It is very important to surround our children with great books. Introducing new books can spark reading interests and be the key to launch children into reading. Every January, two special books are chosen for awards by the American Library Association in Seattle, WA. Since 1937, the Caldecott has been awarded to the most distinguished picture book. Past winners include Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey and The Polar Express by Chris VanAllsburg. This year’s winner is This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen, a story about a tiny fish with a hat dilemma.

Since 1922, the Newbery Award has been given to the most distinguished children’s book. The Tale of Desperaux by Kate DiCamillo and From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg are two of my favorite past award winners. The 2013 Newbery winner is The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, a story about a gorilla who once lived in a glass enclosure in a shopping mall.

If you are looking for quality literature to share with your child, the Caldecott and Newbery lists are a great place to start. You are sure to find some fantastic reads. For more information about the 2013 winners, you can read this article from USA Today.

Happy reading!