PORT HADLOCK — The Jefferson County Library is inviting children ages 6-11 to participate in a mock Caldecott Medal competition starting today.
Every year, the Caldecott Medal is awarded by the American Library Association (ALA) to the most distinguished picture book for children.
On Thursdays in November, from 3:45 p.m. 4:45 p.m., the library invites kids to examine a selection of Caldecott contenders and vote in a mock Caldecott competition, where they can learn, evaluate, vote for and celebrate outstanding books of 2015.
Teens who are interested in participating are also welcome.
Local author and illustrator Faith Pray and Youth Services Librarian Martha Ashenfelter will select 32 picture book titles of 2015 from a list of 50 they’ve identified as contenders.
Today at 3:45 p.m., all 32 books will be displayed, along with secret ballot envelopes.
Working in pairs or small groups, participants can build critical thinking skills by continuing this process over the following two Thursdays.
During December, Pray and Ashenfelter will narrow the list of possible winners down to eight.
This mock Caldecott selection committee will reconvene Jan. 7 to reread the eight titles and vote to select the library’s 2016 Caldecott Medal winner and honor books.
An announcement party will take place at the library in January in conjunction with the ALA’s announcement of the prize-winning title.
The 32 contender titles will be on display at the library, 620 Cedar Ave., through January.
For more information, visit www.jclibrary.info or phone 360-385-6544.
