2014 Newbery and Caldecott Winners
The American Library Association
announced the winners of the 2014 Newbery and Caldecott medals on
Monday. A panel of fifteen librarians from across the country gathered
to honor the very best children's books. What distinguishes the two
awards? The Newbery Medal goes to the author of "the most distinguished
contribution to American literature for children." The Caldecott
recognizes an artist's excellence in picture book illustration. Here are the medal and honor winners:
"Flora and Ulysses: The Illustrated Series,"by Kate DeCamillo, illustrated by K.G. Campbell; Candlewick Press, $17.99, 240 pages, ages 9-12.
In this adorable ode to superheroes, comic-book aficionado Flora sets on a series of adventures with a witty squirrel appropriately named Ulysses. DeCamillo's humor (and wonderfully rich vocabulary) is perfectly matched by comic book artist's K.G. Campbell's black and white illustrations. Readers will adore that this quirky action-packed novel matches a sensitive, sophisticated story.
Honor Books:
"Doll Bones," by Holly Black; Margaret K. McElderry Books, $16.99, 256 pages, ages 10-14.
"The Year of Billy Miller," by Kevin Henkes; Greenwillow Books, $16.99, 240 pages, ages 8-13.
"One Came Home," by Amy Timberlake; Alfred A. Knopf, $16.99, 272 pages, ages 9-13.
"Paperboy," by Vince Vawter; Delacorte Press, $16.99, 240 pages, ages 10-14.
Caldecott Medal Winner:
"Locomotive," by Brian Floca; Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $17.99, 64 pages, ages 4-10.
This year's Caldecott winner is a picture book rich with sensory details about America's first trans-continental railroad. The rolling text mimics the turning of the wheels and the rumbling of the train down the track. At sixty-four pages, this is on the long side for picture books, but the delightful text and sumptuous images will captivate young readers on every page.
Honor Books:
"Journey," by Aaron Becker; Candlewick Press, $15.99, 40 pages, ages 4-8.
"Flora and the Flamingo," by Molly Idle; Chronicle Books, $16.99. 44 pages, ages 4-8.
"Mr. Wuffles!" by David Wiesner; Clarion Books, $17.99, 32 pages, all ages.
