Creating a Caldecott Club: Reflections on our 2018-2019 Mock Caldecott

(Posted first on Monday, January 21, 2019)

It’s no secret that I love picture books. They are like complete art galleries in your hands. They ignite your imagination, make you see things differently, and provoke powerful emotions.

For the past two months, I have had the opportunity to host our Caldecott Club program at Lincolnwood Public Library. I had volunteered at Brian Wilson’s Evanston Public Library Caldecott Club in 2016, while he was on the committee, which made me hope that one day, if I worked at a public library, I could run my own picture book program. When I landed my dream job at Lincolnwood Public Library in 2017, I was excited to propose starting a Caldecott Club as a replacement for our New Book Tuesday drop-in program in January and February. I’m lucky that Brian shared his expertise and insights with me as I planned the program, sharing what he learned from running his Mock Caldecott program for two years. I also connected with Holly Jin at Skokie Public Library who shared resources that the library created to make the criteria accessible to kids, as well as fancy Caldecott Club badges. Our program grew over time with kids from 2nd grade through middle school. It was gratifying to see young people share the space with each other, knowing that their insights were equally valuable. The hierarchies of age shift when we’re all engaging with picture books and walking through the art together. I still remember fondly when one of our middle schoolers joined us on a whim while we were discussing After the Fall by Dan Santat - and ran out afterwards to show it to our Head of Youth and Teen Services, Emily, because he was so moved by the book that he needed her to read it right now. I am also grateful for the powerful conversation we had about immigration and family while reading A Different Pond by Bao Phi, illustrated by Thi Bui. The children always noticed things I never did. Our group was charmed by Corinna Luyken's debut, The Book of Mistakes, a celebration of creativity and growth, channeling their innate sense of play and compassion. (Our Mock Caldecott winner was The Book of Mistakes. Our Honors were After the Fall and The Boy and the Whale by Mordecai Gerstein.) When I look at the books we discussed now, I see the children who expressed profound truths, sparked by the pictures.

Here are some of my thoughts about our 2019 Caldecott Club, which I hope will help you if you’re considering running a program like this. Mock book award programs can be customized to the individual needs of the children you’re working with, as well as your own personality and style, which makes them amazing programs to offer. So pick and choose what’s helpful for you. And I’m always happy to chat and pay forward the support I’ve been given.

Planning the Caldecott Club
I was excited to take everything I had learned from my first Caldecott Club to create our program this fall. We planned four sessions to discuss four books each session, with a fifth Voting Party session. Our session took place every other Thursday in November and December, with our finale in January after the kids returned from their winter break. We’re lucky that the school district is right across the street and a large number of kids hang out at the library after school. During each session, we reviewed what the Caldecott award was and what makes a good picture book to develop common language to use to evaluate the picture books. We then did picture walks through each of the books and voted for their top two favorites that would go to our party.

It’s Not About Me
We all have definite opinions about the books we select to discuss. I chose books that I thought showed the genius of picture books, using a range of media, formats, structures, and content. I also wanted to share books that kids would enjoy, that spoke to their interests and personalities, considering the criteria that the book “displays respect for children’s understandings, abilities, and appreciations.” I also tried to be mindful of Christine Taylor-Butler’s research about gender equity in the Caldecott award and aimed to provide a range of representation in the books we discussed. Listening to her essay and interview on the Kidlitwomen* Podcast was very eye-opening. During our conversations about the books, it was a challenge to express my passion for every book equally especially with our time constraints. I did LOTS of research to prepare to dive deep into the books and tried to embed the information within our conversations. Often, the kids’ questions would be the catalyst for sharing this background information, which is exactly what I hoped would happen. I really wanted the center the kids’ opinions of the books, rather than trying to convince them to vote for my favorites. If a book I loved was taken off the table, it wasn’t really gone; I can always share with young people and their caregivers. Throughout this process, I tried to remember that Caldecott Club wasn’t about me. I was just a facilitator to help the kids develop their understanding of picture books and create a community together to express it.

If You Build it…
I am a big believer in the long-game in programming. While I’d love to start out with a full registration list, I know that you need to build community and interest together with kids. I tried to draw in kids who had come to our Caldecott Club last year, as well as interest new ones to join us. Once kids came to Caldecott Club and discovered how fun it was, they brought their friends and siblings to join our community. Word of mouth from kids is infinitely more valuable than anything I could say or do. One of our participants spontaneously came to a session with a friend, but when he heard there would be cookies at our party, he kept asking about it. He told me at our final session, “I came here for the cookies and We Don’t Eat our Classmates, too.” He turned out to be one of the most insightful and helpful members of our Caldecott Club during our party. I am so grateful that I had the chance to share this experience with him. Food can get kids in the door and then magic happens. (I also give away book merch at most of my programs; bookmarks and buttons can do much to make a program appealing.)

Recording & Reflecting
I wish past me had recorded our sessions from our first Caldecott Club, especially our conversation about A Different Pond. I really wanted to capture their powerful insights this time around, so I decided to record our sessions with their consent, of course. The recordings weren’t for public use or podcasting, but helped me think critically about how the session went, adjusting the plan or conversations during the next session. The recordings also helped me capture the kids’ impressions and thoughts about the books, which I turned into blog posts on our library website. I had forgotten how much I love writing and the Caldecott Club series gave me an opportunity to creatively reflect and spotlight the kids’ voices and insights. You can read through the blog posts if you want to know the brilliant things my kids said. Hint, hint… Caldecott committee.

Time
I struggled a lot with providing equal time for each of the books we discussed. Given the chance, I’d spend the entire session talking about one book. (I’m looking at you, Drawn Together). It’s moments like this when I envy educators in schools who can take more time to delve deep into their Mock Caldecott units. My goal, however, is to introduce a variety of art styles, creators, and stories to help kids think more deeply about picture books. I am trying to provide breadth over depth, believing that the seeds planted here will have results I can’t even imagine. Each kid may not see every book (or attend every program), but it’s my hope that they’ll discover something that makes them feel something important. My boss, Emily, shared a timer with me, which helped us focus on this goal. One of our participants took on the mantle of time-keeper, helping me move on to other books even when I wanted to beg her for more time. And of course, I shared with our group that the grown-up Caldecott Committee (and other ones, too) rely on time-keepers to help ensure they discuss all the books, too.

The Party: What Worked and What Didn’t
The Voting Party was the culmination of our months examining and thinking critically about picture books. Honestly, I was super nervous about it since I wanted it to go well. I tried to provide lots of opportunities for the kids to take on leadership roles and assert their agency during this program, creating lists of jobs for the program like passing out books, collecting books, and giving out the ballots, as well as a discussion sign-up where each participant could help lead the conversation about a book they were passionate about - just like the grown-up Caldecott committee. (Our group doesn’t say actual committee because they are a real committee themselves made of kids whose opinions are just as valid.)

Our group had a great time revisiting the picture books they had voted on to go to the party. They got into the discussion about each book, focusing on the art, how it made them feel and things they noticed, rather than a full picture walk or reading the book, which we definitely didn’t have time for. The kids had their opinions and ideas validated, as well as listened to each other. The kids seemed to really enjoy our discussion and I did my best to try to include everyone in the conversation, asking kids who hadn’t shared if they had ideas to add, but making sure they knew they didn’t have to participate if they didn’t want to.

Reflecting on this experience, I created a lot of working pieces that made the program feel like a beautiful chaotic whirlwind. The kids loved helping out and having specific jobs, but it made transitions between books and managing the conversation unwieldy. While I had hoped that having kids introduce the books would help facilitate more conversations, I think it just put more pressure on the kid introducing the book to know all the things about it, rather than making it a dialogue with everyone. Even the physical set-up of the program could definitely be improved upon. I arranged three tables in vertical rows with copies of our evaluation sheet and post-its in front of each chair, so kids could write down their ideas in case we didn’t get to everyone. I think the tables created a barrier to having conversations with the group, with people’s backs to each other, not necessarily feeling like part of a larger group. I had the opportunity to attend Brian Wilson’s Caldecott Club Voting Party right after my program, where they set up their large meeting room into a huge semicircle, with library staff leading the discussion about each book. This structure worked really well to include everyone equally in the conversation with minimal transitions or stress. (Brian also led jumping jacks after a bunch of books, helping the kids get their wiggles out.) I think the fewer kids out of their seats during the discussion, the more focused everyone will be. (I instantly put this revelation to work during my Books & Bites Book Club program this week, putting chairs in a big circle, and it worked so much better for our discussion.)

Here are some pictures from the Evanston Public Library Caldecott Club Party!

Selecting our Winners
At the end of our discussion of each of the books, we voted for our top 3 books. For some reason, I decided to use the Caldecott manual numbers to tally the votes (“first choice books receive four points; second choice books, three points; third choice books, two points”), which made doing the calculations at the end much harder for me. Fortunately, I had two kids who were eager to help do the math and helped keep me calm. (Next time, I’m definitely simplifying the math for us.) We then announced the results and made a video to “make the call” to our winner. And finally, I gave out CaldeCookies to celebrate all of our hard work.

The winner of our 2019 Mock Caldecott is… We Don’t Eat our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins.

Our Honor books are:
Hello Hello by Brendan Wenzel, Ocean Meets Sky by the Fan Brothers, and Blue by Laura Vaccaro Seeger.

Where Do We Go From Here?
After this program, kids have asked if we’re going to have more Caldecott Clubs, which I think speaks volumes about their experience. In their survey reflections, they have pointed out how everyone got to have their say and were not judged. They loved the books and having discussions about books. Our kids left the program with positive feelings about books, the library, and the community we created. I got to know kids better who I didn’t know before and I hope I’ll be more attuned to their needs and interests to serve them better in the library, whether it’s through programming, reader’s advisory, or just chatting about life. We will have one more chance to bring our Caldecott Club together when we watch the Youth Media Awards on January 28 at 3:30pm in our Study & Stuff program. I am eager to celebrate with them! Afterwards, we’ll start thinking about 2019 picture book contenders for our next Caldecott Club. Which books do you think we should have on our list?

Resources
A librarian always shares her resources :) Here are a series of resources I found and used while preparing for our Caldecott Club that you may want to check out.

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
Simply 7 interview with Ryan T. Higgins (Jena Benton blog)
Review of the Day: We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins by Betsy Bird
Booktalk by Colby Sharp
We Don’t Eat our Classmates (Podcast Bunny Presents #11)
Q & A with Ryan T. Higgins by Antonia Saxon (Publisher's Weekly)

The Field by Baptiste Paul, illustrations by Jacqueline Alcántara
Review of the Day: The Field by Baptiste Paul, ill. Jacqueline Alcántara by Betsy Bird
The Field Book Trailer
Interview with Baptiste Paul and Jacqueline Alcántara (This Picture Book Life)
Q&A With Illustrator Jacqueline Alcántara about her debut picture book, The Field (Latinxs in KidLit)
A conversation with Baptiste Paul & Jackie Alcantara (KidLit Nation)

Dreamers/Soñadores by Yuyi Morales
Interview with Yuyi Morales with Mr. Schu
In Conversation: Yuyi Morales and Neal Porter
Yuyi Morales keynote: SLJ Day of Dialog 2018
The Children’s Book Podcast with Matthew Winner: Interview with Yuyi Morales
Dreamers Book Trailer
Dreamers video with Yuyi Morales

Seeing into Tomorrow: Haiku by Richard Wright, illustrations by Nina Crews
Conversation with Nina Crews: Seeing Into Tomorrow: Haiku by Richard Wright (What’s The 411 Books)
Seeing into Tomorrow Trailer
Review of the day: Seeing into Tomorrow by Betsy Bird
5 QUESTIONS with Nina Crews, illustrator of “Seeing Into Tomorrow (James Preller’s Blog)

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frané Lessac
Highly recommended: We Are Grateful/Otsaliheliga, by Traci Sorell from American Indians in Children’s Literature by Dr. Debbie Reese
The Children’s Book Podcast with Matthew Winner interview with Traci Sorell
Calling Caldecott Post
Book Trailer (created by Frané Lessac)
Publisher Resources including audio pronunciations & teaching guide
Charlesbrige Unplugged: Traci Sorell
Read.Watch.Read. Mr. Schu’s interview with Traci Sorell
New Voice: Traci Sorell on We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Cynsations)


A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin
Book Chat with the Illustrator: Grace Lin on A BIG MOONCAKE FOR LITTLE STAR
All the Wonders Cover Reveal and Interview
A Big Mooncake for Little Star Activities (Curious City DPW)
Book Trailer
Behind A Big Mooncake for Little Star
PictureBooking Podcast with Grace Lin

Blue by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Trailer
Seven Important Things Before Breakfast interview with Laura Vaccaro Seeger

They say Blue by Jillian Tamaki
Calling Caldecott Post
Jillian Tamaki Talks with Roger

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López
Calling Caldecott Post
Book Trailer
Illustrator Rafael López on The Day You Begin (Seven Important Things Before Breakfast blog)
The Day You Begin, Begins (Rafael López blog)

What If… by Samantha Berger, illustrated by Mike Curato
What If… Mike Curato Used Mixed-Media to Make a Book? (Seven Important Things Before Breakfast blog)
What If we Told you the Story Behind The Story (NerdyBookClub Blog)
Book Trailer

This is the Nest that Robin Built by Denise Fleming
Calling Caldecott Post
Book Trailer

The Stuff of Stars by Marion Dane Bauer, illustrated by Ekua Holmes
An Interview with Ekua Holmes
The Stuff of Stars Resources from Marion Dane Bauer
My Favorite Book by Marion Dane Bauer
Picture book of the Day: Life is Cosmic in The Stuff of Stars (Mr. Brian’s Picture Book Picks)
Calling Caldecott Post

Drawn Together by Minh Lê, illustrated by Dan Santat
In Conversation: Minh Lê and Dan Santat (Publisher’s Weekly)
Drawn Together: An Interview with Minh Lê (Reading Rockets)
Minh Lê: Drawing From Family Stories For Inspiration (88 Cups of Tea Podcast)
Drawn Together by Minh Lê, illustrated by Dan Santat: Interview with Mr. Schu
Minh Lê & Dan Santat Talk with Roger (Horn Book)
Drawn Together by Mihn Lê and Dan Santat Book Talk (Colby Sharp)
Drawing Forth Inspiration, interview of Minh Lê & Dan Santat by Julie Danielson
Struggling For Words, A Boy And His Grandfather Are ‘Drawn Together’ At Last (All Things Considered)
Creative Playdate Podcast Episode 17: Interview with Dan Santat
Author Minh Lê Collaborates with Illustrator Dan Santat for Drawn Together by Susanna Baird (Spine Magazine)
Author Interview: Minh Lê on Drawn Together by Traci Sorell (Cynthia Leitich Smith’s Cynsations)

Ocean Meets Sky by the Fan Brothers
Ocean Meets Sky – An interview with The Fan Brothers by Alyson Beecher (Kid Lit Frenzy)
How two brothers collaborate through their love of drawing | Drawing With (YouTube Video)
Ocean Meets Sky by Katie Cunningham (SLJ’s The Classroom Bookshelf)
In Conversation: The Fan Brothers (Publisher’s Weekly)
The Fan Brothers: Over the sea, across the sky interview by Julie Danielson (Bookpage)

Hello Hello by Brendan Wenzel
HELLO HELLO by Brendan Wenzel by Mike Boldt (Picture Book Builders)
Hello Hello by Brian Wilson (Calling Caldecott)
7-Imp’s 7 Kicks #582: Featuring Brendan Wenzel (Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast Blog)
Caldecott Honoree Brendan Wenzel on Illustration, Conservation, and Inspiration

Imagine! by Raúl Colón
Q & A with Raúl Colón by Antonia Saxon (Publisher’s Weekly)
Live Art: Facebook Live with Raúl Colón
Let’s Talk Illustrators #79: Raúl Colón (Let’s Talk Picture Books)
Imagine! by Brian Wilson (Calling Caldecott)
The Children’s Book Podcast with Matthew Winner interview with Raúl Colón


Extras:I created a YouTube playlist of videos and trailers that are perfect for sharing while waiting to tally the results.

You can see my complete Caldecott Club blog series by clicking on these links:
Caldecott Club Session 1
Caldecott Club Session 2
Caldecott Club Session 3
Caldecott Club Session 4
Caldecott Club Session 5

I was hoping Betsy Bird would do another Fuse 8 n' Kate Caldecott contenders episode and she did, discussing some of our Caldecott Club picks. Clearly, we are all on Team Penelope! You can listen here.