And the 2021 Caldecott Award Goes to…
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2020 may have already passed us by, but for many including me, 2020 perhaps is the most unforgettable year in their lives. Nevertheless, I still look forward until late January to the winners of Randolph Caldecott medals.
For those who may not aware, the Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. Awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, the Caldecott Medal recognizes the most eminent American picture book for children published in the United States of America during the preceding year.
Did you know that picture books are important in shaping your child’s mind? They are beautiful examples of literature that should be appreciated by readers of all ages even though they are written for young readers in mind.
Never underestimate the power of picture books. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents should begin reading to infants as soon as possible (High et al., 2014). This recommendation is based on classic research showing that children whose parents talk to them more have an advantage in school over children whose parents talk to them less (Hart & Risley, 1995).
2021 Caldecott Medal
We Are Water Protectors, written by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade won the 2021 Caldecott Medal. Michaela Goade has successfully captured the sacredness of water and intensifies Carole Lindstrom’s call to action and the celebration of our original ancestry and community.
2021 Caldecott Honor Books
The following books have also received recognition from Caldecott:
A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart, written by Zetta Elliot and illustrated by Noa Denmon. The story amplifies a black child’s emotional range from joy and then sorrow, and subsequently, hope and love.
The Cat Man of Aleppo, written by Irene Latham and Karim Shamsi-Basha, and illustrated by Yuko Shimizu depicts humanitarian efforts to care for deserted cats in the war-torn Aleppo.
Me & Mama is a book illustrated and written by Cozbi A. Cabrera. The story will surely capture the adoration of kids for their mothers with a series of masterful acrylic paintings.
Outside In, written by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Cindy Derby, is a great book that allows young readers to reflect on the outdoors and their place in the world.
For sure, these five books will be a keepsake for you and your children.
Jann Fujimoto, MS CCC-SLP is an avid reader and looks forward to the announcement of the Caldecott Medal each January. She’s a speech-language pathologist and owner of SpeechWorks. SpeechWorks helps children become confidence communicators and provides in-person and online speech therapy services.