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Newbery Award: Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool. (See previous post by J.L.)
Caldecott Award: A Sick Day for Amos McGee, illustrated by Erin Stead. Philip Stead, author.
These 2011 awards, taken together, make medal history. Why?
The Newbery has been won by a first-time author AND the Caldecott has been won by a first-time illustrator. Has never happened before.
In addition, since Erin Stead is 28 years old, she beats Robert McCloskey (by a few months) as the youngest artist to win the Caldecott.
When her world settles down, Erin Stead promises more posts about her award. For now, it's fun browsing Erin's blog to get a sense of her life in Ann Arbor, MI. with author/illustrator husband, Philip. What a talented couple!
Don't you wonder how it would feel to hit the top of your profession on the first try? Would you worry about your long term career?
I'd worry that I'd never be able to top myself. But what a nice problem to have!
Yes, that's what I was thinking, J.L., but I'm not so sure I would consider it a "nice" problem. It could stifle creativity because the bar is so high.
Anyone else have thoughts on this?
To win this coveted award must bring joy and confidence to any age illustrator(or author) and provide the enthousiasm to keep painting beautiful and sensitive pictres.
Amazing record though to have two firsts!