Caldecott/Newberry Guesses/Wishlist

It's here already and so I will just give my guesses/wishlist for who wins the Caldecott and the Newberry awards tomorrow.

Caldecott Honor:  Once Upon an Alphabet:  Short Stories for All the Letters by Oliver Jeffers.  I love Tim Burton's art/films and these stories have the feel of a Tim Burton film with the Oliver twist.  [Sorry that was a bad pun.]




Caldecott Honor:  The Adventures of Beekle:  The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat.  Santat has illustrated many stories but I think this one is his greatest.  You can tell he told this story from his heart.







Caldecott Honor:  The Farmer and the Clown by Marla Frazee.  I usually don't like too many quiet stories but this is illustrated so beautifully.







Caldecott Honor:  Sparky! by Jenny Offill, illustrated by Chris Appelhans.  I really look forward to what else he will illustrate.  He has a fun style.







Caldecott Honor:  Sebastian and the Balloon by Philip C. Stead.  He won a Caldecott as an author.  It's time for him to win one as both author and illustrator.








Caldecott Winner:  Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen.  They did it again.  The reactions to each page when I read this to students is hilarious.  Yet, it's a quiet story.  I think it could win it all.







Newberry Honor:  The Night Gardner by Jonathan Auxier.  This is just a great, creepy-but-not-too-creepy read.  Auxier does a great job using words to help you visualize this fun story.