The Children’s Book Review | February 3, 2015
Randolph Caldecott Medal Winner
The most distinguished American picture book for children, announced by the American Library Association.
The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend
By Dan Santat
Publisher’s Synopsis: This magical story begins on an island far away where an imaginary friend is born. He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child, but when he is overlooked time and again, he sets off on an incredible journey to the bustling city, where he finally meets his perfect match and-at long last-is given his special name: Beekle.
New York Times bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Dan Santat combines classic storytelling with breathtaking art, creating an unforgettable tale about friendship, imagination, and the courage to find one’s place in the world.
Ages 3-6 | Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers | 2014 | ISBN-13: 978-0316199988
Randolph Caldecott Honor Books
Nana in the City
Publisher’s Synopsis: In this magical picture book, a young boy spends an overnight visit with his nana and is frightened to find that the city where she lives is filled with noise and crowds and scary things. But then Nana makes him a special cape to help him be brave, and soon the everyday sights, sounds, and smells of the city are not scary—but wonderful. The succinct text is paired with watercolor illustrations that capture all the vitality, energy, and beauty of the city.
Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Clarion Books | 2014 | ISBN-13: 978-0544104433
The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art
By Barb Rosenstock; Illustrated by Mary GrandPre
Publisher’s Synopsis: Vasya Kandinsky was a proper little boy: he studied math and history, he practiced the piano, he sat up straight and was perfectly polite. And when his family sent him to art classes, they expected him to paint pretty houses and flowers—like a proper artist.
But as Vasya opened his paint box and began mixing the reds, the yellows, the blues, he heard a strange sound—the swirling colors trilled like an orchestra tuning up for a symphony! And as he grew older, he continued to hear brilliant colors singing and see vibrant sounds dancing. But was Vasya brave enough to put aside his proper still lifes and portraits and paint . . . music?
In this exuberant celebration of creativity, Barb Rosenstock and Mary GrandPré tell the fascinating story of Vasily Kandinsky, one of the very first painters of abstract art. Throughout his life, Kandinsky experienced colors as sounds, and sounds as colors—and bold, groundbreaking works burst forth from his noisy paint box.
Backmatter includes four paintings by Kandinsky, an author’s note, sources, links to websites on synesthesia and abstract art.
Read TCBR’s summary of The Noisy Paint Box in our roundup “Biographies for Young Readers: Dip into the Minds of the Greats.”
Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers | 2014 | ISBN 978-0307978486
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole
By Mac Barnett; Illustrated by Jon Klassen
Publisher’s Synopsis: With perfect pacing, the multi-award-winning, New York Times best-selling team of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen dig down for a deadpan tale full of visual humor.
Sam and Dave are on a mission. A mission to find something spectacular. So they dig a hole. And they keep digging. And they find . . . nothing. Yet the day turns out to be pretty spectacular after all. Attentive readers will be rewarded with a rare treasure in this witty story of looking for the extraordinary — and finding it in a manner you’d never expect.
Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Candlewick | 2014 | ISBN 978-0763662295
Viva Frida
By Yuyi Morales
Publisher’s Synopsis: Frida Kahlo, one of the world’s most famous and unusual artists is revered around the world. Her life was filled with laughter, love, and tragedy, all of which influenced what she painted on her canvases.
Distinguished author/illustrator Yuyi Morales illuminates Frida’s life and work in this elegant and fascinating book.
Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Roaring Brook Press | 2014 | ISBN 978-1596436039
The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus
By Jen Bryant; Illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Publisher’s Synopsis: For shy young Peter Mark Roget, books were the best companions — and it wasn’t long before Peter began writing his own book. But he didn’t write stories; he wrote lists. Peter took his love for words and turned it to organizing ideas and finding exactly the right word to express just what he thought. His lists grew and grew, eventually turning into one of the most important reference books of all time.
Readers of all ages will marvel at Roget’s life, depicted through lyrical text and brilliantly detailed illustrations. This elegant book celebrates the joy of learning and the power of words.
Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers | 2014 | ISBN 978-0802853851
This One Summer
By Mariko Tamaki; Illustrated by Jillian Tamaki
Publisher’s Synopsis: Every summer, Rose goes with her mom and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach. It’s their getaway, their refuge. Rosie’s friend Windy is always there, too, like the little sister she never had. But this summer is different. Rose’s mom and dad won’t stop fighting, and when Rose and Windy seek a distraction from the drama, they find themselves with a whole new set of problems. One of the local teens – just a couple of years older than Rose and Windy – is caught up in something bad… Something life threatening.
It’s a summer of secrets, and sorrow, and growing up, and it’s a good thing Rose and Windy have each other.
This One Summer is a tremendously exciting new teen graphic novel from two creators with true literary clout. Cousins Mariko and Jillian Tamaki, the team behind Skim, have collaborated on this gorgeous, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful story about a girl on the cusp of childhood – a story of renewal and revelation.
Ages 12-18 | Publisher: First Second | 2014 | ISBN 978-1596437746
Discover more Caldecott Award books by following our articles tagged with: Randolph Caldecott Medal Winners and Randolph Caldecott Honor Books.
