Best Children's Picture Books from Abroad: Valuing Other Cultures

Translated children’s books can play an important role in helping children develop an understanding of other people. Outstanding picture books in this specialized genre affirm the fact that each person is unique, but there are universal themes and feelings that every person possesses, regardless of culture or language. A comparison of the past six years of Caldecott Award Winners and outstanding translated children’s books provides insights into their similarities and differences. While the Caldecott books all seem to be big, bright, and beautiful, the translated picture books selected for study seem to be diverse in style, medium, and bookmanship.

Couples Who Collaborate: Erin and Philip Stead

Husband and wife Philip and Erin Stead are well-known as the team behind the Caldecott Award-winning A Sick Day for Amos McGee (2010), as well as several other titles that are a memorable part of any library collection.Erin illustrated A Sick Day for Amos McGee, which, according to National Public Radio, was the first debut picturebook to win the award. Since that debut, Erin has illustrated five more books, with her sixth illustrated book, Music for Mister Moon, coming in 2019 (written by Philip). In addition to collaborating with Philip, Erin has illustrated two books written by her longtime friend Julie Fogliano.