Hi All! It’s Becky. I’m back for another year of Mock Mondays! This week I will be sharing with you a picture book that I think should be considered for the Caldecott Award. If you are unfamiliar with the award it is given by the American Library Association to the illustrator that gave the most distinguished contribution to children’s literature. Here is my first selection for the 2022 award:

Title: Milo Imagines the World
Author: Matt de la Peña
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Summary: Milo is taking the train with his sister. As Milo observes everyone else on the train he pictures their lives. However, as the train ride continues Milo realizes that people may be more similar than he thought.
Caldecott Considerations: It seems every year I include a Christian Robinson book in our Mock Mondays. Milo Imagines the World is another beautifully illustrated book by Robinson. The artist mixes his classic collage illustrations with drawings to represent how Milo imagines the world. The separate art styles give the book two narrative voices which enrich the storytelling. Robinson’s illustrations are bright, friendly, and inviting to young readers which highlights his skills with their deceptively simple designs. The characters are diverse and excellently represent the book’s message of getting to know people and not judging someone on first impressions. Robinson received Caldecott Honors for Last Stop on Market Street and he may receive more Caldecott recognition for Milo Imagines the World.