Mock Caldecott 2026 discussion

Sorry for posting late this month.

The Unexpected Love Story of Alfred Fiddleduckling by Timothy Basil Ering

Tony written by Ed Galing and illustrated by Erin Stead

Laundry Day by Jessixa Bagley

Olivia the Spy by Ian Falconer

What did you think of them?

Love, love, love Olivia the Spy. I am thrilled Ian Falconer released a new, actual picture book. The board and numerous spinner books etc. just aren't the same. Tony is gorgeous. One of the most stunning picture books I have ever seen. Gentle, warm and marvelously detailed. Perfection.

Welcome back, Kristen! I have read all of these, but I like to have them in hand when I make comments. Will check back in a few days.

I love everything about this book!

I was so excited to read this book, but was a little disappointed by the lack of story. Anyway, I was blown away by the illustrations!

This book has gotten rave reviews and I don't get it. It just isn't my cup of tea.

Yes - another Olivia book! As usual, the illustrations were wonderful and the story made me laugh.

Tony: This is a very understated story, about the morning rounds of a horse and man who deliver milk, etc. early in the morning, and the (unseen) man or boy who loves to come out and greet the horse each morning. The illustrations are beautifully executed (she sure knows how to draw a horse's head/face), the colors very muted grays, greens and yellows. It reminds me a bit of A Sick Day for Amos McGee, but the latter uses more color.

The Unexpected Love Story of Alfred Fiddleduckling: I liked the story and how everything came together at the end. I also liked the illustrations in acrylic paint with ink, charcoal, and graphite. I also liked the binding, with the spine that looks like fabric sewn to the cover boards. But I will be surprised if it wins a Caldecott.

Laundry Day
I did like the story and the illustrations, but still do not think that it is outstanding enough to win a Caldecott award. I do think that kids will get a kick out of all the weird things the two young badgers hang on the lines; and I really liked the double page spread of all the clotheslines tied to all the trees, crisscrossing a large area of their yard.

Olivia the Spy
I agree with Laura and Stacy -- so glad Falconer has written another original Olivia book. This one is just as cute and clever as the others. I loved the charcoal and gouache illustrations; especially the blueberry blender disaster. I also liked the photo of the ballet venue, with all the silhouetted pigs in the windows. A great addition to the series.

Laundry Day
The text was cute and funny. The endless array of things that the badgers hung on the wash lines were fun; books, a tea bag, a toilet seat, a mailbox, a banana, even the author's last picture book. I loved that all of the animals in the yard came out to watch the badgers, and the watercolor sky and sunsets were gorgeous. Maybe potentially Caldecott worthy, but I'm not really sure it would be a strong contender among some of the other great titles that have come out this year.

What a great selection this month!

Laundry Day was fun and unexpectedly interesting. Olivia was delightful and I love how she blended into her environment when she was spying. Tony was quiet nostalgia perfectly captured in line and smudgy, muted colors. But Alfred, oh, I loved the illustrated representation of music and how it can save you.

Jennifer wrote: " But Alfred, oh, I loved the illustrated representation of music and how it can save you."

I agree--Alfred Fiddleducking was the star of this month's picks for me. It was dramatic, expressive, and the message about music was just perfect.

Laundry Day was delightful. It put me in mind of another badger family I loved, that of the Frances books by the Hobans. I imagine it could spark some discussion on the concept of hanging out clothes on a line. Many young readers might not be familiar with it.

The Unexpected Love Story of Alfred Fiddleduckling really blew me away. The drama and tension created with such an economy of works was amazing! I was worried about the outcome up until the last few pages and almost in tears! And the illustrations are lovely and support the rising tension of the text very well. I think this one could be a winner.

Haven't been able to get my hands on The Unexpected Love Story of Alfred Fiddleduckling, but I'm still trying.

Laundry Day was a fun read and I enjoyed the details of the illustrations.

Tony was ok. I loved the illustrations, but the story didn't do much for me.

Olivia the Spy. Hmm...it's cool to have a new original Olivia story but I don't see how it's ground breaking in a way that is deserving of a Caldecott.

Au contraire on TONY, a poignant, quietly enveloping picture book that boasts some of the year's most sublime illustrations by a master; agreed on OLIVIA - the series is lovely but too many sequels now to be considered in serious award talk.

On Tuesday a major release in the Caldecott equation is releasing. It is sure to be a gem!:

https://www.amazon.com/Antlered-Ship-...

Are the Fan Brothers eligible for the Caldecott? I know they studied in Toronto. Loved the Night Gardener. Tony is a gem, but don't know if it would appeal to children as much as adults.

They are indeed eligible as they were born in the US. They've been in Canada for a while but their birth her is the bottom line as far as Caldecott rules go.