2015 is coming to a close and new book releases are trickling down so it’s time to start thinking about Medal Season! Woo. 2015 produced some amazing books. If you look at the bottom of my blog, I have a word cloud for most frequently used “tags”. Click “2015” to see the books from this year that I enjoyed. I also highly recommend taking a look at this excellent book list.

In case you don’t already know, the Caldecott is a medal for the best illustrations by an author/illustrator with an American citizenship or residence for the year. The Newbery is a medal for the best work of children’s literature by an author with an American citizenship or residence for the year. There’s only one “Medal Winner” (gold) for each award though “Honor Medals” (silver) can be given. All medal and honor recipients are selected by fancy schmancy committees.

I’m still deciding on my Newbery pick because I have a few books to read/re-read but I’m certain about my Caldecott pick. I’m partial to the Caldecott anyway because I love picture books, art and illustration SO much!  Without further ado…

My 2016 Caldecott pick is:

Image Credit: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Daniel Miyares

Float by Daniel Miyares

It’s simple and powerful all at the same time. Float is excellence in illustration and storytelling and is perfect for children, exactly what the Caldecott is awarded for. It’s a gorgeous story conveyed through gorgeous illustrations that deserves to win it all! Win it all I say! You can read my full review for Float here. Good luck, Daniel!