Caldecott Medal Winner:
The Hello, Goodbye Window illustrated by Chris Raschka and written by Norton Juster.
This is a very colorful and energetic picture book that is dedicated to the special relationship between grandparents and a grandchild. Norton Juster is also the author of The Phantom Tollbooth, an all-time classic. This is his first picture book. This story is written like a song but in the voice of a little girl who goes and visits her Nanna and Poppy. You can feel the happiness of this little girl in every page. A sweet story. **
Caldecott Honor Winners:
Rosa illustrated by Bryan Collier and written by Nikki Giovanni
Award-winning poet, writer, and activist Nikki Giovanni’s expressive text combines with Bryan Collier’s striking collage images retell the story of this historic event from a wholly unique and original perspective. Collier used watercolor and collage illustrations in yellow and sometimes dark hues to portray the times in Alabama. A powerful story for students grades 3 and up. I have to say this is one of my favorite biographies on Rosa! *****
Zen Shorts by John Muth
This is a wonderful story probably more as a read alone so that it can be discussed in great depths with the young reader. The illustrations are actually drawn in two different styles, vibrant watercolors and ink drawings. The purpose of these two styles is to show the difference between the actual story and the story within a story. The story is unique in that is introduces readers to a Zen approach to the world. There are three siblings who are visiting a new neighbor, a panda. One by one, the children visit the panda, named Stillwater, enjoying his company and listening to him tell a brief tale that illustrates a Zen principle. Each time, there is a link between the conversation shared by Stillwater and his visitor and the story he tells. Because of the popularity of this story the author has created two others Zen Ties and Zen Ghosts. Grades K-4. ***
Hot Air: The (Mostly) True Story of the First Hot-Air Balloon Ride by Marjorie Priceman
This is another very unique story about the history of the first hot-air balloon by the Montgolfiers of France in 1783. The first passengers on this balloon were none other than a duck, a sheep, and a rooster. The flight lasted eight minutes, reached a height of 1500 feet and traveled a little more than two miles. The vibrant illustrations make this such an enjoyable story to read. A must for every library. Grades K-3. ****
Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems illustrated by Beckie Prange and written by Joyce Sidman.
This is a beautiful collection of poems in many different poetic forms that provide a look at some of of the animals, insects, and plants that are found around ponds. The author combines science facts and poetry to describe pond life through the different seasons. This is really a celebration of the beauty that ponds and wetlands provide for us daily. The colorful illustrations are done in woodblock and then hand colored with watercolors. Grades 3-5. **
