Thoughts on Newbery: The Design Thorn

Each book is to be considered as a contribution to American literature. The committee is to make its decision primarily on the text. Other components of a book, such as illustrations, overall design of the book, etc., may be considered when they make the book less effective.  (Newbery Terms & Criteria)

Betsy Bird has just thrown down the gantlet with her spring 2010 Newbery/Caldecott predictions. One on her list is Deborah Wiles' forthcoming Countdown, a book I've already raved about...