I found the Caldecott pickings a little slim this year, but here are a few that I think could be contenders. I’m selling my mock Caldecott slideshow over at Teachers Pay Teachers if you want to see more choices.
The Tree and the River by Aaron Becker
Published by Candlewick
As with Aaron Becker’s Journey trilogy, you will continue to discover new details each time through this wordless masterpiece that chronicles the rise and fall of a civilization and offers a tiny hope for renewal in the last few pages.
Evergreen by Matthew Cordell
Published by Feiwel and Friends
Divided into six parts, this is a long book to read aloud, but the engaging story and incredibly detailed illustrations keep the pages flying by.
An American Story by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dare Coulter
Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Kwame Alexander’s powerful poem tells the story of American slavery, making the case that this history must be taught to children. Dare Coulter’s incredible illustrations combine sculpture and paintings and are equally powerful. I will be shocked if this doesn’t win a bunch of awards.
The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale by Jon Klassen
Published by Candlewick
It’s not often that a group of jaded fifth graders spontaneously burst into applause at the end of a read-aloud, but that’s what happened when I read them this book. Funny, creepy, and slightly disturbing, this early chapter book is sure to become a classic. Don’t miss the author’s note at the end for an interesting take on folklore.
Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider by Jessica Lanan
Published by Roaring Brook Press
It may come down to the number of arachnophobes on the Caldecott committee as to whether or not this book wins an award.
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