The limo
ride to the banquet. From left, Dinah Stevenson and my writing
partner Marsha Hayles (barely visible); then back to front, my
daughter Anna, me, and two-time Caldecott Medalist, two-time Honor
winner (wow!) David Wiesner.
I've gotten a lot of questions about what I wore -- believe
me, finding the right dress was as difficult as writing the speech!
The dress was ice blue, almost silver, spaghetti straps, very
straight and simple, with a little beading here and there in two
tones of pink, and a matching jacket, also beaded. The ballroom
lighting had an interesting effect on the color -- I
heard some accounts that the dress was pale green and others that
it was ivory. I wore the pearls my mother had given me as a wedding
present, with a pendant of pink topaz that had been made for the
occasion. Although I did a fair bit of agonizing over what to
wear, I have to admit it was fun to get so dressed up!
When I entered the banquet hall, I was taken aback to see two
gigantic screens flanking the dais; I had not been warned that
each of my pores would be magnified to the size of a quarter.
. . Thankfully, I couldn't see the screens while I spoke. I am
pleased to report that dinner was not rubber chicken; it was salmon
and filet mignon, and although I was too nervous to eat much,
what I did eat was very tasty. Impressive, considering that at
least a thousand meals were being served.
Carole Fiore, president of the Association of Library Service
for Children, opened the award presentation. Kathleen Odean, chair
of this year's Newbery Award Selection committee, spoke next and
presented plaques to Honor winners Polly Horvath (for Everything
on a Waffle) and Marilyn Nelson (Carver: A Life in Poems) -- both
MUST-READS, in my opinion. Then Kathleen introduced me and gave
me the Newbery Medal in a beautiful wooden box. (I'm getting goosebumps
just typing that. . .) I loved Kathleen’s introductory remarks,
and she has graciously given me permission to reprint them here."
Kathleen Odean's Award
Banquet comments
The text of my speech is available in the July/August issue of
Horn Book magazine.
I'm grateful to all those who spoke to me afterwards, telling
me how much they had enjoyed hearing it. Speechwriting and speechgiving
are new for me, so the kind comments were greatly appreciated.
And yes, it's true that I presented the Medal to my father. It
was, after all, Father's Day, and I am very grateful that both
my parents were able to celebrate this wonderful event with me.
Caldecott committee chair Kate McClellan spoke next and presented
plaques to Bryan Collier (Martin's Big Words, text by Doreen Rappaport);
Bryan Selznick (The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins, text by Barbara
Kerley); and Marc Simont (The Stray Dog). Then she gave the Caldecott
Medal to David Wiesner, who now has a remarkable collection-two
Caldecott Medals (for The Three Pigs this year and for Tuesday
in 1992) and two Honors (Sector 7, 2000 and Free Fall, 1989).
David's speech, also available in the July/August Horn Book, gave
great insight into his artistic vision and process. He also did
the fabulous cover of that issue--check it out at the Horn
Book website and see if you can spot the joke.
Banquet photos:
With Dinah
again.
With my
daughter Anna, age 13-and that's water in her glass, not wine!
With my
critique partner Marsha Hayles, author of He Saves the Day and
several other adorable picture books.
| With
Marjorie Naughton of Clarion marketing (left) and at right,
my cut-throat fashionista tennis-tiger agent Ginger Knowlton
of Curtis Brown Ltd. |
|
Daughter
Anna, son Sean: toothpaste-ad candidates?
The 'home
team' at the banquet: Vivian VandeVelde, Mary Jane Auch, Roxane
Chadwick, Marsha Hayles.
Opening
remarks by Carole Fiore, president of the Association for Library
Service to Children. From left, Carole, Kathleen Odean, and me.
| With
David Wiesner and Dinah. |
|
A
hug after I gave the medal to my dad.
My niece
Emma Park records the event!
A
big smile of relief after finishing the speech.
My
mom, my sister Julie Hubble and my sister-in-law Melanie Marshall-Park.
No, that's not a weird camera angle--Melanie really is a foot
taller than my
mom! |
|
Proud parents
with the Medal.
My dad lets my nephew Craig Park hold the Medal.
After the speeches, a long receiving line-another wonderful opportunity
to meet librarians from all over the country.
From left, facing the camera: Newbery Honor winner
Polly Horvath, Cynthia Richey (incoming ALSC President), Honor
winner Marilyn Nelson, Caldecott Medalist David Wiesner, Caldecott
committee chair Kate McClellan, me, Newbery committee chair Kathleen
Odean.
With Marsha and Nancy Quade, my dear friend from
Brooklyn. Recognize her name? Of course you do-it's on the acknowledgments
page of When My Name Was Keoko. As well as reading the manuscript,
Nancy came through with some crucial research information for
me during the writing of that book.
Monday,
June 17
