Fast Five Fiction: Caldecott Winners

It's Friday and time for Fast Five Fiction! Each week I share five fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. American Library Association's award were announced this week, including the 2021 Caldecott winner so today's book roundup is five fantastic Caldecott winners, including this year's winner. 

Started in 1938, The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. 

Click the title to be directed to the library's catalog. Book summaries are from Goodreads. 

We are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom 

Illustrated by Michaela Goade (2021 winner)

Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption--a bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade.

Water is the first medicine.
It affects and connects us all . . .

When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth
And poison her people's water, one young water protector
Takes a stand to defend Earth's most sacred resource.

This year's historic win is the first win for a BIPOC woman and makes Goade the first Native American winner. 

The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat (2015 winner)

This magical story begins on an island far away where an imaginary friend is born. He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child, but when he is overlooked time and again, he sets off on an incredible journey to the bustling city, where he finally meets his perfect match and-at long last-is given his special name: Beekle.

This is Not my Hat by Jon Klassen (2013 winner)

When a tiny fish shoots into view wearing a round blue topper (which happens to fit him perfectly), trouble could be following close behind. So it's a good thing that enormous fish won't wake up. And even if he does, it's not like he'll ever know what happened...

Visual humor swims to the fore as the best-selling Jon Klassen follows his breakout debut with another deadpan-funny tale.

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears by Verna Aaredema

Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon (1976 Winner)

"In this Caldecott Medal winner, Mosquito tells a story that causes a jungle disaster. "Elegance has become the Dillons' hallmark. . . . Matching the art is Aardema's uniquely onomatopoeic text . . . An impressive showpiece." -Booklist, starred review.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (1964)

Max, a wild and naughty boy, is sent to bed without his supper by his exhausted mother. In his room, he imagines sailing far away to a land of Wild Things. Instead of eating him, the Wild Things make Max their king.

To see the complete list of past Caldecott winners click here.

Happy Friday and happy reading!