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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- An exhibit, "The Caldecott at Seventy-Five: the Oldest Picture Book Award in the World," will be on display in the University Libraries' Sidewater Commons, 102 Pattee Library, from Dec. 19 to Feb. 28. Visitors, old and young alike, are invited to enjoy the award-winning illustrations of the talented winners of this coveted award. Hours at the Libraries will vary over the winter break, and visitors should call ahead to confirm open hours at 814-865-3063.
The Caldecott Medal is awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. Now in its 75th year, the award is named for Randolph Caldecott, a top 19th-century English illustrator, famed for his ability to create a sense of action and humor in the story. Created by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), it celebrates the children's book publishing industry in the U.S. and recognizes the importance of the picture book in a child's development.
No cash prize is given, but the award boosts sales of the book and ensures it a lasting place on a school or store bookshelf. According to Publisher's Weekly, "The Caldecott award is widely known for selling books, thousands, sometimes millions of them."
Steven Herb, head of Penn State's Education and Behavioral Sciences Library and the director of the Pennsylvania Center for the Book (PCFB), which is affiliated with the Center for the Book at the Library of Congress, chaired the committee this year. Herb's committee also selected three Caldecott Honor Books — "Blackout," illustrated and written by John Rocco, and published by Disney Hyperion Books, an imprint of Disney Book Group; "Grandpa Green," illustrated and written by Lane Smith, and published by Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing Holdings Limited Partnership; and "Me ... Jane," illustrated and written by Patrick McDonnell, and published by Little, Brown and Co., a division of Hachette Book Group Inc.
Under his leadership, Herb has expanded Penn State's children's literature collections and resources, and has created programs to promote involvement and bring national attention to the importance of early childhood reading and development.
For more information about the Caldecott Medal, go to http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottmedal. For additional information, contact Steven Herb at 814-863-2141 or slh18@psu.edu.