Children's Literature Trailer Report: Analysis of Award-Winning Books

This report analyzes two award-winning children's books, 'The Book of Boy' by Catherine Gilbert Murdock (Newbery Award winner) and 'Hello Lighthouse' by Sophie Blackall (Caldecott Medal winner). 'The Book of Boy' is a picaresque novel set in 14th century France, focusing on a boy's telepathic connection with animals and his journey with a pilgrim. The report highlights the book's moral message and unique narrative style. 'Hello Lighthouse' is praised for its detailed watercolor illustrations and tells the story of a family in a lighthouse. The report emphasizes the book's visual appeal and its celebration of a bygone era. Both books are discussed in terms of their suitability for children and the reasons behind their respective awards, emphasizing their unique strengths in storytelling and illustration. The report concludes by recommending these books to children for their engaging narratives and valuable life lessons.

Running head: CHILDREN’S LITERATURE TRAILER
Children’s Literature Trailer
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CHILDREN’S LITERATURE TRAILER
Award Winning books have that spark in them which would attract its target customers
and provide the message that would settle deep down at the heart.
“The Book of Boy” written by Catherine Gilbert Murdock was awarded the Newbery
Award in January 2019. It was illustrated by Ian Schoenherr and published by Greenwillow
Books. It is an imprint of the HarperCollins Publishers. An author is awarded by the Newbery
Award when he makes a distinguishing contribution to American literature for the children. It is
an annual award that is given by the Association for Library Service to Children which is a
division of the American Library Association. The award is a medal that has its name originating
from the eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. “The Book of Boy” is of a
picaresque genre and it deals with a historical plot set in the 14th century France. The fiction
sweeps away the readers on a quest with the Boy who is the protagonist and Secundus who was a
scoundrel pretending to be a pilgrim. With the first person narration, the fiction helps us to know
that the Boy recounts the grim realities of life. The strange pilgrim Secundus’ quest was to
collect of Saint Peter and thereby gain an entry to the heaven. However the boy had a very
unique ability to communicate telepathically with the animals. This special ability of him
prompts the priest and he advices him not to reveal himself to any sinister character. Eventually
the Boy shines with unique and good hearted brightness, which makes him the center character
of the fiction. The tale and the characteristics of the book suitably deserve the award because it is
a tale with a strong message for the children, how appearances are decisive.
“Hello Lighthouse”, written and illustrated by Sophie Blackall was honored by the
Caldecott Medal in the year 2019, for its illustrations (Stevenson, 2018). The book has been
published by Little Brown and Company, which is a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc. An
author is awarded with the Caldecott Award if he makes distinguished contributions to the

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illustrative and picture books for children. The award had got its name in the honor of the 19th
century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is an annual award that is given to the authors
and the illustrators by the Association for the Library Service to Children. “Hello Lighthouse”
contains detailed water colour illustrations and with Chinese ink, of the story of a family inside a
lighthouse. The illustrations also depict the lighthouse in different weather. The book opens with
the lines “On the highest rock of a tiny island at the edge of the world stands a lighthouse. It is
built to last forever” (Abbott, 2018). The style of illustration paired with the nostalgic text
provides a celebration if the then time with the presence of sea at the background of the story.
Repeated use of circles in the illustrations echo the lighthouse’s circular rooms. The book is a
jewel of a creation for the children as it is vivid with illustrations and has gained popularity for
them who dream of retreat. The book deserves the Caldecott Award because the children are
delighted with the captivating discoveries along with the colourful pictures.
Both the books are delightful in their own way and they provide enough reasons why the
children must read them. “The Book of Boy” carries a life lesson and a moral message whereas
the “Hello Lighthouse” with its illustrations provide the children with a tale and a message. The
stores are waiting for you to come over and pick the books for your children.

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References:
Abbott, K. (2018). Hello Lighthouse. Children's Book and Media Review, 39(5), 37.
http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottmedal
http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberymedal
Stevenson, D. (2018). Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall. Bulletin of the Center for Children's
Books, 71(8), 325-325.