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K-State Today

November 29, 2017

Vote for the best picture book of 2017 at the 10th annual Mock Caldecott

Submitted by Karin Westman

Dan Santat's "After the Fall"

What's the best picture book of 2017? You can help decide at this year's Mock Caldecott.

The event will begin at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, 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 2017, 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 10th year, the Mock Caldecott brings students, faculty and community members together to enjoy the best picture books published in the past year, assembling our short list from prominent review sites at Publisher's Weekly, the New York Times, and librarian Betsy Bird's blog for the School Library Journal," said Karin Westman, head of the English department and faculty advisor for the Children's and Adolescent Literature Community. "After discussing the short list, we then decide our own award-winning book and honor books."

Selected picture books will be available for review from 1:30-2:30 p.m. A brief presentation at 2:30 p.m. will describe the criteria for the award, followed by discussion and a vote to determine this year's winner.

Phil Nel, university distinguished professor of English, values the opportunity to enjoy the art of the picture book.

"Picture books offer the pleasure of immersing oneself in a story. The excitement of the turn of the page. A portable art gallery to stroll through. And there are new ones being published all the time. Which of these most merits our time and attention? At the Mock Caldecott, we'll have a friendly debate over this question and look at some of the best picture books of the year," Nel said.

This year's contenders include Dan Santat's "After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again," Bao Phi and Thi Bui's "A Different Pond," Jason Chin's "Grand Canyon," and Margarita Engle and Michael Curato's "All the Way to Havana."

"I'm very excited about my first ChALC Mock Caldecott. We have some really great titles from some amazing illustrators. It will be nice to geek out with other picture book fans!" said Latrice Ferguson, first-year graduate student in English and co-president of the Children's and Adolescent Literature Community.

Results will be posted to the English department's Twitter feed and Facebook page

Participation at the event will count for "Service to the Profession: Professional Growth" for education majors.

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