milo imagines the world by matt de la peña

And try to identify in which of these, if any, the text is at a distinguished level. I think it’s helpful to look at the literary qualities that are named in the Criteria: theme/concept, information, plot, characters, setting, and style. The Criteria don’t say that the text needs to stand alone, though. The criteria state that the award is for the “text of a book.” And as Tamara points out, elements like illustration and design do not earn Newbery points (though they may jeopardize chances if they “detract”). We truly rely on the illustrations for deeper meaning.Įvaluating picture book text using the Newbery Criteria is always tricky. The only clue is passing through the metal detectors, which can be found in many buildings from a school to a library.

That said, without the illustrations the prison setting is lost to the reader. All children need to see themselves in their books. I agree with you all regarding the importance of this topic in children’s literature. The text is truly exemplary, but it becomes picture book magic when it is paired with Christian Robinson’s illustrations. The Newbery criteria states “other aspects” of the book may be considered “only if they distract from the text.” I would argue that the illustrations enhance the text. The text does not stand on its own if we are holding the incarcerated parent or prison setting as “distinguishing” features.

I do not, however, feel that it merits Newbery consideration. I hope it gets the Caldecott attention that it deserves. Let me begin by stating firmly that I think this is an award-winning title. 5), which highlights the mix of emotions he is feeling, and I loved the descriptions of the people around him, such as the lady who “has a face made out of light” (p. I loved that Milo is described as a “shook-up soda” (p. The writing also excels with beautiful imagery, metaphors, and alliteration that make the text flow. The illustrations by Christian Robinson are beautiful in this book, and Milo’s drawings are detailed and vivid. Along the way, Milo discovers that everything is not what it seems and that he should be careful to judge what another person’s life is like.Īs the book concludes, Milo is surrounded by his family in a touching reunion with an incarcerated parent. The strangers on the subway cars are depicted with having a large variety of skin tones, ages, and backgrounds. While Milo rides the subway, he observes the strangers around him and draws what he thinks their lives are like. Readers follow Milo as he goes on the city subway with his sister for a day out. Newbery winner Matt de la Peña is back with the stunning picture book, MILO IMAGINES THE WORLD, with illustrations by Christian Robinson.

Milo imagines the world by matt de la peña