Caldecott Challenge - Year 2007

The year of 2007 had a smaller group of books to choose from. This was also the year that David Wiesner won his 3rd Caldecott Medal with his award winning book, Flotsam. David Wiesner had received the Caldecott Medal twice for his books Tuesday (1992) and The Three Pigs (2002). David also won two Caldecott honors for his books Sector 7 (2000) and Freefall (1989). David Wiesner is known for his beautifully illustrated wordless picture books that are almost photographic they are so detailed. He is considered to be one of the most acclaimed and best-loved picture book creators in the world. Three of the picture books he both wrote and illustrated became instant classics when they won the prestigious Caldecott Medals. He is only the second person in the award's long history to have won three times.

David Wiesner grew up in suburban New Jersey and he was known to many as "the kid who could draw." He went on to become a student at the Rhode Island School of Design, where he was able to  study art full-time. It was here that he discovered that picture books were the perfect vehicle for his work. David Wiesner generally spends several years creating each new book. He creates many versions by sketching and resketching the story until it flows smoothly and the images work the way he wants them to. Sometimes he will create three-dimensional models so that he can add authenticity to his drawings. David Wiesner currently lives with his family outside of Philadelphia.

Caldecott Medal Winner:
Flotsam by David Wiesner
The definition of flotsam means something that floats. In this fabulous wordless picture book, the author/illustrator tells the remarkable story of a camera that has been thrown out into the ocean and the various children that have found it through the years. The detailed illustrations are absolutely amazing done in vivid watercolor paintings. Grades K-4. *****

Caldecott Honor Winners:
Gone Wild: An Endangered Animal Alphabet by David McLimans
An ABC picture book about amazing creatures before they become extinct. This is a striking work of animals and letters put together for the reader in a zoological adventure that is both for children and adults. Illustrations are created by a mixture of mediums such as: pencil, pen, brush, India ink, bristol board and computer images. This story is probably more created for the awareness of animals with some facts. While this is in picture book format it is actually more appropriate for older readers, Grades 3 and up. **

Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom illustrated by Kadir Nelson and written by Carole Boston Weatherford.
This story is based on Harriet Tubman's spiritual journey from a slave in Maryland to a free woman in Philadelphia. This is Kadir Nelson's second Caldecott honor in two years (Henry's Freedom Box). A poetic story about Harriet Tubman that shows her strength, humility and devotion to the underground railroad. The illustrations are paintings in dark hues that portray the darkness during the slavery time. Grades 2-5. ****