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Attention all children's picture book fans: It's time to follow Salt Laker Nathan Spofford's lead, grab some noisemakers and throw a mock Caldecott party to see if you can pick the same titles for recognition as a select committee of children's librarians will this weekend at the American Library Association's midwinter meeting in Boston.

As in years past, Spofford — an educator, bookseller and passionate collector of picture books — plans to host a gathering of fellow enthusiasts who will discuss the merits of and vote on the previous year's best books. Strong opinions are mandatory. Eating and drinking are optional, although definitely encouraged. And when the official Caldecott Committee announces its winners for outstanding illustration in a picture book for children, party attendees will eagerly check to see if their personal favorites made the cut.

In keeping with the spirit of this weekend, The Tribune asked a group of local librarians writers, and booksellers to single out titles they hope to see honored.

Nathan Spofford, educator and bookseller

"The Impossibly True Story of Tricky Vic, the Man Who Sold the Eiffel Tower," written and illustrated by Greg Pizzoli • What a title, and what an incredible story. In lesser hands, the story of one of the most notorious criminals of all time might slip into admiration for such an extraordinary life. But Greg Pizzoli has craftily portrayed the master criminal as a mere thumbprint in his color-controlled, collage-based illustrations. Complete with primary-source documents and photographs, this book exposes the crimes of a man who really did sell the Eiffel Tower. Twice!

"Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery That Baffled All of France," written by Mara Rockliff and illustrated by Iacopo Bruno • Another long title, this one illuminates how Ben Franklin used the scientific method to debunk one Dr. Mesmer, who claimed he had discovered a new force that could heal, but could not be seen or touched. The illustrations, from the endpapers to full-page spreads on the "placebo effect," are, in a word, mesmerizing!

Deanna Romriell, manager of Salt Lake City Children's Library and former Caldecott committee member

"Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music," written by Margarita Engle and illustrated by Rafael Lopez • This vibrant title celebrates the courage needed to follow one's dreams. Following the story of a young girl growing up in Havana where girls are not allowed to play drums, this is a celebration of one girl's determination to let her music be heard. The illustrations work well to convey the powerful rhythm of the story.

"Last Stop on Market Street," by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson • When a young boy questions the dirty, chaotic, urban life surrounding him, his grandmother gently points out all that is worthwhile in the life they live: "Sometimes when you're surrounded by dirt, CJ, you're a better witness for what's beautiful." The bold, cheerful illustrations serve to support the grandmother's loving view of the world.

"Waiting," written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes • Kevin Henkes does such a masterful job of capturing the world of the very young child who truly understands the joy and possibility of waiting. As this title opens, five toys can be found on a windowsill — each waiting for something. The soft illustrations of brown ink, colored pencil and watercolor perfectly match the gentle mood of the story — and the delightful anticipation of waiting.

Gene Nelson, director of the Provo Library at Academy Square and former Caldecott committee member

"If You Plant a Seed," written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson • "If You Plant a Seed" is a beautiful rich animal story/almost fable done in oils on canvas. The colorful animals leap off the pages and all have individual personalities that convey the message of the story. The text is minimal but is a perfect complement for the illustrations.

"The Whisper," written and illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski • "The Whisper" is much like Zagarenski's other works, full of magic and whimsy, while creating expectations that are superbly blended in the art and text. While utilizing mixed media, much of it painted on veneer, a timeless story about story caresses the astute reader and observer.

"Waiting," written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes • "Waiting" is clearly a Henkes work in its simplicity and clarity. Henkes uses ink, watercolors and colored pencil to create an extremely approachable book for the younger crowd. Quiet and understated, yet creative in his use of panels and full page spreads, Henkes deftly discusses the process of patient waiting.

Jennifer Adams, author of the best-selling BabyLit series

"Leo: A Ghost Story," written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Christian Robinson • "Leo: A Ghost Story" is a favorite. Mac Barnett ("Sam and Dave Dig a Hole" and "Extra Yarn") and Christian Robinson ("Last Stop on Market Street" and "Gaston") are both so talented — it's fun to see them paired together. Christian's art in "Leo" is beautiful, stylized and moody, and Mac's text is a sweet story about making friends and accepting yourself.

Catherine Weller, bookseller and owner of Weller Book Works

"Night World," written and illustrated by Mordecai Gerstein • Gerstein's beautiful illustrations on gray paper show how the world changes from day to night and back again. The picture spreads, while at times mysterious, are always soft and beautiful, never frightening, even though the roses by the drive — and everything else for that matter — look completely different at night. Well-chosen details in each illustration provide so much to look at: Images appear within shadows, the roses transform in the morning. This is a lovely comforting book.

Linda Gurrister, children's bookseller

"Lenny and Lucy," written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead • My favorite is "Lenny and Lucy" by the Steads. I love their soft palette combined with the whimsy of two friendly scarecrows. It's my pick to win as it hits all the important themes: coping by using imagination, loss, moving, loneliness and friendship.

Becky Hall, children's author and retired children's librarian

"Lenny and Lucy," written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead • I love the soft gray illustrations. The story speaks to kids' issues and there is a sweet gentle humor. The story is as good as the art, which has been one of the problems with this year's books.

Margaret Neville, children's book buyer for The King's English Bookshop

"Home," written and illustrated by Carson Ellis • I loved "Home" by Carson Ellis. Thoughtful and beautiful. You find something different in it every time you look at it.