2017 Caldecott Medal Predictions

Maybe if I look up the official definition of the word “predict”, it will unlock something inside of me that will allow me to pick every Caldecott book this year. Let’s try it.

Hm. Observation, experience, OR science? Can’t say I’m getting an unlock-y feeling.

I’ve been trying to predict the Caldecott annually since I started this blog. I usually hit on one of my picks. But this year – THIS year, I’m going to call ’em all.

It’s more of a “here are the books I think might win” than a “here are the books I’m hoping for in my heart of hearts”. Obviously, there are a slew of utterly deserving books not included that I would be thrilled to see win medals.

Here are my picks for 2017 Caldecott glory.

Caldecott Medal Prediction:

They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel

The cat from the cover is rendered in a different style on almost every page of the book. But it’s not just a show-off move – it fits with the themes of perspective and observation contained in the story. To my eyes it has some of the most memorable illustrations of the year, which helps. I feel like science could come in to play in the discussions about this book (a-ha! I knew I looked up that definition for a reason). If the committee feels the way other animals “see” the cat isn’t up to snuff scientifically, that could be an issue for some. On the flip side, if the science checks out to the committee – bonus points.

Caldecott Honor Prediction:

Du Iz Tak? by Carson Ellis

The invented language (more on that in a sec) of the text means the illustrations end up carrying more of the storytelling load. It’s an impressive feat as Ellis weaves a web of intricate insect story lines. Interesting thing to consider: a librarian friend (who knows her Caldecott stuff) mentioned to me that the invented language could raise some questions, depending on how the committee interprets the “in English” part of the Caldecott criteria. We both decided pretty quickly that it shouldn’t be an issue in this case (it is, after all, written by an English speaker for an American audience, and yes the invented language isn’t English, but it’s also not another real language), but it would certainly make the discussion for this book that much more interesting.

Caldecott Honor Prediction:

Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe

I just don’t see how you can look at this book and not be astounded by the artwork. I see it meshing well with the Caldecott criteria – we’ll see if the committee agrees.

Caldecott Honor Prediction:

Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood by F. Isabel Campoy, Theresa Howell, illustrated by Rafael López

From the front/back endpaper transformation to the way the murals in the book interact with the setting, there’s a whole lot of subtle skill here that I think the Caldecott committee will notice.

What’s your prediction?

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