Mock Caldecott 2022

The Caldecott Medal

In January of each year, a committee of librarians awards the Caldecott Medal to "the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children" published the previous year. Named for illustrator Ralph Caldecott, this prestigious award is considered the highest achievement for picture book illustrators in the US. Winners become household names, and their work has included some of the most beloved picture books in children's literature.

Brookline's elementary libraries invite you to participate in a "Mock Caldecott" contest. We will form our own Caldecott Committee, including children and families, and turn our trained eye to 10 possible winners of this year's medal.

Caldecott Criteria

Take a look at the videos below to learn about the criteria the real Caldecott Committee uses to examine hundreds of picture books and choose a winner.

Omufinal.mp4

Character

Who the story is about

Read aloud: Thank You, Omu

Plot Caldecott (This is Not My Hat).webm

Plot

What happens in the story

Read aloud: This is Not My Hat

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

Setting

Where and when the story takes place

Read aloud: The Man Who Walked Between the Towers


Style.webm

Style

How the illustrator creates the pictures

Read aloud: Hello, Lighthouse

OfficerBuckle.mp4

Interpretation

How the words and pictures go together

Officer Buckle and Gloria

Cal slides

Caldecott Criteria Slideshow

Click on the image to the left to get the details on the qualities the Caldecott Committee looks for in an exceptional picture book.