2011 Award Winning Children's Books

Some of the most prestigious awards for children's books were announced this week by the American Library Association.

The 2011 Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished picture book published in the US went to 'A Sick Day for Amos McGee' illustrated by Erin E. Stead and written by Philip C. Stead. This book for 4 to 8-year-olds is about a zookeeper with a bad cold and his caring animal friends. Many of my family's favorite books are past Caldecott Medal winners, so I will be sure to be adding this one to my wish list.

The Newbery Medal is awarded to the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The 2011 winner was 'Moon over Manifest' by Clare Vanderpool, which is suitable for ages 10 to 14. In 1936 12-year-old Abilene is sent away by her father to stay in a town in Missouri which he left years earlier and over the summer she pieces together his story.

The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award is given to the most distinguished American book for beginning readers and this year went to 'Bink and Gollie' written by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee and illustrated by Tony Fucile. In three amusing chapters this cross between a picture book and a reader provides an insight into the daily adventures of Bink and Gollie, two very different characters who nevertheless know the importance of true friendship.

The Coretta Scott King Book Award recognises African American literature for children. The 2011 Author Award was won by Rita Williams-Garcia for 'One Crazy Summer' , with a recommended reading age of 9 to 12. It is the story of three black sisters who travel to California in 1968 to spend a month with their mother who ran off years before. The Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winner was 'Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave' written by Laban Carrick Hill. This book, recommended for ages 4 to 8, is about the life of Dave, a remarkable potter who lived and died a slave in 19th-century South Carolina.

Keep reading to find out more details of these and other children's book awards, including past winners.