Our Picks! for January 2009: Caldecott Award | Perrot Memorial Library, Old Greenwich, CT

The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott.

It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association,

Our staff have picked their favorite Caldecott-winning picture books from past and present:

They Were Strong and Good

written and illustrated by Robert Lawson

J 920 LAWSO

1941 Medal Winner

Robert Lawson is perhaps best known for his illustrations for Ferdinand, but this non-fiction book is a delightful recollection of his family tree. With gorgeous artwork and thoughtful storytelling, it is a perfect introduction to genealogy for your little ones, and inspires the question: Where do we come from?

-Mrs. Bailey

Where the Wild Things Are

written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak

E SENDA

1964 Medal Winner

When mischievous Max, wearing his wolf suit, romps around the house and drives his mother to distraction, she calls him “Wild Thing” and sends him to bed without his supper. His tantrum turns into a wild rumpus, complete with roaring and teeth-gnashing! When Max returns from his temperamental travels, he finds his supper waiting for him, and it is still hot. Where the Wild Things Are, which was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1964, is so popular it has never gone out of print! Here’s to the Wild Thing in all of us!

-Mrs. K.

Black and White

written and illustrated by David Macaulay

E MACAU

1991 Medal Winner

This is a fascinating book that can be read over and over, with new elements revealed each time. It seems to tell four stories, but are they really one story? Figuring that out will challenge and entertain children (teens and adults too!) each time they pick it up.

-Miriam

	*The Hello, Goodbye Window* by Norton Juster, illustrated by Chris Raschka E JUSTE 2006 Medal Winner The world is a different place when looking through the magical hello, goodbye window at Nanna and Poppy's house. A wonderful story that shows the special bond of grandparents to grandchildren. -Barbara
	*Fables* written and illustrated by Arnold Lobel E LOBEL 1981 Medal Winner Fables consists of twenty original tales, each featuring a different animal, and each accompanied by an illustration. There’s something about the subtle details and colors of each picture that draw you in and make you want to look them over closely—the flowers the crocodile’s wife is tending, the scales on the cat’s delectable fish, Madame Rhinoceros’ dress, the colors of the sky in mouse’s sunset—there’s enough content here in both text and art to keep you and your young reader captivated for quite some time. -Vicky
	*The Snowy Day* written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats E KEATS 1963 Medal Winner I think about this book at every first snowfall. I like the ripped patchwork and rough edges of the collage artwork. -Tamberly
	*Sylvester and the Magic Pebble* written and illustrated by William Steig E STEIG 1970 Medal Winner Sylvester and the Magic Pebble is an endearing story full of feeling and nuance. Sylvester learns that a simple wish can go terribly wrong-- but that the love and faith can overcome all. I especially like William Steig's stunning illustrations, with his sensitive attention to facial expressions. This classic story will make children and parents appreciate the power of books. -Mrs. Weicher
	*Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears: A West African Tale* by Verna Aardema, illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon EASY J 398.2 WHY 1976 Medal Winner Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears is an entertaining fable about what can happen when communication falls apart. The vivid illustrations create a colorful backdrop to this informative tale. -Mary
	*Make Way for Ducklings* written and illustrated by Robert McCloskey E MCCLO 1942 Medal Winner Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are looking for the perfect spot to raise their family. That is not an easy task in the busy city of Boston. McCloskey takes the Mallards to many famous city sites on their search and the illustrations take us on the journey with them. Enjoy the story of the Mallard family with your little ones. -Dawn
	*Joseph Had a Little Overcoat* written and illustrated by Simms Taback EASY J 398.2 JOSEP 2000 Medal Winner A captivating and delightful story that reveals the soul of the artist, when he doesn't knows he is an artist. The general plot, based on a favorite Yiddish folktale, quickly becomes comical as time progresses. Joseph, the main character, transforms a ratty old overcoat into a variety of different clothing items. He changes the coat into a jacket, a vest, a scarf, a tie, a handkerchief, and finally, a button. When Joseph loses the button, instead of giving up completely, he decides to create a book about it. The song-like rhythm in the book, the vibrant colors, and detailed pictures will capture every audience. It's fun to turn every page. -Mariana
	*The Little House* written and illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton E BURTO 1943 Medal Winner The Little House is about a small house built in the countryside that's about to become downtown Boston. After the transition from country living to suburbia, the house is pretty sad. But then the builders never leave. The new houses get knocked down, bigger buildings get put up. When a subway system is put in, the little house knows it's the end. . . or is it? -Liam
	*A Tree Is Nice* by Janice May Udry, illustrated by Marc Simont E UDRY 1957 Medal Winner A Tree is Nice is a sweet book that reminds us to appreciate the beauty as well as the usefulness of trees. The joyous illustrations are a delight and compliment the simple text beautifully. -Laurie
	*The Polar Express* written and illustrated by Chris van Allsburg E VANAL 1986 Medal Winner An enchanting tale of a child's belief in the magic of Christmas. -Julie

Check this page monthly for recommendations from our staff! Each month focuses on a different category or theme.

We'll pick our favorites, and tell you all about them! Each book cover is a link to that item in the catalog, so click there to place a hold.

Have questions about our picks, or need other recommendations? Call us! Our number is 203-637-8802.