They say you’re only as good as your last blog post… in which case, I’m really slipping… I was embarrassed last week when a 3rd grader asked me about a visiting author that was coming soon. Bewildered, I replied that that author had been here already; but it says they are coming on your blog… OOPS.

I’ve been buzzing with excitement during the past week knowing the Newbery and Caldecott Awards will be given out tonight, January 28th. Being an awards junkie, it has made my day being able to discuss some of the best books written with all grade levels. Every grade level, from Pre K up, understands what it means to win a prize, to come first, to be honored or acknowledged. They also know good books when they see them, and we’ve had some wonderful discussions on who might win and why.

Here are some of the books I think may win the Caldecott tonight… in just 4 and a half hours from now!!!

I have three favorites above. Part of me would like Laura Vaccaro Seeger to win, as I get to meet and conference with her this weekend in Singapore, at the Children’s Literature Conference. I was lucky enough to get to it last year, and wow, what fun! I’ve seen Laura’s book, Green, and it is so aesthetically wonderful, that I really think it has a great chance of taking the medal.

I’ve also developed quite a crush on Jon Klassen’s work so Mac Barnett’s Extra Yarn, which Jon illustrated is a favorite, and even more so, the book Jon has authored and illustrated, This is not my Hat; the delightful sequel to I want my Hat Back, which I completely adore!

Any of these being chosen, or Hello Hello by Matthew Cordell, surprising people, would make my day!

If you’re unsure what the Newbery Awards are all about, I thought this blog post answered some of the questions I had in a matter of fact way; questions such as who chooses the winner  in the first place?

My pick for the Newbery Winner for 2013 has been The One and Only Ivan by the amazingly talented Katherine Applegate (author of one of my favorite books EVER, Home of the Brave) I’ve wanted Ivan to take the gold since I was introduced to him by my library buddy Tara. You cannot help but fall in love with Ivan when you meet him, and Applegate’s writing gives Ivan such a pure voice, mmm, what a story, what a character. So although many people are cheering for Wonder, which I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend, I only have eyes for Ivan…

May the best gorilla win!