2009 Caldecott Medal Winner Announced!

I was delighted to learn that two of the books on my personal list of the Best Illustrated Children's Books of 2008 were recognized with Caldecott honors, including the 2009 Caldecott Medal winner. Being awarded the Caldecott Medal is the highest honor a children's picture book illustrator can receive in the United States. Beth Krommes has been awarded the 2009 Caldecott Medal for her illustrations in The House in the Night, which was written by Susan Marie Swanson and published by Houghton Mifflin Company. Another book on my list, A River of Words: The Life of William Carlos Williams, which was illustrated by Melissa Sweet and written by Jen Bryant has been designated a 2009 Caldecott Honor Book. It was published by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. To learn more about the Caldecott Medal and the other 2009 winners, as well as the surprising winner last year, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, see my article about The Caldecott Medal.

(Cover art courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Company)