Rapid Fire: a quick, “rapid fire” list of mini-book reviews.
Janie and I love to prognosticate the Newbery Award, discuss possible contenders, and dialogue during the announcement itself! But the ALA announces many more awards than the Newbery or Caldecott. Enjoy this “rapid fire” list of short reviews of some of the other award-winning (picture) books announced in January; all are geared to ages 4-8.
*all award descriptions taken from the ALA website
Schneider Family Book Award
for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience:
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award
for the most distinguished beginning reader book:
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award
for most distinguished informational book for children:
Giant Squid by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Eric Rohmann. (honor) A lyrical and startlingly illustrated glimpse at the strange giant squid. Content might be a touch scary for very young children, but this book is highly recommended for ages 5 and up!
Pura Belpré Awards
honoring a Latino writer and illustrator whose children’s books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience: [two honors for one illustrator!]
Esquivel! Space-Age Sound Artist by Susan Wood and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh. (Illustrator honor) This lively picture book biography about a Mexican musician who ended up in New York is full of sound effects and bright colors. A slightly longer text means this is a good fit for the 8-10 age group as well as 4-8.
Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award
recognizing an African-American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults:
In Plain Sight by Richard Jackson and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. (Illustrator honor) A charming game between grandfather and granddaughter draws the young reader in: can you find the objects hidden in plain sight? Recommended!
Randolph Caldecott Medal
for the most distinguished American picture book for children:
Freedom In Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie (honor). Again!
They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel (honor). This is a fascinating peek into worldview… OR an imaginative look at all the different ways various creatures “see” a cat as it walks throughout its day. Creative and full of discussion potential with all ages.
Have you seen any of these? Which is your favorite?
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