According to the ALA, "the Caldecott Medal shall be awarded to the artist of the most distinguished American Picture Book for Children published in the United States during the preceding year." Named after Randolph Candecott in 1937, a famous 19th Century English illustrator, this award recognizes the American artists of children's books.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Written By: Philip C. Stead
Illustrated By: Erin E. Stead
Reviewer: Christopher Schiemann
Grade Level: K-3
Reading Level: 3.1
In A Sick Day for Amos McGee, readers are treated to the pencil sketch illustrations of Amos and his zoo animal friends. Each day, Amos
has a routine where he leaves his home to go and visit the zoo animals. Together, they enjoy each other's company with various activities.
One day, Amos comes down with a cold and cannot go to visit the zoo. Instead, he is treated to a visit from them, as they decide to take
a trip across town to go and cheer him up. The book itself is a wonderful display of the friendship that Amos and the animals developed.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret: a novel in words and pictures
By: Brian Selznick
Grade Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 5.6
From the Publisher: Caldecott Honor artist Brian Selznick's lavishly illustrated debut novel is a cinematic tour de force not to be missed! ORPHAN, CLOCK KEEPER, AND THIEF, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.
The Lion & the Mouse
By: Jerry Pinckney
Grade Level: K-3
Reading Level: N/A
From Destiny: In this wordless retelling of an Aesop fable, an adventuresome mouse proves that even small creatures are capable of great deeds when he rescues the King of the Jungle.
The House in the Night
By: Jerry Pinckney
Grade Level: K-3
Reading Level: 1.7
From the Publisher: A spare, patterned text and glowing pictures explore the origins of light that make a house a home in this bedtime book for young children. Naming nighttime things that are both comforting and intriguing to preschoolersa key, a bed, the moonthis timeless book illuminates a reassuring order to the universe.