The Association for Library Service to Children celebrated the world of children’s books yesterday with the announcement of the 2010 Caldecott and Newbery winners. The prestigious awards are given to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children and the author of the most distinguished contribution to American children’s literature, respectively. This year, the Caldecott Medal was awarded to Jerry Pinkney for The Lion and the Mouse, a wordless retelling of Aesop’s fable. A native of Philadelphia, Jerry attended the 2007 Free Library Festival and captivated families during a storytelling program. Rebecca Stead’s When You Reach Me was honored with the Newbery. The Free Library has copies of both books (and more are on order!), so check them out at your local branch or place them on hold now!

Congratulations to Jerry and Rebecca!