by Associate Librarian Leah
As we head into this new year, let’s revisit some of our favorite children’s classics from the past ten decades. Many Newbery Medal and Caldecott Medal & Honor books are available for checkout at BPL, even though the original stories may be from the early to mid 1900s. The Newbery Medal has been awarded by the American Library Association since 1922, and Caldecott Medal & Honor books have been recognized since 1938. You can find the complete list of Caldecott award honorees and recipients here.
Some of these winners might hold special places in parts of your childhood. For me, I vividly remember my third-grade teacher reading Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell to our class. I remember being so enthralled in the story and her narration of it. Another one of my childhood favorites was (and still is) Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse. I’ve probably read it three or four times over the course of my life thus far and will probably read it again in the future. Other common popular childhood favorites from these lists include Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg and Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears by Verna Aardema.
Think about your childhood favorites. Maybe they are on these lists and maybe they are not. Maybe you have children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or young children in your life who you can now share these beloved classics with. Visit us at the library and rediscover some of that childhood wonder and magic. You’re invited! We hope to see you soon.