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K-State Today

December 5, 2013

Vote for the best picture book of 2013 at the Mock Caldecott

Submitted by Karin Westman

Bob Staake's Bluebird

What's the best picture book of 2013? You can help decide at this year's Mock Caldecott.

The event will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Manhattan Public Library, 629 Poyntz Ave.

Sponsored by the Children's and Adolescent Literature Community, the English department's program in children's literature and the Manhattan Public Library, the Mock Caldecott includes a discussion of the most distinguished picture books of 2013, followed by a vote to determine this year's winner.

The American Library Association awards the Caldecott Medal to the most distinguished American picture book for children, as well as recognizing the runners-up. The medal is named for Randolph Caldecott, a 19th-century English illustrator.

"Now in its sixth year, the Mock Caldecott brings students, faculty and community members together to enjoy the best picture books published in the past year," said Karin Westman, head of the English department. "We then decide our own award-winning book and honor books."

Selected picture books will be available for review from 1-2 p.m. A brief presentation at 2 p.m. will describe the criteria for the award, followed by discussion and a vote to determine this year's winner.

This year’s contenders include Drew Daywalt's "The Day the Crayons Quit," Aaron Becker's "Journey," Erin Stead's "If You Want to See a Whale," Bob Staake's "Bluebird" and David Wiesner’s "Mr. Wuffles."

"Though short and often considered a mere gateway to real books, picture books are a rich, complex art form," said Philip Nel, university distinguished professor of English and director of K-State's program in children's literature. "Also, spending an afternoon reading and talking about them is fun."

For more information, contact chalc@k-state.edu or english@k-state.edu.

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