And the Winner Is . . .

Every year I challenge myself to see if I can predict the winner for several of the book awards presented by the American Library Association. I limit my contest with myself to just five of the twenty different media awards. I have listed those special five in alphabetical order, by last name, so you won't think I have a favorite (even though I do).

The Pura Belpré Award is presented to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.

The Randolph Caldecott Medal is awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.

The Coretta Scott King Book Award recognizes outstanding books for young adults and children by African American authors and illustrators that reflect the African American experience.

The John Newbery Medal is awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

The Robert F. Sibert Award honors the most distinguished informational book published in English in the preceding year for its significant contribution to children’s literature.

The winners for this year were announced at the annual ALA Midwinter Meeting. They include :

Pura Belpré (Author) Award: Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

Randolph Caldecott Medal: A Ball for Daisy illustrated and written by Chris Raschka

Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award: Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson

John Newbery Medal: Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

Robert F. Sibert Award: Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet

This year I was successful in predicting that Heart and Soul would win an award. It is a beautiful and fascinating book. Let me know if you enjoy it as much as I did.

Family Meeting

Regular gatherings to talk about the family can also can be a helpful way to strengthen the family unit and keep communication open. As with family activities, scheduling regular family meetings once a week or once a month can help your family avoid missing the important details. Meal times or times after a meal may be a good time for your family to meet.

During these meeting, ask open-ended questions so your child will respond with more than "yes or no." (For example: "What did you learn at school today?")
 

Some topics for discussion are:
*Good news acknowledging your child's school, athletic, or artistic performance
*News bringing changes to the family : job changes, new baby, special circumstances
*Family planning: vacations, family activities, school drop-off and pick-up
*Events of the past week: appointments, events at school
*Concerns or frustrations: child's struggle at school or with friends, family chores

Check out our Parent Collection for other topics that might be of interest too you.

J Parent Collection 306.85 HIG

"Baseballs" Building Nests

This is a great time of year to go out looking for "baseballs". I don't mean the kind you hope to catch at Wrigley Field. I'm talking about our national symbol, the bald eagle. "Baseballs" are what some eagle watchers call these magnificent birds because that is what their white heads look like from a distance.

Eagles along Illinois waterways are building nests to get ready to lay their eggs. According to baldeagleinfo.com nests are five or more feet in diameter and are home for up to three eggs.

The Bald Eagle Watch Weekend on January 28-29 is just one opportunity to see and learn about eagles. The Illinois Audobon Society has many activities planned at the Illinois Waterway Visitors Center, across the river from nearby Starved Rock State Park.

Last year the famous Decorah eagles laid their first egg on February 23. The egg hatched on April 2, to the joy of thousands of observers who watched this eagle family through an internet webcam. If you want to watch them this year, you can find nest camera links at the Raptor Resource Project.

Of course, the library has some great print resources as well.

The Bald Eagle by Karen Latchana Kenney describes the bald eagle as an emblem of the United States.

A Bald Eagle's World by Caroline Arnold is great illustrated book for the youngest readers.

Exploring the World of Eagles by Tracy C. Read includes great photo illustrations.

Eagles by Tom Warhol and Chris Reiter goes more in depth for older readers.

I hope you have success if you go looking for bald eagles. Don't forget your binoculars!

New Parenting Books

How to Choose the Best Preschool for Your Child
Presents a guide to finding, getting into,
and preparing for Preschool.
J Parent Collection 372.21 WAN

You, Raising Your Child
A map to safely navigate the
waters of your baby's life from day one and
will give you all the tools you need to steer
the best possible course.
J Parent Collection 618.92 ROI

Nanny 911
Regain control of your children with simple,
direct, nanny-tested measures!
J Parent Collection 649.1 CAR

Sensory Parenting
From newborns to toddlers learn ways
to make everything easier when
your child's senses are happy.
J Parent Collection649.1 COL

Active Parenting of Teens
Provides the guidance and support you
need to turn the challenges of raising
a teenager in opportunities for growth.
J Parent Collection 649.125 POP

The Way of Boys
Ideal for parents eager to
understand what is going on in the
minds and bodies of their young sons.
J Parent Collection 649.132 RAO

How to Photograph your Baby
Learn to create stunning photographs of the
babies you love with a minimum of
effort and fancy equipment.
J Parent Collection 778.925 KEL