2015 CMBAs: The Picture Book Award

Can you believe it? We have reached the fourth and final genre award for this year’s Cardinal Mooney Book Awards. The last time the awards were given out, we only had three genres or forms we awarded, and that was once again the plan for the 2015 awards. But after discussion and voting, my students’ votes led to a tie among their final two genre/form choices. So instead of having a run-off, we decided: hey! Why not both? So we ended up with the four genre/form categories.

Now, picture books are something my high schoolers love. I think a bit of the love is because they’re reading picture books in a college prep high school. But I think most of the love is from the joy they get from the books. It’s like watching cartoons as an adult. You know they’re made for younger children, but somehow, you get more out of them as an adult. I mean, just look at Shrek. So my students greatly enjoy their picture books, as we use them to target specific literary devices, or just to read and enjoy.

Seven picture books were nominated for this award, and we have two honor books to go with our winner.

The first honor book:

The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak!

This one, of course, we had to discuss and figure out if it really counts as a “picture” book if it has no pictures. We decided yes. This book has also been read by our geometry teacher, at the request of my students. They just love it.

Our second honor book:

Sam & Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen!

This one led to quite the discussion, as we compared the first page to the last. And how can a dog, who never speaks, be that sarcastic? It’s practically a mentor text on how to use your eyes to convey meaning. And it just wouldn’t be my classroom awards without something from Jon Klassen.

And our 2015 Cardinal Mooney Picture Book Award winner:

Please, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony!

After it did so well in the classroom awards, is anyone surprised? Steve Antony and his panda continue to sweep up at the CMBAs!

Be sure to come back tomorrow for the Wyzbery announcement!

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