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The World Belonged to Us by Jacqueline Woodson




Somewhere in the Bayou by Jerome Pumphrey




Emile and the Field by Kevin Young




Big and Small and In-Between by Carter Higgins

Could one of these books be a winner?

There are two titles from these four books that are very strong Caldecott contenders. I would like to mention three of the four titles were chosen by a jury at The Society of Illustrators in NYC for their current Original Art exhibit. I did see the art up close, and the pieces are magnificent!

The World Belonged to Us may win the Caldecott gold medal. This will be a hard call. Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall is also extraordinary. I think it is a given that they both will win a medal.

Jacqueline Woodson's book is fun and happy! I was transported back to my New York 70's childhood from page one. The clothing, activities, dialogue...perfection! You don't have to be a New Yorker or a child of the 1970's to appreciate The World Belonged to Us. We all know the exciting end of the school year beginning of summer vacation feeling. The words of the great Jacqueline Woodson and the artistic talent of the equally great Leo Espinosa. The World Belongs to Us practically pulsates with childhood energy. A phenomenal release.

Emilie and the Field is another favorite title. Good luck finding it. Not a single bookstore (chain and independent) in New York, are carrying it. They are definitely missing out. I had to special order a copy. When it finally arrived, I was blown away. Most certainly Caldecott worthy and the potential of becoming a classic title.

Somewhere in the Bayou is wonderful. I am a huge fan of the Pumphrey Brothers. Their first picture book should have won a Caldecott. I don't think Somewhere in the Bayou is unique from their other titles. It would be nice if they won but I don't think they will.

Big and Small and In-Between is terrific. Illustrated by the magnificent Daniel Miyares. I believe his other 2022 release Midnight and Moon, has a better chance at winning an award. It is outstanding (and also chosen for exhibit at the Society of Illustrators).

Big and Small and In-Between
I loved the paintings, the folded papers introducing each section, and the jumble of items on each of the end papers. The illustrations enhanced the lyrical text and helped to visualize the concepts. This book would be a good jumping-off place for young listeners to decide on their own big, small, and in-between things.

Somewhere in the Bayou
This was an interesting story, with artwork in various shades of gray, brown, and dull green. However, the illustrations expertly depicted and expanded on the text. The ending will have some reader laughing and others cringing.

Emile and the Field
This is a lovely book with a lyrical text and watercolor and ink paintings, and with some gorgeous double-page spreads. Emile falls in love with nature in the field that he wants to keep all to himself, until he understands that sharing it is best.

The World Belonged to Us
What a contrast to Emile and the Field! This is urban city streets all the way. Although the book never specifies the year (or decade) the action takes place in, it probably takes place in the years before smart phones, tablets, and other electronic devices became widely available. These multi-ethnic children are busy playing street games, jumping rope, batting balls, playing hopscotch, etc. They are not even sitting inside watching TV. The children in this neighborhood spend every summer day outdoors playing with all the other neighborhood kids, without regard to their ethnicity. The bright, colorful illustrations depict happy, joyful children enjoying their summer time, free from school. If only more children enjoyed their summers the way these kids do!

Big and Small and In-Between is a fantastic concept book for young children. This book offers the reader and listener opportunity to discuss what is happening on each page or about to happen. Each part, chapter, or different concept begins with a unique paper-folding. The story and pictures suggest action and at other times, stillness. This book offers a good discussion of day and night. Pictures and words focus on sensory play for sounds, sights, touching, tasting, and smells. Language development is outstanding! An all-around wonderful book! Could make the Caldecott list!

The World Belong to Us - A story of friendship, community, sharing, and life in the neighborhood. School is out for the summer and what is there to do? A great concept book for playtime ideas. Illustrations do a wonderful job of showing that the kids on this block are happy, resourceful, and resilient.