ALA 150 Anniversary

The winners of this year ( well, in fact the last year, 2025) awards were a joy and a surprise all at once. Creating good art for children is becoming more and more challenging and both sides, creator and reader, have their one journey to take.

We were lucky enough to be able to read some of the medalist and here they are.

Enjoy!

The Twelve Days of Christmas Dogs

by Chris Dunn

Have you ever heard of a Christmas Dog before? Is a distant relative of the other Christmas animals: elfs, reindeers, santa’s helpers I cannot remember right now.

Of Chris Dunn I am sure you’ve heard before, he is one of the most talented illustrators that live and work among us. And one of my personal favourites, so I couldn’t wait to get his last book, the traditional Christmas Carol in the dog version. They are all so cute! , my daughter said after finishing the book. And with the white landscape of Central Park on the cover, you meet one of the most beautiful Christmas books you ever red. And one of the great books of 2025. So how else is counting the days until Christmas?

The Friendship Train

by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Boris Kuliakov

Winter was coming in Europe, after the World War II left only ruins and hunger in so many countries. In America, people was asking “How can we help?” And they did. They manage to collect food and clothes and toys for the children in Europe. The Friendship Train ran from the West Coast to the East, bringing along 50 wagons! Children all over America brought toys and books and clothes; they sold newspaper and donated their allowences to raise money and food for Europe’s children.

Their work and effort was kindly received. 59 boxes with “Thank you” letters from the children of Europe went back to America.

When we ask what we can do to make things great again, maybe what those kids did back then should be a lesson and a starting point. Kindness can make all things and countries great again.