Local author's book wins Caldecott Award

Author Susan Marie Swanson
Author Susan Marie Swanson reads from her book 'The House in the Night', which won the Caldecott Award.
MPR Photo/Sam Choo

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:

'The House in the Night' by Susan Marie Swanson
'The House in the Night' by Susan Marie Swanson
MPR Photo/Sam Choo

"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.

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