Daisy Gets a Medal: The 2012 Caldecott Medal Winners

During its midwinter meeting last week, the American Library Association announced this year's winner of the Caldecott Medal, 'A Ball for Daisy' by Chris Raschka. This award recognizes excellence in the artwork of children's literature. Also honored were John Rocco's 'Blackout,' Lane Smith's 'Grandpa Green' and Patrick McDonnell's 'Me...Jane.'

Find available tutors

a ball for daisy raschka

A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka

Daisy loves her ball. One day, her owner takes her to the park with the ball. Daisy is devastated when a bigger dog destroys her favorite ball. Fortunately, when she goes back to the park another time, the other dog and her owner have returned with a new ball for Daisy.

Raschka's story is told not with words but with pictures. His highly evocative artwork captures the joy Daisy's ball brings to her and the sadness its loss causes. Raschka is no stranger to award-winning books. He won the 2006 Caldecott Medal for The Hello, Goodbye Window. He also earned Caldecott honors for Yo! Yes? and Mysterious Thelonius. Raschka's contributions to children's literature, both in writing and illustrating, span over 30 books.

john rocco blackout

Blackout by John Rocco

When the power goes out on a hot summer night, everyone feels put out. A boy can't watch TV, his sister can't use the phone and their parents can't use computers or make dinner.

However, the family soon discovers the joys of a blackout. The stars in the sky are visible. Even better, their neighbors all come outside for an impromptu block party. When the power comes back, it's clear that life may be more fun during a blackout. Rocco illustrates the book with a clever use of light and shadow to convey the sense of adventure.

lane smith grandpa green

Grandpa Green by Lane Smith

In this story, a man tours his garden with his great-grandson. The garden's elaborate topiary sculptures provide the springboard for memories of the family's history. Grandpa Green, as he's known, has lived a rich and fascinating life. The book explores his earliest days as a farm boy through his time as a soldier, an artist and, ultimately, a gardener.

Lane Smith previously earned Caldecott honors for his 1993 book The Stinky Cheese Man. He has also illustrated books for well-known writers such as Roald Dahl and Dr. Seuss.

patrick mcdonnell me...jane

Me…Jane by Patrick McDonnell

Patrick McDonnell's book is about a young Jane Goodall and her favorite toy chimpanzee, Jubilee. The story is based on the autobiography of Goodall, the famous animal activist and conservationist. In the book, young Jane develops an appreciation of the natural world. She aspires to one day live with and help the world's animals.

Me...Jane has received numerous accolades in addition to its Caldecott honors. It won a Charlotte Zolotow Award, and it was also named as a New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book and a Booklist Editor's Choice Book.

Did you find this useful? If so, please let others know!

Other Articles You May Be Interested In

  • More Blog Articles
    Integrating Literature Into Middle School Reading

    Studies have shown that access to literature is an important element in a well-rounded education. In reading classrooms, teachers are looking for supplemental materials to integrate into the curriculum. This article provides suggestions for implementing a variety of literature into reading programs.

  • More Blog Articles
    The 2011 National Book Award Recognizes Young People's Literature

    Thanhha Lai's 'Inside Out & Back Again' just won the 2011 National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Both this novel and the award's other finalists, which are described here, are an excellent place to look for the latest in powerful and engaging stories for children and teens.

We Found 7 Tutors You Might Be Interested In

Huntington Learning

  • What Huntington Learning offers:
  • Online and in-center tutoring
  • One on one tutoring
  • Every Huntington tutor is certified and trained extensively on the most effective teaching methods
In-Center and Online

K12

  • What K12 offers:
  • Online tutoring
  • Has a strong and effective partnership with public and private schools
  • AdvancED-accredited corporation meeting the highest standards of educational management
Online Only

Kaplan Kids

  • What Kaplan Kids offers:
  • Online tutoring
  • Customized learning plans
  • Real-Time Progress Reports track your child's progress
Online Only

Kumon

  • What Kumon offers:
  • In-center tutoring
  • Individualized programs for your child
  • Helps your child develop the skills and study habits needed to improve their academic performance
In-Center and Online

Sylvan Learning

  • What Sylvan Learning offers:
  • Online and in-center tutoring
  • Sylvan tutors are certified teachers who provide personalized instruction
  • Regular assessment and progress reports
In-Home, In-Center and Online

Tutor Doctor

  • What Tutor Doctor offers:
  • In-Home tutoring
  • One on one attention by the tutor
  • Develops personlized programs by working with your child's existing homework
In-Home Only

TutorVista

  • What TutorVista offers:
  • Online tutoring
  • Student works one-on-one with a professional tutor
  • Using the virtual whiteboard workspace to share problems, solutions and explanations
Online Only

Our Commitment to You

  • Free Help from Teachers

  • Free Learning Materials

  • Helping Disadvantaged Youth