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Awarded books bring treats to youngsters

Major annual book awards in children`s literature were given recently.

Spicezee Bureau
Washington, April 26: Major annual book awards in children`s literature were given recently. Among them were the Caldecott Medal for illustration and the Newbery Medal for literature, presented by the American Library Association, and the National Book Award for Young People`s Literature.The Caldecott Medal, named in honor of 19th century illustrator Randolph Caldecott, began in 1937 and is considered the most prestigious award an illustrator of a children`s book published in the United States can receive. The 2009 winner is "The House in the Night" by Susan Marie Swanson, illustrated by Beth Krommes (Houghton Mifflin, $17, ages 3-6) Swanson`s cumulatively rhythmic text gives preschoolers soothing images at bedtime. Krommes successfully uses black and white scratchboard with selective splashes of gold watercolor to illuminate the darkness. Familiar objects — teddy bears, rooftops, keys and flowers — are all reflected in the luminous and comforting rays. The Newbery Medal began in 1922 and honors the most distinguished contribution to children`s literature published in the United States. This award was named in honor of 18th century publisher John Newbery, first to print high-quality books for children. The 2009 winner, "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean (Harper Collins, $17.99, ages 9-12), is an original premise written with panache.