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K-State Today

November 30, 2022

Vote for the best picture book of 2022 at the 15th annual Mock Caldecott

Submitted by Karin Westman

Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall

What's the best picture book of 2022? You can help decide at this year's Mock Caldecott.

The event will be from 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in person at the Manhattan Public Library and via Zoom. To register for the Zoom link, visit tinyurl.com/chalc2022books.

Sponsored by the Children's and Adolescent Literature Community, the English department's program in children's literature in the College of Arts and Sciences and by the Manhattan Public Library, the Mock Caldecott includes a discussion of the most distinguished picture books of 2022, 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 15th 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 reviewers at Publisher's Weekly 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. "This year, we are holding a hybrid event. Participants can review books asynchronously in advance and then gather in person at the Manhattan Public Library or on Zoom on Saturday to discuss together the short list of titles and vote."

Selected picture books are available for review from the English department blog, with the option to vote for first-round favorites by Friday, Dec. 2.

On Saturday, Dec. 3, a brief presentation at 2 p.m. will describe the history and criteria for the award, followed by discussion of the short list of titles 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 and gain new perspectives.

"Need a break from end-of-term stress? I recommend art and stories," said Nel. "Browse through the selected titles in advance and then, on Saturday, join us to discuss the best picture books of the year."

This year's contenders include "Kick Push" by Frank Morrison, "Knight Owl" by Christopher Denise, "Farmhouse" by Sophie Blackall, and "The World Belonged to Us" by Jacqueline Woodson and Leo Espinosa.

"Never been to the Manhattan Public Library before? This is a great opportunity to check out the lovely Manhattan Public Library, see our selections for this year's Caldecott Medal, and choose who you think this year's winner should be," said Delaney Sullivan, 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 social media platforms on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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