Yes, A Big Mooncake for Little Star really was awarded a Caldecott Honor. I'm still trying to believe it myself.
I’ve been trying to embrace vulnerability (I’ve been reading Brene Brown’s books), so when the Mock Caldecott buzz began to whisper about my book, I decided, instead of trying to be cool and block it out, to just get excited and enjoy it. I mean when you think about all the amazing books out this year, being considered is pretty incredible. However, I also knew that the odds of getting anything were pretty slim—again, think of all the amazing books!! So, while I was enjoying the dream, I did also truly believe there would be a bubble pop at the end…and to pre-comfort myself I actually purposely splurged and scheduled a massage (something I rarely do!) for the same time the awards were to be announced. I thought it would be a nice way to feel special when the dream ended. To my surprise, it turned into a celebratory massage!
So, on the morning of the awards, I turned the ringer on my phone (another thing I rarely do!). I did think of it often, but luckily the daily chaos of getting my daughter to school, etc. made it impossible for me to wait by the phone! Around 9:30 EST, there was still no call, so I resigned myself to being unmentioned and thought, “So glad I booked that massage!” and continued with errands, slightly sadly. About 15 minutes later, my husband and I were walking out of our local grocery store, when my pocket started ringing. I think I said, “Oh, my gosh!” and my husband said, “Oh! Awards committee!” and it was!
So, we were outside on the sidewalk-- in front of people coming in and out of the store and in front of traffic and dirty snowbanks--when the committee told me I had won the Honor. I kept thinking, “Is this for real?” and then I started tearing up because it was for real, and not a dream, even though it was a dream I’d had for so long. I actually got off the phone with the committee as fast as possible because I was crying and I was embarrassed!
Obviously, I am THRILLED. This book means the world (and the moon) to me and I'm so honored that it will now find it's way to more small hands and hearts.
Book Chat with the Illustrator: Grace Lin on A BIG MOONCAKE FOR LITTLE STAR from LB School on Vimeo.