One of the highlights of the children’s book publishing world is the awards ceremony that takes place every year at the American Library Association’s Midwinter meeting. This is where librarians select their top awards, reflected in those shiny medallions you see on some of your favorite books for young readers. These awards include, among others, the Sibert Award, the Printz Award, and—the most well-known—the Coretta Scott King, Newbery, and Caldecott Awards.

This year, we at Peachtree were blown away when we got the early morning call that our beloved Going Down Home with Daddy, illustrated by Daniel Minter and written by Kelly Starling Lyons, was named a 2020 Caldecott Honor Book.

Going Down Home with Daddy is the story of a young boy finding his place in his family and learning how valuable family is to one another. It’s also a joyful celebration of the Black family reunion culture and family history.

This is the first Caldecott Honor for Peachtree as well as for Daniel Minter, and to say we are excited is an understatement. Going Down Home with Daddy also has local and symbolic significance for everyone involved, which adds to the weight of this extraordinary honor.

“Daniel Minter’s own Georgia roots and Kelly Starling Lyons’ beautiful text inspired Daniel’s gorgeous and meaningful artwork,” said Margaret Quinlin, Peachtree president and publisher. “This is a story of family love and of honoring and celebrating our roots, so it seems especially fitting and extra-special to all of us at Peachtree to call it our first Caldecott Honor.”

Minter’s background contributed greatly to the award-winning work he produced, and his and Kelly’s shared experiences added to its meaning.

“I am honored to have worked on this book with Kelly Starling Lyons,” said Minter. “Her deeply personal story resonated with me in such a way that I immediately knew this story was also mine. I am profoundly moved to see my work recognized with this Caldecott Honor. Knowing that people are able to connect with the subtleties in the artwork affirms how interconnected we all are.”

Kelly’s text made several Peaches cry upon reading it for the first time, but when Daniel’s art first arrived at the Peachtree offices back in 2018, we knew that the pairing would ultimately produce something special and lasting.

“When I learned that Daniel won the Caldecott Honor for our book, I was filled with pride,” said Lyons. “His art brought the story to life in such powerful ways. Emotional depth. Layers of meaning. Symbolism. He put his heart into every page.”

Huge congratulations to Daniel Minter as well as Kelly Starling Lyons. We couldn’t think of a more deserving book for this honor. The celebration began here in Atlanta early on Monday morning and shows no end in sight. Cheers!

Order your copy of the Caldecott Honor-winning Going Down Home with Daddy today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Countdown:
2979 Days to the Moon
Written by Suzanne Slade
Illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

★ “Elegant and informative, this is sure to attract casual browsers and true space nerds alike.” ―Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

★ “Captivating free-verse narrative…vivid mixed-media illustrations that stun with photographic realism and varied perspectives…this well-researched title offers a stirring introduction to one of humankind’s most impressive undertakings.” ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

★ “Stunning… Slade’s carefully crafted, often alliterative text, written in free verse, is both succinct and readable, drawing this large topic down to the most necessary and interesting facts with enough detail to excite young teens as well as adults who may have lived through the missions.… Truly out of this world. A must-buy for most poetry collections.” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

Parents’ Choice Gold Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2018

Eureka! Gold Nonfiction Children’s Book Award ―California Reading Association, 2018

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 ―NSTA / CBC, 2019

Booklist’s Top 10 Sci-Tech Books for Youth 2018

Best STEM Books ―ASEE / ITEEA / NSTA / SEPA / CBC, 2019

Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book ―Best Information Books for Older Readers 2018

The Planetary Society‘s 2018 Recommended Space Books for Kids

Air & Space/Smithsonian magazine’s Best Children’s Books of 2018

Celebrate Science‘s 17 Favorite STEM Books of 2018

Mackin Books in Bloom‘s 2018 Favorite Nonfiction

My Storytime Corner‘s Best Children’s Books of 2018

Hoover Library’s Staff Picks of 2018: Nonfiction

Leaf Litter Critters
Written by Leslie Bulion
Illustrated by Robert Meganck

★ “The poems are expertly crafted in a variety of forms (identified in the backmatter). The language is lively and the imagery appropriate. With alliteration, internal rhymes, and careful rhythm, these will be a delight to read aloud and learn…. Meganck’s engaging digital drawings give each creature pop-eyes and attitude…. A delightful, memorable introduction to an unsung ecosystem.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award Silver Honor ―California Reading Association, 2018

Moonbeam Children’s Book Award (Silver, Children’s Poetry) ―Independent Publisher, 2018

In the Rain
Written by Elizabeth Spurr
Illustrated by Manelle Oliphant

★ “This charming board book…will inspire conversation and simple science explorations.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

My Storytime Corner‘s Best Children’s Books of 2018

Miguel y su valiente caballero:
El joven Cervantes sueña a don Quijote
Written by Margarita Engle
Illustrated by Raúl Colón

★ “With the assistance of Mlawer and Lázaro, National Young People’s Poet Laureate Engle brings to children the childhood of the great storyteller Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra in his native tongue….the Spanish translation by Mlawer and Lázaro beautifully captures the rhythm and language of the original…. Colón’s remarkable pen-and-ink-and-watercolor illustrations have an old-masters quality that perfectly complements the narrative… This is a worthy translation of a beautiful and engaging book.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

A Fuse #8 Production: 31 Days, 31 Lists: 2018 Bilingual Books for Kids

Best Children’s Picture Books of the Year in Spanish ―Bank Street College of Education, 2019

Am I Yours?
Written and illustrated by Alex Latimer

★ “This is a must-have addition to any children’s collection and a surefire crowd-pleaser at a dinosaur storytime. One might call it a roaring success.” ―Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

The Snow Lion
Written by Jim Helmore
Illustrated by Richard Jones

★ “A well-crafted tale about healthy adaptation to new environs merges with superb artwork.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

Atlanta Parent’s Best Books of 2018

Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers
Celebrating Animal Underdogs
Written by Melissa Stewart
Illustrated by Stephanie Laberis

Eureka! Gold Nonfiction Children’s Book Award ―California Reading Association, 2018

Golden Kite (nonfiction honor book) ―Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, 2019

The Nerdies: Nonfiction Picture Books ―Nerdy Book Club, 2018

Heise Reads & Recommends: Favorite 2018 Nonfiction Picture Books

Mile High Reading‘s Picture Books I Loved in 2018

Pernille Ripp‘s Favorite Books of 2018

Kid Lit Frenzy‘s End of the Year Favorites

The Brainstorm Plus‘s Top 10s of 2018: Juvenile Nonfiction

King & Kayla and the Case of the Lost Tooth
Written by Dori Hillestad Butler
Illustrated by Nancy Meyers

Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book ―Best Fiction Books for Younger Readers 2018

A Fuse #8 Production: 31 Days, 31 Lists: 2018 Easy Books

The Nerdies: Early Readers and Early Chapter Books ―Nerdy Book Club, 2018

We are Teachers‘ 50 of the Best Books for First Grade

The King of Bees
Written by Lester L. Laminack
Illustrated by Jim LaMarche

Parents’ Choice Recommended Award  —Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2018

Mississippi Library Commission’s Best Picture Books of 2018

Izzy Gizmo
Written by Pip Jones
Illustrated by Sara Ogilvie

Parents’ Choice Fun Stuff Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2018

Mockingbird Award (Nominee) ―Abilene Independent School District, 2018-2019

Omaha Public Library‘s Top Shelf: Staff Favorites from 2018

Best STEM Books ―ASEE / ITEEA / NSTA / SEPA / CBC, 2019

A Mighty Girl‘s 2018 Best Books of the Year

Little Whale
Written and illustrated by Jo Weaver

Parents’ Choice Recommended Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2018

My Storytime Corner‘s Best Children’s Books of 2018

About Woodpeckers
A Guide for Children
Written by Cathryn Sill
Illustrated by John Sill

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 ―NSTA / CBC, 2019

Kalinka and Grakkle
Written and illustrated by Julie Paschkis

Parents’ Choice Recommended Award —Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2018

Blacksmith’s Song
Written by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk
Illustrated by Anna Rich

Parents’ Choice Recommended Award —Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2018

The Secret Science of Magic
Written by Melissa Keil

Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2018

Hansel & Gretel
Written & illustrated by Bethan Woollvin

A Mighty Girl‘s 2018 Best Books of the Year

Library Matters‘s Most Memorable Picture Books of 2018

Abraham Lincoln’s Dueling Words
Written by Donna Janell Bowman
Illustrated by S.D. Schindler

A Fuse #8 Production: 31 Days, 31 Lists: 2018 American History

Find these titles and more at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble. Do you have a Peachtree favorite from 2018? Let us know!

We are so excited to share that Madeline Finn and the Library Dog has won the Children’s Choice Book Award in the Kindergarten to Second Grade Book of the Year category! The Children’s Choice Book Award is the only national book awards program where the winners are selected by kids.

We spoke to debut author-illustrator Lisa Papp about this wonderful honor, so read on for an exclusive interview with her about her book and its impact in the lives of so many children.

Bethan: Totally amazed! I haven’t been able to stop smiling since I found out! The New York Times is so influential, so I feel very honored for Little Red to have been chosen as a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book!

How did you celebrate?

Bethan: First thing was a glass of wine, followed by a few more… Since then, I have made a celebratory print of Little Red to commemorate the award! I’m also coming to New York for the occasion, so I’m very excited for that. I hope to eat my weight in waffles.

What drew you to the story of Little Red Riding Hood?

Bethan: “Little Red Riding Hood” was among many fairytales I read as a child, and one that always stood out to me because it was so dark. The only problem was I couldn’t relate to Little Red Riding Hood. She has so often been portrayed as a helpless naive child who confused her own grandmother with a wolf! Then, if this wasn’t bad enough, she then (unsatisfyingly) gets saved, along with her grandmother, by a heroic woodcutter (who just happened to be wandering around the forest, looking for a damsel in distress…).

It wasn’t until I was studying at university that I had the chance to revisit “Little Red Riding Hood.” I entered the Macmillan Children’s Book Competition and started working on the story, but in the way I wanted it to be told.

What inspired your unique spin on the tale?

Bethan: I decided very early on in my character development for Little Red that she was going to be just as cunning as the wolf, which I think feeds into the “twist” of the book. Instead of being a victim, I decided that Little Red needed to be strong and brave enough for the woodcutter not to exist in this version.

Why do you think your version has resonated with so many readers?

Bethan: I’d like to think it’s because it appeals to both its target audience—children—as well as the adults who read it to them.

I illustrated Little Red purposefully androgynous, meaning all of the younger readers would be able to associate with Little Red’s figure. Both girls and boys could easily invest in the character and the story.As for the adults, retellings of stories they’d have heard in the own youth will inevitably feel familiar but also potentially predictable. So while tapping into their nostalgia, the dark and hopefully humorous twist has kept the book dynamic.

What’s next for you?

Bethan: Well, I’m sure you’ll be pleased to know that there are more books on the way! Aside from that, I’m just working hard to be involved in as many exhibitions, projects, and galleries as possible!

Kathy, what did you think when Little Red first landed on your desk?

Kathy: I was immediately drawn to the striking, stylish artwork. I loved the feminist message. And the more time I spent with the book, the more I enjoyed the way Bethan played with and built on the original story.

What about her artwork captured your attention?

It’s always an honor to be among the fun and beautiful titles that make up the reading lists each year. Enjoy these titles, and make sure to check out the rest of the amazing books on the lists!

Churchill’s Tale of Tails by Anca Sandu

Friends try to help Churchill replace his missing tail. But Churchill’s fun makes him forget his friends. Will Churchill put friends first and find his lost tail along the way? Children will enjoy the delightful friendship tale.

Claude at the Beach by Alex T. Smith

 A small dog named Claude and his animated sock companion, Sir Bobblysock, head to the beach for their latest adventure that includes rescuing a swimmer, winning a sand castle contest, and searching for treasure. Claude’s silly antics keep readers laughing.

Lion vs. Rabbit by Alex Latimer

Lion is mean to everyone! Various animals try to stand up to Lion, but fail. And then a rabbit arrives. Can such a small, gentle animal defeat Lion?

Three Hens and  a Peacock by Lester Laminack

A peacock shows up at the farm and lures visitors to the farm stand. The hens get jealous so hound dog suggests they swap duties. The peacock and the hens find the tasks more difficult than they thought.

Quarterback Season by Fred Bowen

A clever boy-focused story about middle-grade Matt playing for a football team. The story is clever because it integrates the trials of playing a sport through a boy’s journal and e-mail messages. Football is the hook, and the journal provides authenticity.

Mr. President Goes to School by Rick Walton

When Mr. President needs a break from solving world problems, he disguises himself and joins Mrs. Applegate’s classroom. Kids will hang on every word and picture as the President enters their world, learning to solve world problems kid-style!

This week marks the end of the month, and the end of the month here at Peachtree always includes a night when the book-smart, analytical, and generally intelligent (geeky) members of the Peachtree Publishers team (Peaches) leave our purple halls, gather at the nearby taqueria, and talk about books. This month, the books on the table (literally and figuratively) were the 2016 Caldecott Honor Books.

If you don’t already know the titles, the Honor Books were Trombone Shorty illustrated by BrianCollier and written by Troy Andrews; Waiting illustrated and written by Kevin Henkes; Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement illustrated by Ekua Holmes and written by Carole Boston Weatherford; and finally The Last Stop on Market Street illustrated by Christian Robinson and written by Matt de la Peňa. We all took some time to flip through these lovely books one more time, being careful to keep them away from the guacamole and salsa, and then the talk started and didn’t stop for an hour and a half.

For some of the younger Peaches at the table, we started off by remembering what the criteria for the Caldecott medal are. Our beloved Awards Coordinator (among other titles), Courtney, briefly explained some of the factors and requirements to provide some context for our discussion (and if you’re curious, check out the official criteria and terms here). There was a brief lull as our taco orders were taken, but then we dug into the books themselves.

Abrams, 2015

Trombone Shorty didn’t take much time to discuss as there was little debate—we all loved it, and we were all ready to take a trip to New Orleans. The vivid colors and images of a picture book were a great backdrop for the fun and inspiring true story of Troy Andrews. Awards and critiques aside, we all enjoyed learning about the childhood and influences of the talented musician and author.

Harper Collins, 2015

On the other hand, every time we thought we’d laid it to rest, our conversation about Waiting bubbled up again. When Vicky, one of our editors, confessed that she’d thought long and hard about the possibility of a deeper philosophical meaning behind the little book, the gears immediately started churning in everyone else’s heads as we tried to think of something posh and intelligent to say. Unfortunately, we had no “eureka” moment, got back to our tacos, and declared that we liked the gentle and friendly illustrations that contrasted with the bright and loud books surrounding it. Our parting thought was a curiosity to see how a child would react to the five little windowsill friends.

Penguin Random House, 2015

The art in Voice of Freedom received favorite status from a few of us, and we spent some time flipping through to find our favorite spreads to share with each other. In particular, we discussed how the book combined a classic approach with the separation of art and text on many of the pages, and yet the art itself was so fresh and vibrant and really not traditional at all. Although we spent a fair amount of time on the art in voice, we also loved that the text did not shy away from sharing the realities and suffering of the era.

Penguin Random House, 2015

 

The Last Stop on Market Street, which also won the Newbery
Medal, didn’t spur as much talk because its various awards had already sparked conversations over the last several weeks, and we’d all become very familiar with it. When looking at the art of all four books, however, we did particularly enjoy the textures that were in each illustration.

We were pleased with the diversified range of authors and books that were represented among the honored titles, and, as always, it was fun to see a few new names in the mix.

What did you think about this year’s Caldecott Honorees? Let us know in the comments.

Want to join in the fun? At next month’s Geeky Peaches we’re discussing the 2016 Newbery results!

Readers and friends please welcome to the blog, Sheri Sinykin, author of Zayde Comes to Live!

Kristina Swarner, illustrator of Zayde Comes to Live, was kind enough to answer a few of our questions about her illustrations! Welcome, Kristina!

Sheri is also featured over at Read, Write, Repeat
and Kristina Swarner is featured at Writing and Illustrating!

You can follow along with the tour here! 

 
Zayde Comes to Live will be featured on February 13 at Read, Write, Repeat and
Writing and Illustrating!

We will also have a guest post from Sheri and a Q&A with Kristina here on our blog on Wednesday as well, so stay tuned!

Happy Reading!

**U.S. residents only, please