The most prestigious awards in American children’s literature were announced on Monday, January 10th. For over 80 years the American Library Association has awarded the Newbery Medal to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The Caldecott Medal goes to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
I like to follow various Newbery and Caldecott predictions and read some of the books, wondering if I can guess who will get the prize this year. In 2010 I had already read both the winners, and we had them in the library. But 2011’s winners were a surprise to me, and a lot of other children’s lit readers too. 
The Newbery Medal went to Moon over Manifest, by by Clare Vanderpool. The book is a historical novel set in Kansas during the Great Depression. This is the author’s first novel, and it looks like she hit a home run on her first time up to bat. I’ll put the book on my “to read soon” list.
The Caldecott Medal was given to A Sick Day for Amos McGee, illustrated by Erin E. Stead with text by Philip C. Stead. 
It’s about a kindly zookeeper with the sniffles and his caring animal friends, who visit him and cheer him up.
I’ve been looking forward to seeing this one, but don’t have it in the library yet.
Look for these award-winning books in the library soon!
Posted by Nancy