Library hosting ‘Mock Caldecott’ contest

The Sonoma County Library is hosting its sixth annual Mock Caldecott contest, where the community selects the best illustrated children’s books of the year.

Starting this week, picture book lovers are invited to participate in the library’s Mock Caldecott contest and vote for your favorite illustrated books published in the last year. The real Caldecott Medal is one of the most prestigious awards in children's literature, and the library’s Mock Caldecott allows local kids and families to help choose the best picture book in Sonoma County.

For our local contest, running since 2016, a team of the county’s children's librarians chooses a short list of titles that fit the criteria of books to be considered for the Caldecott Medal. Now through Jan. 20, all SCL branches encourage book lovers in our community to vote for which one is the best picture book published in the previous year. The winners by popular vote will receive an Award Sticker, to encourage future readers to discover and enjoy the books honored by our community.

For the 2022 contest, people can come into the branch to read the contenders or enjoy the books from home. All nominated books will be available online through live storytime readings by children’s librarians. Those who participate in the Mock Caldecott Challenge by using Beanstack to “read” each book, will get a special digital badge for completing the challenge. Vote for your favorites online at sonomalibrary.org/mockcaldecott or at a local branch.