Caldecott Celebration

This insightful exploration of the Caldecott Medal's legacy offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how six legendary illustrators created their award-winning picture books. Leonard S. Marcus masterfully profiles artistic giants like Maurice Sendak and Chris Van Allsburg, revealing the creative processes behind classics through personal anecdotes and glimpses of their works-in-progress. The book provides essential historical context about Randolph Caldecott and the prestigious children's literature award named in his honor, making it a vital resource for understanding picture book artistry.

What sets this celebration apart is its intimate access to these illustrators' studios and minds, showing how groundbreaking books like Where the Wild Things Are and Tuesday evolved from initial sketches to finished masterpieces. Aspiring artists and children's literature enthusiasts will find endless inspiration in these profiles, while educators and librarians gain deeper appreciation for the craft behind beloved childhood classics. The result is an engaging bridge between art appreciation and literary history that will change how readers view picture book illustration forever.