We've been enjoying the 2010 Caldecott Medal and Honor books in the library this week. The Caldecott Medal is awarded to the illustrator of the most distinguished American picture book for children (ALA.org). It is named for 19th century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott and has been awarded yearly since1938.
We "read" this years Medal winner The Lion and the Mouse illustrated by Jerry Pinkney with the Kindergarten class on Friday. One of the criteria for the Caldecott Medal is that the illustrations interpret the story. In the case of Pinkney's The Lion and the Mouse, the illustrations are the story. The only words that appear on the golden-hued depictions of the African savannah are a few roars, squeeks and screeches. Kindergarteners were captivated into silence by the detailed full-page illustrations. I read a short version of Aesop's The Lion and the Mouse before diving into Pinkney's gorgeous watercolor illustrations to provide context for the story. For the most part, Kindergarteners enjoyed experiencing a wordless book, saying it was both "different" and "fun" to let the pictures tell the story.
We had a short week due to the Presidents Day holiday...
Preschool: Imogene causes quite a stir when she wakes up with a set of antlers one morning in Imogene's Antlers by David Small. By the end of the day, though, the set of bony apendages prove to be pretty useful. Preschoolers had fun imagining what they would do if they woke up one morning with their own set of antlers!
2nd Grade: We finally revisited and finished The Ink Drinker by Eric Sanvoisin, a quirky tale of a book seller's son and his encounter with an ink-drinking vampire. The book, which is sadly out of print, was translated from its original French into English and excited even the most reluctant readers with its bizarre and mysterious characters. I have a long list of 2nd Graders begging to check out our only copy and inquiring about the next books in the series.
3rd Grade: 3rd Graders practiced their observation of aesthetics as we took a close look at one of the 2010 Caldecott Honor books, All the World by Elizabeth Garton Scanlon. Illustrator Marla Frazee creates an idealistic backdrop in a rural seaside community for Scanlon's beautiful poem. After reading through the book, 3rd Graders came up with words that reflected the style and mood of the illustrations. Our list included colorful, joyful, multicultural, dark and light, perfect and cartoon-like.
5th Grade: The Little Prince is off on his journey to the neighboring planets. 5th Graders are working in small groups on chapter studies, paying close attention to whom the Little Prince meets and why the author chose to introduce this peculiar character.
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