Paige Harp on Caldecott Committee
“It’s been a goal of mine for many years to be a member of the Caldecott committee,” said Paige. “I’m looking forward to this experience and working with an amazing group of librarians.”
David Richards, Dean of Missouri State University Libraries, was effusive in his praise.
“To have one of our library team members serve on the Caldecott Medal committee is a tremendous honor and Paige has earned their spot at the table,” he said. “Established in 1938, the Caldecott is one of the top awards in children’s literature. I’ve known librarians and teachers who tried for decades to serve on the Caldecott Medal selection team; only fifteen are selected for the two-year term. Congratulations to Paige Harp for being selected for this important committee.”
Since 2019, Paige has served on three other book award and book list committees. They recently finished their appointment on the Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List committee and have also worked on the EBSCO SEE-IT awards, chairing the committee in 2020, as well as The Rainbow List.
“I’ve loved my time on the other committees that I’ve served on,” Paige said. “I met librarians from around the country and read lots and lots of books. Being on a book list or award committee is hard work, but so worth it.”
There is no doubt that Paige will bring this same energy and effort to the Caldecott committee. Paige has a Masters of Library Science from the University of Missouri and enjoys reading to their godson. And although he enjoys when grown-ups read to him, Paige insists that picture books are not just for children.
“I love how picture books can be more complex than most folks would initially expect because of the limited page numbers and the age they’re meant for,” they said. “I believe more adults could use some picture books in their lives.”