Big news for a certain local illustrator this week… Shawn Harris has been awarded for his work on The Eyes & The Impossible, by Dave Eggers.
The book received the 2024 John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature, awarded by the Association for Library Service to Children, opens a new window.
In The Eyes & The Impossible, Harris’ rich artwork helps visually tell the story of Johannes, a “free dog” living in an urban park. Readers hear a first-person, er first-dog, account from Johannes, who considers himself the eyes of the park.
Speeding through the park on all fours, Johannes keeps tabs on all the happenings of the natural and human worlds, reporting back to the park’s ancient Bison, the "Keepers of the Equilibrium." As changes surface, Johannes feels called to not only run faster and see better, but to liberate those he loves.
Harris has partnered with San Mateo County Libraries many times over the years, including to create whimsical art for our Summer Learning Challenge. He has shared his time and talent with our communities through author visits, collage workshops, opens a new window and demonstrations on his art-making process for illustrations, opens a new window.
Previously, Harris won the 2022 Caldecott Honor for his book, Have You Ever Seen a Flower, also available in our collection.
Interested in checking out the rest of the 2024 youth media award winners? Find our staff-curated list describing each of the winning titles below.
The American Library Association announced their major awards for authors and illustrators this week! Here's a roundup of all the winners for excellence in children's and young adult literature.
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