Local author's book wins Caldecott Award

by Tom Crann, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — St. Paul poet and author Susan Marie Swanson's book "The House in the Night" won the nation's most prestigious award for picture books. The Caldecott Medal for the book went to illustrator Beth Krommes.

The ALA Web site describes the book this way:

"Richly detailed black-and-white scratchboard illustrations expand this timeless bedtime verse, offering reassurance to young children that there is always light in the darkness. Krommes' elegant line, illuminated with touches of golden watercolor, evoke the warmth and comfort of home and family, as well as the joys of exploring the wider world."

Swanson talked to Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Crann about writing the book and seeing Kromme's illustrations for the first time.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 01/26/2009, 5:54 p.m.