2012 Caldecott Medal Announced

Each year the American Library Association awards a Caldecott Medal to the best illustrated children's book published the previous year.  This year's winner is A BALL FOR DAISY by Chris Raschka.  The story unfolds visually as there are no words!  This week I shared the book with students in kindergarten through fifth grade.  I enjoyed them telling the story aloud page by page or just watching it using their imaginations and ahhing and oohing in all the right places. 
 
A beautiful book for kids of all ages and for dog lovers.  Congratulations to Chris Raschka on his second well deserved Caldecott medal.

2012 Newbery Medal Winner

Jack Gantos wrote JOEY PIGZA SWALLOWED THE KEY which I have been recommending to students, boys especially as a very funny piece of contemporary fiction.  Gantos's latest book
DEAD END IN NORVELT was named the recipient of the 2012 Newbery Medal.  Check back soon for my review (it is on the top of my TBR pile.)

2012 Children's Book Awards Announced

On Monday January 23 the world of children's and young adult literature listened as the American Library Association announced the winners of the 2012 Youth Media Awards.  For a complete list of the winners click here.

I am thrilled that UNDER THE MESQUITE by Guadalupe Garcia McCall won the Pura Belpre Author Award.  The Pura Belpre awards honor Latino authors and illustrators whose work best portrays, affirms and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in children’s books.  My review for UNDER THE MESQUITE is here.

Congratulations to all the authors and illustrators that won honors, medals and recognition.

Pie by Sarah Weeks

As a fan of Sarah Weeks I was not surprised that I totally enjoed PIE.  With delicious recipes starting each chapter, it's humor in the cat inheriting the pie crust recipe, mystery surrounding said inheritance, friendship, romance (kiddie romance), and relationships it was quite a full yet quick read.  I am on my way to set up a display right now with PIE, THE TEASHOP GIRLS and THE SECRET INGREDIENT by Laura Schaefer (see reviews below) and another new book THE CASE OF THE MISSING DEED by Ellen Schwartz.  For fans of mysteries, cooking or friendship stories PIE is a terrific book.