I have followed this thread with interest and appreciate the critical discourse. I
had meant to blog my notable children's book experience. I have discovered that it
is easier said than done. Having had the experience of serving on the Newbery
committee, I can say emphatically that in my experience, no one goes into that room
KNOWING what book will win. We come to the table with many possibilities and the
informed critical opinions. The respectful insightful discourse can sway one that a
book that was a good read when read in March, re-read in November and discussed in
January deserves one’s vote.
We all come to that table with our own biases. The Notable Children's Book
discussion is public. We did not have the awesome responsibility of choosing the
best book of the year. We have the responsibility of choosing the best books. The
questions we ask ourselves are
Is this book “Worthy of note or notice, important, distinguished, outstanding. As
applied to children’s books, notable should be thought to include books of
especially commendable quality, books that exhibit venturesome creativity, and
books of fiction, information, poetry and pictures for all age levels (through age
14) that reflect and encourage children’s interests in exemplary ways. The
evaluation criteria to be used are: (1) literary quality; (2) originality of
text and illustration; (3) clarity and style of language; (4) excellence of
illustration; (5) excellence of design and format; (6) subject matter of
interest and value to children; (7) the likelihood of acceptance by children.”
From the ALSC Notable Book Committee Handbook.
As I said we all have personal preferences and often we agreed to disagree. One of
my personal biases is age and developmental appropriateness. This year’s Duck and
Goose is an exquisite example of just that. Everyone on the committee was aware
that this is one of the criteria that I have when thinking about "subject matter of
interest and value to children" They were also aware that I love a book that is
fabulous to read aloud whether a picture book like Thelonious Monster’s Sky High
Fly Pie, poetry like Once, I Ate a Pie or a chapter book like Edward Tulane or
Clementine. I accept the comments that not every picture book is meant to be read
aloud. Have you seen An Egg is Quiet? It is a wonderfully illustrated book about
eggs-a mixture of facts and poetic language. This book did not make our list. The
committee has 11 members and a book needs to have more than 6 votes to be listed.
This link is to the 2007 list. You can also go to ALA/ALSC and find Notable
Children's Books.
http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/childrensnotable/notablecbooklist/currentnotable.htm
Yours, Lisa
Lisa Von Drasek
Children's Librarian
Bank Street College of Education
School for Children Pre-K- 8
610 West 112th St
NY NY 10025
lisav@bnkst.edu
212 875 4452
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