CHECK IT OUT:And the winners are young readers

Among the most distinguished and coveted awards for children’s books are the Newbery Medal and the Caldecott Medal. These awards are bestowed annually by the Assn. for Library Services to Children, a division of the American Library Assn. Detailed here are the winners and the runners-up known as honor books. The Newbery Medal was first awarded in 1922 “to encourage original creative work in the field of books for children.” It is named after John Newbery, a well-known 18th Century publisher and bookseller and it is awarded to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American children’s literature. Past winners include luminaries such as Richard Peck, Avi, Lois Lowry, Madeleine L’Engle and Scott O’Dell.

The Caldecott Medal is awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American children’s picture book. It was named after Randolph Caldecott, a famous English illustrator of children’s books. He was chosen because his illustrations represented the “joyousness of picture books as well as their beauty.” The medal was first awarded in 1938. Past winners include illustrious artists such as Chris Van Allsburg, Arnold Lobel, Eve Bunting and Margot Zemach.

The 2007 Newbery Medal winner is “The Higher Power of Lucky,” by Susan Patron, illustrated by Matt Phelan. What is more timeless than a story about a child and a dog? Ten-year old Lucky Trimble believes that her French guardian is going to abandon her to an orphanage. She also believes in finding the Higher Power that will bring stability to her life. Along with her dog, HMS Beagle, Lucky decides to run away to begin her life over again. Read this book along with a child and discuss themes about the meaning of life and love.

The Newbery honor books include “Penny from Heaven,” by Jennifer L. Holm; “Hattie Big Sky,” by Kirby Larson; and “Rules,” by Cynthia Lord.

The Caldecott Medal winner is “Flotsam,” by David Weisner. What happens when the proverbial “message in a bottle” consists of pictures in a camera? This fascinating wordless book illustrates the tale of a boy who finds a camera at the beach filled with underwater pictures as well as children’s pictures from around the world. After taking his own picture, the boy returns the camera to the sea to continue its journey to another child. Explore a child’s imagination through images.

The Caldecott honor books include “Gone Wild: An Endangered Animal Alphabet,” by David McLimans; and “Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom,” illustrated by Kadir Nelson, written by Carole Boston Weatherford.

These new children’s books, along with past winners, are available in the Stahr Children’s Room at the Central Library and at the Balboa, Corona del Mar and Mariner Branch Libraries.

is written by Newport Beach Public Library reference librarian Mary Ellen Bowman. Use your Newport Beach Public Library card to reserve these titles at www.newportbeachlibrary.org or call (949) 717-3800 and press 2.