Caldecott and Newbery Medals 1990

Caldecott Medal, 1990

Ed Young wrote this Red Riding Hood story from China. Illustrated in water colors and pastels, Lon Po Po begins with the mother leaving her children alone at home. Guess who comes to visit! And guess who outsmarts the wolf! This book is delightful, beautifully illustrated, and a great companion to the version we all know and love!




Newbery Medal, 1990

Number the Stars is one of several books by beloved author Lois Lowry. The setting of this book is Copenhagen, Denmark during the German occupation in 1943. It is the story of Annemarie, a ten-year old, the older of two sisters in a Danish family who smuggled their Jewish friends across the sea to Sweden. This is a fiction story but it is based on what really happened during the war. This book is told from a ten-year-old’s point of view but based on a scary time. I would suggest it to any child (maybe with adult supervision or conversation) older than twelve.

Book Reviews by Susan Berry

Caldecott and Newbery Medals 1969

Caldecott Medal, 1969 

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble was written and illustrated by William Stieg. It is a dear story about a family of three donkeys. The red pebble really is magic and whoever holds it has his wish granted. Unfortunately, when Sylvester is scared by a lion he wishes himself to become a rock. And a rock he became! Of course, Sylvester’s parents miss him terribly – but the ending is a happy one. This is a long picture book, a classic. Every family needs a copy.



Newbery Medal, 1969

The High King by Lloyd Alexander is the fifth and final book of the Chronicles of Prydain. This is the exciting tale of young people and loyal animals who fight to take back the land from Arawn Death – Lord. There is a glossary of names at the end of the book and that is very helpful but it took me a few chapters to figure out who is who. If I had read the first four books I’m sure I would have known the characters sooner. This was a lovely, very satisfying read.

Book Reviews by Susan Berry