in the story. You even start to blame Stanley's no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather for all Stanley's troubles. This story is a folk tale gone awry but still carries a strong message of friendship and responsibility.

I also enjoyed the movie, which stayed true to the storyline of the book. Only the slang used in the conversations between the boys was introduced to show a more current story. If given my choice between the book and the movie I would definitely say the book was better in that it treated the flashbacks of Stanley's great-great-grandfather in more detail as well as Zero's tragic life.

Sachar received the Newbery Award for Holes. He has written other books as well as the Marvin Redpost and Wayside School series. He has a new book about Armpit, one of the characters in Holes, entitled Small Steps as well as Stanley Yelnats' Survival Guide to Camp Green Lake. Obviously the readers of Holes would like to enjoy more adventures from the characters they grew to love in Holes.

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers, A Caldecott Award Winning Book

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein

What a wonderful book that tells a tale which is true! This is the story of Philippe Petit, who walked on a wire stretched between the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center. Just looking at the first illustration of the twin towers brought such a rush of emotion for me. It makes me sad to think of how solid and massive these towers looked, buildings which were such a part of the New York skyline and now are gone.

I was unaware that someone had walked on a wire between the two towers so on the first reading of the book my focus was on the text of the story. I am afraid of heights but that does not stop my amazement that someone would look at those towers and want to walk on a wire between them. On my second reading of the story I saw illustrations that were detailed with lines drawn with ink and added color. The towers are in almost every illustration. I like how the perspective changes as Philippe reaches the top of the towers. You see New York as if you were on top of the towers. I especially like the insert in the middle of the book which unfolds to emphasize the massive height of the towers and how precarious that walk had been.

At the end of the story the towers are shown as a memory, just like the memory of that walk undertaken by Philippe Petit. I'm not sure readers will be inspired to walk on a wire after reading this book, but I am sure they will appreciate what a challenge this special walk had been!

Kitten's First Full Moon, A Caldecott Award Winning Book

Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

Kitten's First Full Moon is a simple tale of a tenacious kitten after an unobtainable goal, the moon resembles a bowl of milk! The reader sees the kitten try a variety of methods in order to reach that bowl of milk (the moon). Mishap after mishap occurs until Kitten finally returns home (where she finds a bowl of milk waiting!)

I found this book at first to be a very simple tale until I read it again. I began to wonder what Henkes message to his readers may be. Is it the "Don't give up!" message, or is it deeper than that, "What you are longing for most in the world can be found at home." Whatever the message, the young reader will enjoy the antics of Kitten as she continues to get her milk.

The illustrations in the book are devoid of color, only black, gray and white are used. These colors reinforce the setting of the story; it is nighttime, hence why the moon would become so alluring to the kitten. Not much detail is given to other objects in the illustrations, your eyes are drawn to the main character and the moon.

Kevin Henkes has written and illustrated over thirty children's books. He has received a Newbery award for Olive's Ocean. Most know him best for the book, Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse.

The Hello, Goodbye Window, A Caldecott Award Winning Book

The Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton Juster illustrated by Chris Raschka

The Hello, Goodbye Window is located right where you need it - where Nanna and Poppy live. This story is about a girl who visits with her grandparents and all the fun things they do together. The window is located near the back entry and looks right into the kitchen, where her grandparents can always be found. The child points out how different things can be seen from each side of the window. You can see who is coming and say "Hello" and of course blow kisses and say "Goodbye" to Nanna and Poppy through the window.

This story reminded me of the happy times I would spend at my grandparents house. The young girl truly enjoys spending time with her grandparents and when she leaves she feels "happy and sad at the same time . . . it just happens that way sometimes." Many of us can relate to those simple feelings.

The illustrations are very colorful and almost childlike. They are rendered in a somewhat impressionistic style with watercolors and given some detail with lines with that appear to be made with crayon. On each page the illustrations are the focus as they capture your attention. I would like to see more illustrations by Chris Raschka, I wonder if he uses the same medium and style in other children's books.

Children will enjoy this story and will probably begin to look at windows in an entirely different way, especially the windows at their grandparents' home.

My Friend Rabbit, A Caldecott Award Winning Book

My Friend Rabbit by Eric Rohmann

How many times have we heard from a child, "I've got an idea"? Rohmann creates an entertaining story of a rabbit who has an idea. While Rabbit and Mouse are playing with their plane one day the plane becomes stuck in a tree. Rabbit states that he has an idea to get the plane out of the tree. Of course, according to Mouse, whatever Rabbit does, wherever he goes, trouble follows. What a great point this would be to stop and ask children, "What might Rabbit's idea be? How could there be trouble? What would you do?"

I absolutely loved the page where we, the reader, get an inkling of what Rabbit's idea could be. The wonderful illustration shows the tail and backside of an animal. What animal could this be? You read on to see Rabbit create a tower of animals to reach high enough to retrieve the plane. (What a strong rabbit he is!) Of course, trouble does follow!

The story is presented with minimal text and rich, vibrant illustrations. I enjoyed the expressions of the animals and the action shown in the pictures. The illustrations are strong enough to carry the meaning of the story, even without reading the text. I enjoyed the character of Rabbit and his creative approach to problem solving. I am sure young readers will appreciate his ideas as well.

Flotsam, A Caldecott Award Winning Book

Flotsam by David Wiesner

This beautifully illustrated book is a true picture book as only the illustrations tell the story, there is no text. The title page of the book made me smile as I saw the illustration of all the "beach junk" the boy had collected. This reminded me of my travels to the beach and all the items I love to collect. The boy in the story is quite the curious beach visitor as he brings a microscope, binoculars and a magnifying glass as well as the ever needed shovel and pail.

In the story the boy is surprised to find an underwater camera in which he develops the film inside to find a new world beneath the ocean's surface. The boy sees pictures of a world filled with ocean animals that sometimes curiously behave as people, living in homes and cities, riding in hot air balloons, even communicating with aliens! (Some pictures are very imaginative!) The most incredulous picture is that of a child holding a picture of a child holding a picture of a child (and so on). The boy knows he must take a picture of himself holding that picture. He sends the camera back into the ocean so the ocean animals can take more pictures. At the end we see another child retrieve the underwater camera as it washes up on a different beach and you know the story will continue.

I enjoyed the story and the illustrations were beautiful as well as creative. Weisner challenges the reader to question, "What sort of lives do the animals of the ocean live?"

The Mark Twain Murders, A Laurence Yep book

The Mark Twain Murders by Laurence Yep

I must say I was left with a somewhat lukewarm response to this book. I can't say that I truly liked or hated the story. The history fan in me enjoyed learning about San Francisco during the Civil War as well as the fact that Mark Twain had once been a reporter.

I had a difficult time trying to keep up with the characters in the story. The various supporting characters and the fast pace of the plot were hard for me to follow. Perhaps because I did not read the story in its entirety at one sitting and took many breaks from the story line I became confused.

I did like that the author included information about the geography of San Francisco, Greek Fire and what a monitor was at the bottom of the page. This was very helpful and assisted in my understanding of these concepts. I grew somewhat tired of Mark Twain always replying with y-a-a-s although I understand the author wanted to use this technique to establish his voice and personality. I liked the fact that the author makes Twain a hero at the end of the tale, showing that with self respect and determination he was able to solve the mystery.

I especially liked the fact that the author uses a real person to create a fictional story. I think this would be an interesting writing prompt to use with students in which they could choose a historical figure and event to create their own fictional account.

I have not read any other Laurence Yep books. He did win a 1976 Newbery Award for Dragonwings. I would like to read another book by Yep but perhaps I should give the next book the attention and focus it deserves.

Other titles by Yep (not a complete listing of his works)

Dragon of the Lost Sea, Dragon Cauldron, Dragon Steel, Dragon's Gate, Dragon War, Tiger Magic: The Tiger's Apprentice, The Amah, Dream Soul

Crispin: The Cross of Lead, A Newbery Award Book

Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi

I enjoyed reading Crispin: The Cross of Lead. The book held my attention and became quite a quick read as I couldn't wait to see what would happen next to the boy. I have read many books about medieval England so the struggles of the characters were not unknown to me. I did wonder, as I read, if a young reader could grasp some of the concepts in the book such as the mercenary wars, the plague, and the system of lords and serfs.
I feel the author developed strong characters in this story. Readers can not help but cheer for Crispin as he escapes numerous times from the evil John Aycliffe. The character of Bear is quite interesting as you think his only purpose in life is to entertain others. You are quite surprised to find he is a spy navigating throughout the countryside of England to see if there is any public support for an uprising against the rule of the lords.
I enjoyed the ending of the book, even though it bode a violent end of the evil Aycliffe. Crispin becomes a brave and determined young man who saves his friend, Bear. You are left with the feeling that Crispin, with Bear's help, will become his own man and lead a much better life.
I have not read any other books by this author, Avi. I felt the story line was strong enough to be enjoyed by both adults and young readers. I would like to read more books by this author but I would hesitate to recommend this book to those readers who may not be mature enough yet for some of the content of the book. After reading this book I did think that children's literature has changed since I was a young reader. Topics and issues covered today seem more mature than the selections I had read as a young reader.

The Tale of Despereaux, a Newbery Award book

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate Dicamillo

I must admit that I was surprised and captivated by the story of Despereaux, a mouse who becomes a most unlikely hero and rescues a princess. The fact that Despereaux was unlike the other mice with such big ears, small size, attraction to light and the ability to love endears him to the reader from the beginning of the story. I can see how children would enjoy the hero of the story, the "oddball" of the mice. You can't help but love the character who admits his fears and then rises above those fears as he becomes truly brave.

I have always enjoyed reading fairy tales, especially as a child. The author creates some interesting twists to the "traditional" fairy tale roles. The princess is sweet and caring but has lost her mother. The king, as revealed by the author, is not "the sharpest knife in the drawer". The villain is a rat, who even at the end you can not help but feel sorry for because he wants the same as the other characters, to have light in his life. The hero is not a handsome prince, but merely a mouse who does not fit into his own world. In using these differences in the "traditional" roles the author has created a story that held my attention as I wanted to know, "Is the princess saved? Will there be a happily ever after?" I enjoyed the ending and was very pleased with how the "loose ends" of the story were brought together and the characters' lives were better in the end (even the evil villain, who is granted free access to the light of the castle.)The story reveals such concepts as love and forgiveness in a simplified manner so the young reader can understand what would motivate a small mouse to become so brave.

I enjoyed the author's writing style in this story. From time to time the reader is addressed and guided to think about the character's motivation within that part of the story. I am sure that readers will learn and begin to use the word "perfidy" in their own vocabulary as the author challenges their thoughts on its meaning. I was also pleased to find the author shared her motivation for writing this story. This would be an interesting concept for young readers to investigate with other stories.

As I have enjoyed this book I now feel I must read Because of Winn Dixie to see if the author uses the same style of writing. I have not read a book before where the reader is addressed and led through the development of the story. I enjoyed the interaction and wonder if it is used in other DiCamillo writings.