Most of these are also part of my mock Caldecott slideshow, so don’t count them out to win some awards!

The Lost Package by Richard Ho, illustrated by Jessica Lanan

Published by Roaring Brook Press

There’s not a lot of text, so the illustrations really tell the story. I love how light and reflection is portrayed in many of the pictures, as well as the inner workings of the post office.

Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor

Published by Orchard Books

I’ve been reading this book to a lot of classes, and kids (and teachers) love it. The unique design and the animals Mel sees going down and on her way back up make it a hit. The slug always gets a laugh.

Someone Builds the Dream by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Loren Long

Published by Dial Books for Young Readers

This book celebrates workers in a year when we needed that more than ever. The gorgeous illustrations were inspired by Depression-era WPA murals.

Keeping the City Going by Brian Floca and Outside, Inside by LeUyen Pham

Published by Atheneum and Roaring Brook Press

If the Caldecott committee decides to go with the most timely picture book, it could be one of these pandemic-inspired choices.

Sunrise Summer by Matthew Swanson, illustrated by Robbi Behr

Published by Imprint

I loved this slightly quirky book that puts a new spin on “what I did over my summer vacation”.

December 28, 2021 at 04:30PM Janet Dawson