Caldecott Medal Winners

The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.

Updated April 29, 2024
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Why mosquitoes buzz in people's ears : a West African tale
Aardema, Verna.
Paper Book
"In this Caldecott Medal winner, Mosquito tells a story that causes a jungle disaster. "Elegance has become the Dillons' hallmark. . . . Matching the art is Aardema's uniquely onomatopoeic text . . . An impressive showpiece." -Booklist, starred review. Winner of...
The undefeated
Alexander, Kwame
Paper Book
Winner of the 2020 Caldecott Medal A 2020 Newbery Honor Book Winner of the 2020 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award The Newbery Award-winning author of THE CROSSOVER pens an ode to black American triumph and tribulation, with art from a two-time...
Madeline's rescue
Bemelmans, Ludwig
Paper Book
Winner of the Caldecott Medal "In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines the smallest one was Madeline."     Nothing...
Hello lighthouse
Blackall, Sophie
Paper Book
A beloved picture book from two-time Caldecott Medal award-winner Sophie Blackall that transports readers to the seaside in timeless, nautical splendor! Watch the days and seasons pass as the wind blows, the fog rolls in, and icebergs drift by. Outside, there is water all around....
Once a mouse ... A fable cut in wood
Brown, Marcia.
Paper Book
Marcia Brown retells an Indian fable from the Hitopadesa in this Caldecott Medal-winning tale of a mouse who becomes a tiger. When a small mouse's life is threatened by large jungle predators, a kindly hermit uses magic to change him into a cat, a dog, and a majestic tiger...
The little island
Brown, Margaret Wise
Paper Book
Children's book legend Margaret Wise Brown--author of the cherished classic Goodnight Moon--and Caldecott Medal-winner Leonard Weisgard bring young readers an enduring picture book about the magic of nature.   Winner of the 1947 Caldecott Medal, this beautifully...
Wolf in the snow
Cordell, Matthew
Paper Book
Winner of the 2018 Caldecott Medal A girl is lost in a snowstorm. A wolf cub is lost, too. How will they find their way home? Paintings rich with feeling tell this satisfying story of friendship and trust. Wolf in the Snow is a book set on a wintry...
Locomotive
Floca, Brian.
Paper Book
The Caldecott Medal Winner, Sibert Honor Book, and New York Times bestseller Locomotive is a rich and detailed sensory exploration of America's early railroads, from the creator of the "stunning" (Booklist) Moonshot. It is the summer of 1869, and...
The man who walked between the towers
Gerstein, Mordicai.
Paper Book
The story of a daring tightrope walk between skyscrapers, as seen in Robert Zemeckis's The Walk, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt. In 1974, French aerialist Philippe Petit threw a tightrope between the two towers of the World Trade Center and spent an hour walking, dancing...
The girl who loved wild horses
Goble, Paul.
Paper Book
"There was a girl in the village who loved horses... She led the horses to drink at the river. She spoke softly and they followed. People noticed that she understood horses in a special way." And so begins the story of a young Native American girl devoted to the care of her tribe's...
Ox-cart man
Hall, Donald
Paper Book
Winner of the Caldecott Medal Thus begins a lyrical journey through the days and weeks, the months, and the changing seasons in the life of one New Englander and his family. The oxcart man packs his goods - the wool from his sheep, the shawl his wife made, the mittens his...
Big
Harrison, Vashti
Paper Book
Winner of the Caldecott Medal! A Coretta Scott King Award Author and Illustrator Honor book, a National Book Award finalist, and a New York Times bestseller! This deeply moving story shares valuable lessons about fitting in, standing out, and the beauty of joyful acceptance,...
Kitten's first full moon
Henkes, Kevin.
Paper Book
This nationally bestselling picture book about a kitten, the moon, and a bowl of milk, written by the celebrated author and illustrator Kevin Henkes, was awarded a Caldecott Medal. From one of the most celebrated and beloved picture book creators working in the field today comes a...
Saint George and the dragon : a golden legend
Hodges, Margaret
Paper Book
Winner of the Caldecott Medal   Adorned with astonishingly beautiful art from beloved children's illustrator Trina Schart Hyman, here is an award-winning tale of bravery, perseverance, and peace. This breathtakingly illustrated...
The hello, goodbye window
Juster, Norton
Paper Book
A Caldecott Medal Winner From the acclaimed author of the classic book The Phantom Tollbooth comes a love song to that special relationship between grandparents and grandchild, illustrated by a multi-Caldecott recipient. ...
The snowy day
Keats, Ezra Jack.
Paper Book
The magic and wonder of winter's first snowfall is perfectly captured in Ezra Jack Keat's Caldecott Medal-winning picture book. This50th Anniversary Commemorative Editioncelebrates the classic beloved by generations of readers and listeners. In 1962, a little boy named Peter put...
This is not my hat
Klassen, Jon.
Paper Book
The 2013 Caldecott Medal winner! From the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling and award-winning I Want My Hat Back comes a second wry tale. When a tiny fish shoots into view wearing a round blue topper (which happens to fit him perfectly),...
Nous sommes les protecteurs de l'eau
Lindstrom, Carole
Paper Book
We are water protectors
Lindstrom, Carole
Paper Book
From author Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Michaela Goade comes a New York Times bestselling and Caldecott Medal winning picture book that honors Indigenous-led movements across the world. Powerfully written and gorgeously illustrated, We Are Water Protectors,...
Snowflake Bentley
Martin, Jacqueline Briggs.
Paper Book
In this Caldecott Medal-winning picture book, the true story of Wilson Bentley and his singular fascination with snowflakes is rendered in rich prose and gorgeous artwork, perfect for the holidays, snow days, and everyday. Wilson Bentley was always fascinated by snow. In childhood and...
Finding Winnie : the true story of the world's most famous bear
Mattick, Lindsay.
Paper Book
The remarkable true story of the bear who inspired Winnie-the-Pooh During World War I, Captain Harry Colebourn, a Canadian veterinarian on his way to serve with cavalry units in Europe, rescued a bear cub in White River, Ontario. He named the bear Winnie, after his hometown of...
Make way for ducklings
McCloskey, Robert
Paper Book
Mrs. Mallard was sure that the pond in the Boston Public Gardens would be a perfect place for her and her eight ducklings to live. The problem was how to get them there through the busy streets of Boston. But with a little help from the Boston police, Mrs. Mallard and Jack, Kack, Lack, Nack, Ouack,...
Time of wonder
McCloskey, Robert
Paper Book
The spell of rain, gulls, a foggy morning, the excitement of sailing, the quiet of the night, the sudden terror of a hurricane, and the peace of a Maine island as a family packs up to leave are shown in poetic language and vibrant, evocative pictures.
Mirette on the high wire
McCully, Emily Arnold.
Paper Book
One day, a mysterious stranger arrives at a boardinghouse of the widow Gateau- a sad-faced stranger, who keeps to himself. When the widow's daughter, Mirette, discovers him crossing the courtyard on air, she begs him to teach her how he does it. But Mirette doesn't know that the...
The lion & the mouse
Pinkney, Jerry.
Paper Book
Winner of the Caldecott Medal This New York Times bestselling and award-winning fable of compassion and kindness, as reimagined by legendary artist Jerry Pinkney, is an essential addition to any bookshelf of children's classics.
The glorious flight : across the Channel with Louis Bleriot, July 25, 1909
Provensen, Alice.
Paper Book
Winner of the Caldecott Medal, this stunningly illustrated book depicts Louis Bleriot's historic first cross-Channel flight.
A ball for Daisy
Raschka, Christopher.
Paper Book
Winner of the 2012 Randolph Caldecott Medal This New York TimesBestseller and New York TimesBest Illustrated Book relates a story about love and loss as only Chris Rashcka can tell it. Any child who has ever had a beloved toy break will relate to Daisy's anguish...
Officer Buckle and Gloria
Rathmann, Peggy.
Paper Book
"Besides the beguiling story, the affable illustrations of the smiling Gloria, the accidental mayhem in the background, and the myriad safety tips -- such as 'always pull the toothpick out of your sandwhich' and 'never lick a stop sign in the winter' -- add to the enjoyment. A glorious picture book....
My friend Rabbit
Rohmann, Eric.
Paper Book
Rabbit saves the day in a most ingeneous way. When Mouse lets his best friend, Rabbit, play with his brand-new airplane, trouble isn't far behind. From Caldecott Honor award winner Eric Rohmann comes a brand-new picture book about friends and toys and trouble, illustrated in robust,...
Hot dog
Salati, Doug
Paper Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * WINNER OF THE 2023 CALDECOTT MEDAL * This glowing and playful picture book features an overheated--and overwhelmed--pup who finds his calm with some sea, sand, and fresh air. Destined to become a classic! NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS...
The adventures of Beekle : the unimaginary friend
Santat, Dan
Paper Book
Winner of the Caldecott Medal #1 New York Times bestselling and award-winning creator Dan Santat combines classic storytelling with breathtaking art in an unforgettable tale about friendship, imagination, and the courage to find one's place in...
Grandfather's journey
Say, Allen.
Paper Book
Lyrical, breathtaking, splendid--words used to describe Allen Say's Grandfather's Journey when it was first published. At once deeply personal yet expressing universally held emotions, this tale of one man's love for two countries and his constant desire to be in both places captured readers'...
The invention of Hugo Cabret : a novel in words and pictures
Selznick, Brian.
Paper Book
Don't miss Selznick's other novels in words and pictures, Wonderstruck and The Marvels, which together with The Invention of Hugo Cabret, form an extraordinary thematic trilogy!2008 Caldecott Medal winnerThe groundbreaking debut novel from bookmaking pioneer, Brian Selznick!<...
Where the wild things are
Sendak, Maurice.
Paper Book
Maurice Sendak's Caldecott Medal-winning picture book has become one of the most highly acclaimed and best-loved children's books of all time. A must for every child's bookshelf. This iconic story has inspired a movie, an opera, and the imagination of generations. When Max dresses in his...
Noah's ark
Spier, Peter.
Paper Book
★ Caldecott Medal Winner ★ "The book is a triumph, the definitive Noah's Ark."--Publishers Weekly Winner of the Caldecott Medal, an ALA Notable Children's Book, and a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year, Peter Spier's...
So you want to be president?
St. George, Judith
Paper Book
Winner of the 2001 Randolph Caldecott Award!So you want to be President! Why not? Presidents have come in every variety. They've been generals like George Washington and actors like Ronald Reagan, big like William Howard Taft and small like James Madison, handsome like Franklin Pierce and homely...
A sick day for Amos McGee
Stead, Philip Christian.
Paper Book
THE BEST SICK DAY EVER and the animals in the zoo feature in this striking picture book debut. Friends come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. In Amos McGee's case, all sorts of species, too! Every day he spends a little bit of time with each of his friends at the zoo, running races...
Sylvester and the magic pebble
Steig, William
Paper Book
In a moment of fright Sylvester the donkey asks his magic pebble to turn him into a rock but then cannot hold the pebble to wish himself back to normal again.
Radiant child : the story of young artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
Steptoe, Javaka
Paper Book
Winner of the Randolph Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Jean-Michel Basquiat and his unique, collage-style paintings rocketed to fame in the 1980s as a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the art world had ever seen. But before that, he...
The house in the night
Swanson, Susan Marie.
Paper Book
This Caldecott Medal-winning picture book gets children ready for bed with rhythmic text and glowing illustrations that explore the warmth and light that makes us feel at home. "Here is the key to the house." Inside the house are nighttime things both...
Joseph had a little overcoat
Taback, Simms.
Paper Book
Joseph had a little overcoat, but it was full of holes--just like this book! When Joseph's coat got too old and shabby, he made it into a jacket. But what did he make it into after that? And after that?As children turn the pages of this book, they can use the die-cut holes to guess what Joseph will...
Jumanji
Van Allsburg, Chris.
Paper Book
The game under the tree looked like a hundred others Peters and Judy had at home. But they were bored and restless and, looking for something interesting to do, thought they'd give Jumanji a try. Little did they know when they unfolded its ordinary-looking playing board that they were about to...
The Polar Express
Van Allsburg, Chris.
Paper Book
The Polar Expressis a treasured holiday tradition. This lavish gift set includes a CD audio recording read by Liam Neeson, a keepsake "All Aboard" ornament, and a note from author Chris Van Allsburg. Awarded the prestigious Caldecott Medal...
Watercress
Wang, Andrea
Paper Book
Caldecott Medal Winner Newbery Honor Book APALA Award Winner A story about the power of sharing memories-including the painful ones-and the way our heritage stays with and shapes us, even when we don't see it. New England Book Award Winner A...
Flotsam
Wiesner, David.
Paper Book
In this extraordinary Caldecott Medal winner and New York Times bestseller by David Wiesner, a beach day is the springboard to a wildly imaginative exploration of fantastical mysteries of the deep--and of human connections through time. A young boy comes to the beach eager to...
The three pigs
Wiesner, David.
Paper Book
"Clever, whimsical and sophisticated." --New York Times Book Review Taking visual narrative to a new level, this picture book from the creator of Tuesday and Flotsam begins a seemingly familiar tale of three pigs preparing to build houses of straw, sticks, and...
Tuesday
Wiesner, David.
Paper Book
In David Wiesner's whimsical and elegant  New York Times bestseller and Caldecott Medal-winner, the events of a delightfully unpredictable Tuesday invite readers to find the potential for the wondrousness in every day. It begins on Tuesday evening, when the frogs...
Owl moon
Yolen, Jane.
Paper Book
Celebrating 30 years of the beloved classic Owl Moon from renowned children's book author Jane Yolen and Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator John Schoenherr! Late one winter night a little girl and her father go owling. The trees stand still as statues and the world is...
Lon Po Po : a Red-Riding Hood story from China
Young, Ed.
Paper Book
This Caldecott Medal-winning, classic retelling of Little Red Riding Hood is one of the most celebrated picture books of our time. With characteristic flair and energy, award-winning artist Ed Young illustrates the ancient Chinese version of the favorite fairy tale Little...
Rapunzel
Zelinsky, Paul O.
Paper Book
Surely among the most original and gifted of children's book illustrators, Paul O. Zelinsky has once again with unmatched emotional authority, control of space, and narrativecapability brought forth a unique vision for an age-old tale. Few artists at work today can touch the level at which his...

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