Caldecott Kudos

The big news this week is the announcement by the ALA (American Library Association) of the 2009 Caldecott and Newberry Medal winners.

Drum roll please ......... The winner of the 2009 Caldecott Medal is THE HOUSE IN THE NIGHT by Susan Marie Swanson and illustrated by Beth Krommes.  The Caldecott announcement is always big news, but this year it's especially exciting because Susan Marie Swanson is one of "our own."  Susan Marie lives two blocks from Micawber's and is a frequent customer.  Not only is she Minnesotan, but a neighborhood gal too.  Hooray for Susan Marie Swanson!

Susan Marie's husband stopped into the store yesterday.  He said how happy they were and how the phone was ringing off the hook.  But I don't think he understands yet how dramatically their life is about to change.  For one thing, THE HOUSE IN THE NIGHT is currently (as of this hour) ranked # 37 on Amazon for all books and is in the #1 spot for Picture Books.  This is HUGE!  Do you know how many books are on Amazon?  Well, it's a lot.  And to be ranked in the top 50 is amazing!

So, Susan Marie Swanson from down the street, is about to become a very well-known person in the writing world.  And did I mention that her book is great?  It totally deserves the award. Beth Krommes scratch art is wonderful.  Another book that I love that Beth illustrated is called GRANDMOTHER WINTER by Phyllis Root (also a Minnesotan).  You should buy both of these books.  You will not be disappointed.

And by the way, the 2009 Newberry Medal went to Neil Gaiman for THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. Gaiman is also a "local" author.  He lives just across the border in Wisconsin.  Yea for Neil Gaiman who also totally deserves this medal!

I once heard an editor from New York say, "There must be something in the water up there because there are so many good writers."  I have to agree.  But I don't think it's the water.  I think it's the winter.  But, that's another blog altogether.  Bye for now and happy reading!