The American Library Association named its annual picks for the best in kid lit yesterday. The winners join a long list of titles that have gone on to become classics. See the Caldecott picture-book selections below, then click to page 2. for the Newbery Medal novel choices (including two unusual memoirs).
2015 Caldecott Medal Winner
(for most distinguished picture book for children)
The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend
By Dan Santat (Little, Brown and Company)
Why it won: "In four delightful 'visual chapters,' Beekle, an imaginary friend, undergoes an emotional journey looking for his human. Santat uses fine details, kaleidoscopic saturated colors, and exquisite curved and angular lines to masterfully convey the emotional essence of this special childhood relationship."
2015 Caldecott Honor Books
Nana in the City
By Lauren Castillo (Clarion Books)
The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky's Abstract Art
Illustrated by Mary GrandPré, written by Barb Rosenstock (Alfred A. Knopf)
Sam & Dave Dig a Hole
Illustrated by Jon Klassen, written by Mac Barnett (Candlewick Press)
Viva Frida
By Yuyi Morales
The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus
Illustrated by Melissa Sweet, written by Jen Bryant (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers)
Next page: The 2015 Newbery Medal books
2015 Newbery Medal Books
(for distinguished contribution to American literature for children)
The Crossover
By Kwame Alexander (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
Why it won: "Twelve-year-old narrator Josh Bell uses the rhythms of a poetry jam to emulate the 'moving & grooving/popping and rocking' of life on the basketball court with his twin brother, J.B. This powerful novel in verse paints an authentic portrait of a closely-knit family on the brink of crisis. Swish! This book is nothing but net!"
El Deafo
Brown Girl Dreaming
