In years past, I’ve had a Mock Caldecott with my daughter and her friends. They’re no longer interested in picking the best illustrated books of the year. That’s ok. They’ve replaced the interest with other creative endeavors. But I love picture books; and I love hearing what people think will be the next award winner. So I invited my coworkers to join me in a Mock Caldecott. If you’re not a coworker and want to participate; you can join the fun. Put your five favorites from the books listed below in the comments by Friday, January 18.
On January 19, I’ll tally the results and post a smaller list where you can vote for your favorite. I’ll tally those votes on Friday, January 25. I’ll announce our Mock Caldecott winner on Sunday, January 27. Monday morning the real committee will announce their winner and honors. Who’s in?

Blue by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Thank you, Omu! by Oge Mora

Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell and illustrated by Corinna Luyken

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall

What If. . . by Samantha Berger and illustrated by Mike Curato

Zola’s Elephant by Randall de Seve and illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski

A House That Once Was by Julie Fogliano and illustrated by Lane Smith

Drawn Together by Minh Le and illustrated by Dan Santat

Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorrel and illustrated by Frane Lessac

The Stuff of Stars by Marion Dane Bauer and illustrated Ekua Holmes

Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal

Seeing Into Tomorrow: Haiku by Richard Wright Biography and illustrations by Nina Crews

What Do You Do With a Voice Like That? The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan

Imagine by Raul Colon

They Say Blue by Jillian Tamaki

A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin

Nothing Stopped Sophie by Cheryl Bardoe and illustrated by Barbara McClintock

Hello Hello By Brendan Wenzel

Between the Lines: How Ernie Barnes Went From the Football Field to the Art Gallery by Sandra Neil Wallace and illustrated by Bryan Collier

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang