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Mock Caldecott: 2023 Mock Caldecott

Welcome to BGSU's Mock Caldecott

We are entering our sixth year of Mock Caldecott, and have decided to try a new approach to the program. 

In order to more closely follow the process of the Real Committee, instead of monthly meetings, we will recommend titles to read each month. Additionally, we will solicit suggestions from our participants. All books, including those suggested by participants, will be placed on reserve at the Curriculum Resource Center. We encourage participants to use the Mock Caldecott Evaluation Sheet while reading the books.

In November, December, and January, registered participants will get to nominate titles they feel most closely meet the criteria for the Caldecott Medal. Directions on that process will be sent in November. We'll just casually enjoy reading and experiencing picture books until then. :)

On Friday, January 27, the Mock Caldecott Extravaganza will be held from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM. During this marathon session, we will meet as a committee, review all the nominated titles under consideration, discuss the titles, and follow the process (as closely as possible) to determine a winner. Pizza, snacks, and beverages will be served as we ballot and vote until one title remains.

The CRC's Mock Caldecott has correctly guessed the winner every year for the past three years. Will our streak continue? Join us to find out!

Registration

2023 Mock Caldecott

Every year, the Association of Library Services to Children, a division of the American Library Association, awards the Caldecott Medal to the artist(s) of the most distinguished American children’s picture book.

Criteria for the Award

  • The book must provide the child with a visual experience, one that unifies story elements, such as plot and theme, cohesively through the series of pictures.
  • Children must be the target audience, with childhood being defined as up to fourteen years of age. Books within this entire age range may be considered, but the intended age group’s understandings, abilities, and appreciations should be taken into consideration.
  • “Distinguished” is
    • marked by eminence and distinction; noted for significant achievement
    • marked by excellence in quality
    • individually distinct
  • The work must be original; illustrations reprinted or coupled are ineligible
  • The work must be published in the United States; original publications from other countries are ineligible
  • The work must be published in the previous year
  • The artist must be a United States citizen or have an established, maintained residence in the United States
  • The artist’s entire body of work may not be taken into consideration.

from ALSC guidelines for the Caldecott Medal (ala.org/awards) with some emphasis from me

How to order books from OhioLink

If the CRC does not have a copy of the book you'd like to read, consider getting the book through OhioLink.

Here's how:

  • Conduct a title search in the CRC's OPAC
  • When the results are returned, click the blue Search OhioLink button
  • When the record for the book appears, click the green Request button
  • Select your pick-up location (Jerome Library) and enter your BGSU email address

Your book will arrive, generally, in 5-7 days.

Submit a suggestion!

Suggestions for September

Consider reading these titles in the month of September to prepare for the Mock Caldecott meeting on Friday, January 27.

Ain't Burned All the Bright
Amah Faraway
Gibberish
John's Turn
The Treasure Box

Suggestions for October

Consider reading these titles in the month of October to prepare for the Mock Caldecott meeting on Friday, January 27.

Courage Hats
Every Dog in the Neighborhood
Kick Push
To the Front!
The World Belonged to Us

Suggestions for November

Consider reading these titles in the month of November to prepare for the Mock Caldecott meeting on Friday, January 27.

The Adventures of Robo-Kid
The Blur
Don't Worry, Murray
Frances in the Country
My Hands Tell a Story

Suggestions for December

Consider reading these titles in the month of December to prepare for the Mock Caldecott meeting on Friday, January 27.

Berry Song
The Great Zapfino
Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle
Moonlight
Pip and Zip

Suggestions for January

Consider reading these titles in the month of January to prepare for the Mock Caldecott meeting on Friday, January 27.

Farmhouse
Hello, Moon
No Nibbling!
The Year We Learned to Fly

Titles Recommended by Committee Members

Choosing Brave by Angela Joy
Uncle John's City Garden
Yellow Dog Blues