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Source: Phil Nel, philnel@k-state.edu, 785-532-2165;
and Rachel Parkin, 785-410-2336, parkin@k-state.edu
http://www.k-state.edu/media/mediaguide/bios/nelbio.html
http://www.k-state.edu/chalc/
News release prepared by: Katie Mayes, 785-532-6415, kmayes@k-state.edu
Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008
WHAT MAKES AN AWARD-WINNING PICTURE BOOK K-STATE CHILDREN'S LITERATURE GROUP IS PUTTING ON MOCK AWARD COMPETITION TO FIND OUT
MANHATTAN -- Attempting to demystify what makes an award-winning children's book, Kansas State University's Children's and Adolescent Literature Community and the Manhattan Public Library will hold a Mock Caldecott Medal competition Saturday, Dec. 6.
The mock competition, which is free and open to the public, begins at 1 p.m. at the Manhattan Public Library, 629 Poyntz Ave.
For the last 70 years, the American Library Association has given the Caldecott Medal to the most distinguished American picture book for children, as well as awarding honors to the runners up. The medal is named for 19th-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott.
Beginning at 1 p.m., participants in the mock competition will have a chance to peruse 30 picture books published this year, followed by discussion and a chance to vote for their favorites between 2 and 4 p.m.
"The Mock Caldecott is an opportunity for people who love children's literature to come together and have a meaningful discussion about what a great picture book looks like," said Rachel Parkin, co-president of the Children's and Adolescent Literature Community at K-State, and a graduate student in English, Olathe. "For the Mock Caldecott, we'll have English students, education students, professors, librarians, authors, illustrators and others participating. I'm certainly looking forward to hearing different ideas about the best children's books of 2008."
Author and illustrator Stephen T. Johnson, whose "Alphabet City" was a Caldecott Honor Book in 1996, also will be on hand, as will Philip Nel, professor and director of K-State's program in children's literature.
"Parents, teachers and students of picture books often ask, 'What makes a great picture book?'" Nel said. "This Mock Caldecott will give attendees insight into what makes a great picture book, and why some of the greats win awards."
Other children's literature experts from the K-State's College of Education, the department of English, and Hale Library also will take part, as well as experts from the Manhattan Public Library. K-State's department of English is also sponsoring the event.
