Mock Caldecott 2026 discussion

My Best Friend by Julie Fogliano with contributions from Jillian Tamaki

Black Is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy and illustrated by Ekua Holmes

Nesting by Henry Cole

The Paper Kingdom by Helena Ku Rhee and illustrated by Pascal Campion

What did you think of this months selections?

I haven't seen any of these books yet, and unfortunately, our city libraries are closed indefinitely, maybe for another month.

Kristen wrote: " My Best Friend by Julie Fogliano with contributions from Jillian Tamaki

[bookcover:Black Is a Rainbow Color|442..."

*** Hi there... I love this list of books. How do you decide what goes on the list?

Unfortunately, with libraries closed, I have not been able to access any of the books for our Caldecott group! Hope all of you are staying safe and well. I look forward to catching up...

I was able to see all of these titles when they were first released. A definite joy and perk of my job. Every one of these titles is Caldecott worthy. They are all stand outs in their own way. My personal favorite is My Best Friend. Julie Fogliano consistently creates top notch work. She is lucky that she is always paired with the best illustrators in the field. Jillian Tamaki has outdone herself with this title The illustrations are lavish, detailed and just plain gorgeous. Nesting by Henry Cole is my second favorite. It is simple yet stunning. It probably helps that I love birds. The Paper Kingdom is a close third. Perfect for new and not so new book lovers. Black is a Rainbow Color is terrific too. I am a huge fan of Ekua Holmes. She adds something special in all of her works.

Paper Kingdom
This was available as an e-book through our county library, so I did have a chance to read it. I could not find e-book editions of the other 3 titles.

I enjoyed the story and the illustrations. The parents did a good job engaging the boy's imagination. I really liked the way that Campion was able to depict the reflective quality of a wet, just mopped floor.

I had not realized how many picture books are read on YouTube! So I was able to watch My Best Friend, Black is a Rainbow Color, and Nesting being read on YouTube. It is not quite the same as actually holding the book in my hands and being able to closely examine the illustrations; and the quality of the reading varies, but at least I have an idea of what the books look like and are about. I can hardly wait for our library system to open so that I can get my hands on these books!
My Best Friend, imo, is one of the best picture books I have ever seen on this theme. The appealing illustrations and text worked perfectly together to explore this budding friendship.
Black Is a Rainbow Color was read by the author. I enjoyed the illustrations, which reminded me of stained glass windows.
I loved Nesting, and loved its black and white illustrations with pops of blue. This book is an excellent introduction for preschool children of the life cycle of a songbird.

Our library systems are still closed in the Des Moines area; however, the online catalog allows patrons to request books. When they arrive at a branch, the patron gets an email notification. Upon arrival, the patron calls for curbside delivery. Just like picking up groceries! The books are kept in a three day quarantine and cleaning process before checking out. Now I can review books.

Personally, I would love to have a copy of Nesting to color! It is a gorgeous book! We have robins that nest on our porch!

I believe The Paper Kingdom and My Best Friend are outstanding. They currently top my list for Caldecott. My Best Friend is told as first person by a child. It is one long sentence throughout the book. Capital letters are not present. Why? Maybe to emphasize the fact that there are two best friends at play, but they don’t know each other’s name. The i is not important, as this could be anyone’s story. Chalk-like illustrations in shades of green and brown have the look of a vintage 40s or 50s reader. These illustrations are happy and imaginative, perfect for little creative minds.

The Paper Kingdom is based on the author's personal life. In this story, a little boy cares so much about his parents. After watching them vigorously clean, he ponders growing up and making less work on janitorial teams, like his parents. The illustrator has done a great job of depicting the busy life in the city. Also, there are hints that the daytime was quite busy in the office. It’s such a mess! It's such a loving tender story about caring for one's family.

My Best Friend: These wonderful illustrations capture the ease and hopefulness of new childhood friendships. I love the colors, chalk-like texture, and the round edges of pictures; all child-like. I would like it to be a Caldecott contender but it seems like the illustrator is from Canada and lives in Canada which would make her ineligible? I hope I'm wrong!

The Paper Kingdom: I like this book a lot. The illustrations and facial expressions effectively depict a range of emotion from the protagonist's resentment at having to accompany his parents' late-night work to the positive power of imagination. The illustrations are colorful, appealing and compliment the mood, though I am not sure it would be unique enough to win a Caldecott.

Ellen wrote: "My Best Friend: These wonderful illustrations capture the ease and hopefulness of new childhood friendships. I love the colors, chalk-like texture, and the round edges of pictures; all child-like. ..."

My Best Friend should be eligible. I believe the illustrator has dual citizenship. Jillian Tamaki won a Caldecott honor in the past. It is a spectacular book.

Laura wrote: "Ellen wrote: "My Best Friend: These wonderful illustrations capture the ease and hopefulness of new childhood friendships. I love the colors, chalk-like texture, and the round edges of pictures; al..."

That is great!

Nesting: I definitely consider this one a strong contender. The illustrations are both simple (red/white/robin egg blue) and intricately sketched. The contrast of the bright blue against the black/white is stark but yet still soft. There is a sophisticated, delicate quality to the artwork that seems reflective of the bird's life. The words enhance but do not lead the story as the illustrations do.

Black is a Rainbow Color: I love the inspiration behind and execution of this book. There is a stained glass like sense to the illustrations that makes them unique, and the colors are bold yet inviting like the book's message. I would include it in a Mock Caldecott (and in my library collection!) though I'm reluctant to say that the illustrations taken alone are distinguished enough to win.

Ellen wrote: "Nesting: I definitely consider this one a strong contender. The illustrations are both simple (red/white/robin egg blue) and intricately sketched. The contrast of the bright blue against the black/..."

I agree completely with your review of Nesting!

I loved the intricate, delicate drawings of Nesting and its sparing use of color. I even learned some new things about birds - eg, I had no idea that snakes could climb trees to eat baby birds.

Upon rereading Black is a Rainbow Color, I'm even more struck by its power in both words and art. It inhabits the reader on a visceral level as more verbal nuances and references reveal themselves upon further reflection and perusal, and the gorgeous, colorful, multi-media images are so striking. I think this is one of my top five of the year.

I loved 3 out of 4 of these books! Black is a Rainbow Color is a treasure trove for Black culture, with so many allusions to be mined. The illustrations capture Black joy, but I think the text is what makes it especially distinguished, with the Author's notes, playlist, poems, and notes on certain phrases in the back. The illustrations are strong too, with collage that includes newspaper articles, maps, sheet music, literature that supports and furthers the theme. What a beautiful and important book! I agree with comments already made about Nesting--the stunningly detailed pencil drawings with the pops of blue are absolutely gorgeous! They also extend--or lead--the information provided in the text. My Best Friend also has detailed, joyous illustrations with a soothing green/pink/red color palette. I loved the child's voice that came through in this story. I love The Paper Kingdom for the kids who will connect with the characters; I wasn't particularly compelled by the story about King Paper or the illustrations.