Maple School students in three of Dawn Nettelhorst's art classes recently participated in judging the book finalists for the annual Caldecott Award, which is presented annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.

"Peg Ciszek from the Northbrook Public Library contacted me and asked if I was interested in doing something with the finalists for the Caldecott award. She was one of the judges for this year’s books. There are only 18 people from around the country that are chosen. I said that I was definitely interested in getting one of my classes involved in this special project. She gave me a copy of each of the 16 books and ballots for the kids to use," explained Nettelhorst.

She read “Rosie’s Walk” to the kids without showing them the pictures. Then she asked them questions that they weren’t able to answer by just knowing the text. Next showed them the illustrations with the text and it made it a different story.

"We talked about illustration and how it impacts a story, enhances a picture book, and how it should pertain to young children. Next we analyzed Art & Max and Tuesday both by David Wiesner, a previous Caldecott winner. We decided what made those good illustrated children's books," she added.

Eventually, the pupils were each given one of the finalist books to analyze for themselves. They read it to the class, and explained why they thought it should be considered the best. and why everyone should vote for it. All students had an opportunity to vote on January 20. Their choices were as follows: Hooray for Amanda and Her Alligator with A Ball for Daisy came in second; and Blackout was one of the top five choices.

According to the Association for Library Service to Children's website, "The 2012 Caldecott Medal winner was A Ball for Daisy, written and illustrated by Chris Raschka. 2012 Caldecott Honor Books chosen were Blackout, written and illustrated by John Rocco; Grandpa Green, written and illustrated by Lane Smith; and Me … Jane, written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell."

For more information, go to www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottmedal.