2019 Caldecott Medal Winners and Honor Books

Hello Lighthouse

By: Sophie Blackall

Medal Winner

Reviewed by: Sandy Hall
Also read and recommended by: Christine Kallner, Sherry Early

This book is full of historically-accurate details of the lighthouse. The illustrations are done in Chinese ink and watercolor and beautifully portray the steadiness and stability of the lighthouse in the midst of all the changes in weather and over time. The lighthouse is always in the same location on the two-page spreads to portray that constancy. There are cutaway illustrations that show the interior of the lighthouse with lots of detail. When you think about a lighthouse, you think about the usual circular shape as you are inside looking up. To highlight that, Blackall adds some circle vignette illustrations on various pages. So clever! The front and back inside covers give lots more information in picture and text about lighthouses. At the end, there is a nice surprise of a foldout page which shows the lighthouse from two perspectives on the front and back of the page. The repetition of the first few lines from the beginning to the end bring the book to a satisfying finish. The beams of the lighthouse calling out “hello, hello” beg for an answer. As some reviewers of this book have stated, the lighthouse is a symbol of dependability in a world full of changes, something every child needs.

Alma and How She Got Her Name

By: Juana Martinez-Neal

Honor
NOT REVIEWED

How did Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela end up with such a long name? As Daddy tells the story of her many names, Alma can almost feel herself growing into them!

From the publisher

A Big Mooncake for Little Star

By: Grace Lin

Honor
NOT REVIEWED

Little Star loves the delicious Mooncake that she bakes with her mama. But she’s not supposed to eat any yet! What happens when she can’t resist a nibble?

In this stunning picture book that shines as bright as the stars in the sky, Newbery Honor author Grace Lin creates a heartwarming original story that explains phases of the moon.

From the publisher

The Rough Patch

By: Brian Lies

Honor
NOT REVIEWED

Evan and his dog do everything together, from eating ice cream to caring for their prize-winning garden, which grows big and beautiful. One day the unthinkable happens: Evan’s dog dies. Heartbroken, Evan destroys the garden and everything in it. The ground becomes overgrown with prickly weeds and thorns, and Evan embraces the chaos.

But beauty grows in the darkest of places, and when a twisting vine turns into an immense pumpkin, Evan is drawn out of his isolation and back to the county fair, where friendships—old and new—await.

From the publisher

Thank You, Omu!

By: Oge Mora

Honor

Reviewed by: Sandy Hall
Also read and recommended by: Christine Kallner, Sarah Kim, Sherry Early

The repetition of specific words and lines are a delightful draw to this story that little ones love in picture book stories. “Knock knock,” “Mmmmmm, stew!” “Thank you, Omu!” are all repeated each time a new person comes to the door for a taste of Omu’s stew. The story is sweet, displaying generosity, community, unselfishness, and ultimately the kindness returned to Omu. A wonderful story about sharing!