Don’t Miss the 2017 Caldecott Medal and Honor Books!

Leave Me Alone!, by Vera Brosgol
Who knew a book about a grandmother and her sack of yarn could be so fun and entertaining? This poor grandma has to travel through the woods, climb all the way up a mountain, and even out onto the moon in order to get some peace and quiet so she can finish her knitting. Kids will love screaming Grandma’s catch phrase; “LEAVE ME ALONE!” Seems like a book that both parents and children will be able to relate to!

Freedom in Congo Square, by Carole Boston Weatherford and R. Gregory Christie
Not only is this book a Caldecott Honor winner, it also won a Coretta Scott King Honor and was a New York Times Best Illustrated Book! This historic and poetic book, set in Congo Square, New Orleans (now Treme), is about slavery and freedom. It takes the reader through a week of work in the fields, where the slaves are counting down the days to Sunda,y when they can finally go to Congo Square where they can dance, play music, and escape from their lives for an afternoon. It is an important read for all of us, a valuable history lesson, and it is sure to spark many conversations.

Du Iz Tak?, by Carson Ellis
If you feel a little confused by the title of this creative book, you’re not alone, I certainly did too. But don’t be put off, as Carson Ellis has created a wonderful world that you will want to get lost in, with its own special made-up insect language to boot. Three little insects discover a plant sprout and they decide to build a fort in its leaves. But a spider comes along with other plans for the plant, and a bird swoops in with other plans for the spider, and we see the cycle of life from a firsthand view. By the last page you’ll be speaking like a bug as well! Wonderfully detailed illustrations help bring this book to life.

They All Saw a Cat, by Brendan Wenzel 
As a self-diagnosed “cat person” I couldn’t help but love this wholly original book written and illustrated by debut author Brendan Wenzel. Each animal (fish, fox, mouse, etc…) sees the same cat but from different individual perspectives. This clever story shows how we all see the world through our own particular lenses. You’ll never look at a cat the same way again.

Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, by Javaka Steptoe
Drumroll please…! And the winner of this year’s Caldecott Medal is…Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquit! As a huge fan of this 80’s contemporary artist, I could not be more pleased with this selection! This picture book is (not surprisingly) gorgeously illustrated, with colorful drawings inspired by the late great artist himself. Javaka Steptoe tells the story of a young Jean-Michel, before all the art world fame, back when he was a child growing up in Brooklyn. Sure to inspire young budding artists everywhere!