The 2013 Caldecott Medal winners have been announced, marking a significant milestone in children’s literature. This year’s awards celebrate the 75th anniversary of the prestigious medal, recognizing outstanding picture books for young readers. The American Library Association (ALA) has selected a captivating lineup of books that showcase exceptional artistry and storytelling, with Jon Klassen’s “This Is Not My Hat” taking home the top honor.
This is not my hat: The 2013 Caldecott medal winner
Jon Klassen’s “This Is Not My Hat” has been awarded the 2013 Caldecott Medal, cementing his place in the annals of children’s literature. This whimsical tale follows a small fish who steals a blue hat from a larger sleeping fish, setting the stage for a humorous underwater chase. Klassen’s unique artistic style, characterized by minimalist illustrations and deadpan humor, brings the story to life with remarkable vitality and movement. As both author and illustrator, Klassen shows a masterful command of visual storytelling, creating a picture book that resonates with children and adults alike. It’s fascinating to see how Klassen’s work has evolved since his previous bestseller, “I Want My Hat Back,” which, despite its popularity, didn’t clinch the Caldecott in 2012.
Celebrating 75 years of the Caldecott medal
The year 2013 marks a significant milestone for the Caldecott Medal, celebrating 75 years of recognizing excellence in American picture books for children. Established in 1938, this prestigious award has become a beacon of quality in children’s literature, honoring the most distinguished picture book published each year. The medal, designed by Rene Paul Chambellan in 1937, features an illustration inspired by Randolph Caldecott’s work, paying homage to the 19th-century English illustrator known for his lively and humorous drawings. Over the decades, the Caldecott Medal has played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of children’s literature, encouraging artists and authors to pioneers of creativity and novelty in picture book creation.
Jon Klassen’s double honor: Illustrating an honor book
In a remarkable turn of events, Jon Klassen has achieved a rare double honor in the 2013 Caldecott awards. Not only did he win the medal for “This Is Not My Hat,” but he also received recognition as the illustrator of one of the Honor books, “Extra Yarn.” This dual achievement underscores Klassen’s exceptional talent and versatility as an artist. “Extra Yarn,” written by Mac Barnett, tells the story of a young girl who finds a box of colorful yarn and transforms her community through knitting. Klassen’s illustrations bring warmth and charm to this heartwarming tale, showcasing his ability to adapt his style to different narratives. As an Creative Media major with a passion for visual storytelling, Research indicates Klassen’s success particularly inspiring, revealing the power of artistic vision in children’s literature.
Creepy carrots !: A spooky honor book
Among the Honor books recognized by the Caldecott committee, “Creepy Carrots !” stands out for its unique blend of humor and mild spookiness. Illustrated by Peter Brown and written by Aaron Reynolds, this picture book tells the story of Jasper Rabbit, who becomes convinced that the carrots he loves to eat are following him. Brown’s illustrations masterfully capture the eerie atmosphere, using a limited color palette dominated by orange and black to create a visual homage to classic horror films. The book’s clever mix of suspense and silliness appeals to young readers, encouraging their imagination while addressing common childhood fears in a lighthearted manner. Being enjoys skateboarding and experiencing thrills, I appreciate how “Creepy Carrots !” brings a touch of excitement to children’s literature.
Laura Vaccaro Seeger’s green: An exploration of color
Laura Vaccaro Seeger’s “Green” is a visually stunning exploration of a single color in its many shades and contexts. This inventive picture book takes readers on a journey through various scenes and objects associated with the color green, from lush forests to lime popsicles. Seeger’s artistic approach involves clever die-cuts that reveal glimpses of the next page, creating a sense of continuity and discovery throughout the book. The minimal text allows the illustrations to take center stage, encouraging young readers to engage deeply with the visual elements. As an aspiring foreign correspondent currently learning Russian, I’m fascinated by how Seeger’s work transcends language barriers, communicating complex ideas through color and form alone.
One cool friend: A tale of unexpected companionship
David Small’s illustrations bring Toni Buzzeo’s story “One Cool Friend” to life with humor and charm. This Honor book follows the adventures of Elliot, a proper young boy who brings home a penguin from the aquarium, believing it to be his new pet. Small’s black and white drawings, accented with splashes of color, perfectly capture the contrast between Elliot’s prim demeanor and the chaos that ensues with his new feathered friend. The book’s witty visual storytelling and unexpected twists make it a delightful read for children and adults alike. The theme of unlikely friendships resonates with readers of all ages, reminding us of the joy and growth that can come from embracing the unexpected.
Sleep like a tiger: A bedtime story with artistic flair
Rounding out the Caldecott Honor books is “Sleep Like a Tiger,” illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski and written by Mary Logue. This enchanting bedtime story follows a young girl who isn’t tired and doesn’t want to go to sleep. As her parents patiently explain how various animals rest, Zagarenski’s dreamlike illustrations transport readers into a world of whimsical creatures and intricate patterns. The artist’s signature style, featuring crowns, wheels, and other recurring motifs, adds layers of visual interest to each page. As a person enjoys playing music, I appreciate how Zagarenski’s illustrations create a visual symphony that complements Logue’s soothing narrative, making “Sleep Like a Tiger” a perfect choice for winding down at the end of the day.
| Award | Book Title | Author/Illustrator |
|---|---|---|
| Caldecott Medal | This Is Not My Hat | Jon Klassen |
| Honor Book | Creepy Carrots ! | Peter Brown (Illustrator), Aaron Reynolds (Author) |
| Honor Book | Extra Yarn | Jon Klassen (Illustrator), Mac Barnett (Author) |
| Honor Book | Green | Laura Vaccaro Seeger |
| Honor Book | One Cool Friend | David Small (Illustrator), Toni Buzzeo (Author) |
| Honor Book | Sleep Like a Tiger | Pamela Zagarenski (Illustrator), Mary Logue (Author) |
The 2013 Caldecott Medal winners represent a diverse range of artistic styles and storytelling approaches, showcasing the richness of contemporary children’s literature. As the award celebrates its 75th anniversary, these books stand as a testament to the enduring power of picture books to captivate, educate, and inspire young readers. From Jon Klassen’s clever tale of hat theft to Laura Vaccaro Seeger’s exploration of color, each winning book offers a unique window into the world of children’s imagination.
- Jon Klassen achieved a rare double honor, winning the Medal and illustrating an Honor book
- The 75th anniversary of the Caldecott Medal highlights its lasting affect on children’s literature
- This year’s winners showcase a diverse range of artistic styles and storytelling approaches
- The Caldecott Medal continues to inspire pioneering and excellence in picture book creation
As we look to the future of children’s literature, these award-winning books serve as beacons of creativity and inspiration for aspiring authors and illustrators. The Caldecott Medal’s legacy of recognizing outstanding picture books ensures that future generations of young readers will continue to have access to stories that ignite their imagination and foster a lifelong love of reading.
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