Cover of The Invention of Hugo Cabret

The big news this week, at least for me, has been the book awards! I’ve been wondering which ones will win the Caldecott, the Newberry, and the Printz award. I’ve read a lot of new books this year and wondered if any of my favorites won. Here are this year’s winners:

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, set in 1932 Paris, won the 2008 Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children.

The John Newbery Medal for an outstanding contribution to children’s literature was awarded to Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices From a Medieval Village written by Laura Amy Schlitz (illustrated by Robert Byrd, for ages 10 and up). (article here)

The Printz Award went to The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean.

I am thrilled about the Caldecott! Didn’t I wonder, a few months back when I read it, if it was possible for a chapter book to win the Caldecott? I don’t think I have seen a more beautifully illustrated book this year. I was simply blown away by it.

Again, the Newberry Award is coming out of left field for me. I vaguely recall this book passing over my desk when it was new but I didn’t read it. I am now on the request list for it, that’s for sure. The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt was a honorable mention, and I did really enjoy that. So I’m glad that got some good attention.

I hadn’t read the Printz Award, either. I hadn’t even seen or heard of it. So that will go on my list of books to read in the near future. It looks like a wonderful read!