Mock Caldecott gets A-P elementary students excited about reading

Each year, the Randolph Caldecott Medal honors the best of the best in children’s literature, recognizing the most distinguished American picture book from the year prior. Aplington-Parkersburg elementary students are voicing their own opinions with a mock Caldecott, and it’s allowing them to establish a love for both reading and art at an early age.

“In an effort to celebrate children’s books and children’s authors in our building, we kind of play off that award,” elementary literacy coach Kim Koch said.

Every classroom evaluates two works a week for 10 weeks, and there are 20 up for the award in 2018. Early favorites among the young Falcons include Claymates and Red and Lulu, which have the most stickers on the Caldecott board. Students will eventually choose from five finalists, and a school winner will be announced on February 12.

Read the full story in the January 24 edition.