2015 Ezra Jack Keats Book Awards

The Ezra Jack Keats Book Awards were announced recently. While the Caldecott and Newbery get lots of attention, I really find I have a soft spot for this particular award. This is from the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation website: "The EJK New Writer Award was established in 1985 to encourage and celebrate up-and-coming authors of picture books written in the tradition of Keats­—that is, with original, well-told stories that reflect the universal qualities of childhood and the multicultural nature of our world. The New Illustrator Award was added in 2001 to reward originality of artistic expression as well."

New Writer Award Winner:

Chieri Uegaki: "Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin" Hana Hashimoto has signed up to play her violin at her school's talent show. The trouble is, she's only a beginner, and she's had only three lessons. Her brothers insist she isn't good enough. "It's a talent show, Hana," they tell her. "You'll be a disaster!" Hana remembers how wonderfully her talented grandfather, or Ojiichan, played his violin when she was visiting him in Japan. So, just like Ojiichan, Hana practices every day. She is determined to play her best. When Hana's confidence wavers on the night of the show, however, she begins to wonder if her brothers were right.

New Illustrator Award Winner:

 Chris Haughton: "Shh! We Have a Plan" Four friends creep through the woods, and what do they spot? An exquisite bird high in a tree! 'Hello birdie,' waves one. 'Shh! We have a plan,' hush the others. They stealthily make their advance, nets in the air. Ready one, ready two, ready three, and go! But as one comically foiled plan follows another, it soon becomes clear that their quiet, observant companion, hand outstretched, has a far better idea.

--Desiree S. HQ