2012 ALA Awards

This past Monday, I was riveted by the Oscars of the children's publishing world: The ALA Awards (short for the American Library Association).  The ALA Youth Media Awards are given to the best children's book authors and illustrators of the year, chosen by national committees comprised of librarians and kid lit experts.

It's a very exciting time, especially when you hear the cheering from different sides of the floor when winners are announced (Yesterday there was quite the cake to be had at our celebration).

You can check out the winners here, but allow me to name the two super awards of the year:

The John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature:

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos 

The Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children:

A Ball for Daisy illustrated and written by Chris Raschka

Congrats to the authors and the publishing teams behind them!

Now feast your eyes on the splendor of our celebratory cake.  You almost don't want to cut into it!