Review: A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION, Genre 1, Picture Books

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Marcus, Leonard S. 1998. A CALDECOTT CELEBRATION. New York:Walker and Company. ISBN 0802786561.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This book focuses on six authors whom have been awarded the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children. The book concentrates on the past 60 years of the history of the Caldecott Medal. In this book one author was chosen from each decade. Each section gives personal information and some insight as to how the author went about writing his or her award winning story.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This is a very informative book. It tells about the history of the Caldecott Medal and the background on receiving the medal. Each section includes information on the award winning author and the book which he/she wrote and illustrated. The information is on the author’s background as well as all the preparation and struggles which go into creating these winning publications. The information is personal and gives the reader incite into the authors thoughts and actions.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Starred review in Publishers Weekly: “Filled with witty anecdotes and pithy observations, Marcus’s approach to examining the works of six Caldecott Medalists will be of as much interest to adults as to picture book readers.”
Starred review in Booklist: “A lively, informative introduction to each book and its maker. A beautifully make book, this will serve as a fine resource for children interested in illustration and for teachers researching author/ illustrator studies.”

5. CONNECTIONS
This book would certainly be wonderful to use in a writer’s workshop to show students how writing requires necessary preparation and follow through. It shows the reader that great products do not come easy but they can be highly rewarding. It also lets children see that authors are real people just like themselves.