Winners of the Caldecott Medal: 1983-1987 Media Reviews Families.com

Come read the books deemed worthy of the Caldecott Medal! I am giving a brief synopsis of each book along with a comment about the artwork here and there. I am also including lists of the Honor winners for each year. I hope you enjoy my series. Comments are welcomed!!

1983

“Shadow” translated and illustrated by Marcia Brown; original text in French: Blaise Cendrars

“Shadow” is a book describing the African view of a dancing image. This image comes to life when a storyteller tells his stories around a bright fire. Dark colors are used in this book to emphasize the power and versatility of Shadow.

Honor Books

“A Chair for My Mother” by Vera B. Williams
“When I Was young in the Mountains” illustrated by Diane Goode; text: Cynthia Rylant

1984

“The Glorious Flight: Across the Channel with Louis Bleriot” by Alice & Martin Provensen

This cute little book is based on the true story of Louis Bleriot and his flight across the English Channel. The story begins with louis at the breakfast table with his entire family. After their meal, they go on a trip into town. While driving, Louis hears a noise from above and turns his attention to the “airship” in the sky. This sight prompts him to try and create an airplane.

Honor Books

“Little Red Riding Hood” retold and illustrated by Trina Shart Hyman
“Ten, Nine Eight” by Molly Bang

1985

“Saint George and the Dragon” illustrated by Trina Shart Hyman; text retold by Margaret Hodges

This book is based on the story of the same name from Edmund Spencer’s “Faerie Queen.” It tells about the Red Cross Knight and his battle against a fierce dragon. The dragon was detroying the land of a beautiful princess named Una, and she had found the Red Cross Knight and asked him to help save her land. So the Knight fights a terrible battle with the dragon and finally defeats him.

Honor Books

“Hansel and Gretel” illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky; text retold by Rika Lesser
“Have You Seen My Duckling?” by Nancy Tafuri
“The Story of Jumping Mouse: A Native American Legend” retold and illustrated by John Steptoe

1986

“The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg

Everyone knows this timeless tale about a boy who rides on a train to the North Pole. While on the Polar Express, the boy sees other children in their pajamas, and they eat candy and drink hot cocoa. When they get to the North Pole, Santa Claus comes out and greets everyone. He gives the hero of our story the first gift of Christmas. You and your child can find out what is so special about that gift when you read this wonderful holiday story. Made into a motion picture within the last few years, it was Chris Van Allsburg’s illustrations that were the inspirations for the animation.

Honor Books

“The Relatives Came” illustrated by Stephen Gammell; text: Cynthia Rylant
“King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub” illustrated by Don Wood; text: Audrey Wood

1987

“Hey, Al” illustrated by Richard Egielski; text: Arthur Yorinks

Al was a quiet janitor who lived with his dog friend Eddie. Eddie was always complaining about the way that they lived. One day, a big bird came to Al and told him about a wonderful place where he could go to leave his troubles. So Eddie decided that he and Al would go to this place. The bird came back and took them to a wonderful paradise abundant in fruit and lush grass and beautiful waterfalls. After staying for a while, Al and Eddie woke up one morning to discover that they were turning into birds! Will they become birds and stay in the paradise forever, or will they return to the city?

Honor Books

“The Village of Round and Square Houses” by Ann Grifalconi
“Alphabatics” by Suse macDonald
“Rumpelstiltskin” by Paul O. Zelinsky