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The Complete Caldecott Medal Winners List for Teachers, Parents & Librarians
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items The Caldecott Medal is one of the most prestigious awards in children’s literature, presented each year by the American Library Association to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. Named in honor of nineteenth-centu...
For educators, parents, and librarians, the Caldecott Medal offers a trusted guide to timeless, high-quality picture books that combine memorable stories with outstanding artwork. From classics like Where the Wild Things Are and The Snowy Day to cont...
Below you’ll find a complete chronological list of every Caldecott Medal winner, making it easy to explore these award-winning titles year by year. Whether you’re building a classroom library, curating a collection for young readers, or simply discov...
For educators, parents, and librarians, the Caldecott Medal offers a trusted guide to timeless, high-quality picture books that combine memorable stories with outstanding artwork. From classics like Where the Wild Things Are and The Snowy Day to cont...
Below you’ll find a complete chronological list of every Caldecott Medal winner, making it easy to explore these award-winning titles year by year. Whether you’re building a classroom library, curating a collection for young readers, or simply discov...
Sections
10
2020’s
2010’s
2000’s
1990’s
1980’s
1970’s
2020’s
The 2020s winners continue the push for representation and layered storytelling. Michaela Goade’s We Are Water Protectors (2021) was the first Caldecott Medal awarded to an Indigenous illustrator, highlighting Native activism and environmental themes...
2025 - a moving picture book about community, healing, and resilience in the wake of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, told with powerful imagery and hope.
Chooch Helped, written by Andrea L. Rogers and illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz
2024 – A moving story about a girl navigating self-image and confidence, illustrated with expressive, emotional depth
Big written and illustrated by Vashti Harrison
2023 – A city dog overwhelmed by noise and heat finds peace and joy on a seaside escape
Hot Dog written and illustrated by Doug Salati
2022 – A girl learns about her family’s heritage when they gather wild watercress, shown in tender, evocative art
Watercress by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Jason Chin
2021 – An Indigenous girl calls for unity to protect the Earth’s waters, with swirling, nature-infused artwork
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade
2020 – A powerful tribute to African American history and resilience, pairing spare verse with monumental paintings
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
2010’s
This decade marked a turn toward inclusion, diversity, and graphic experimentation. Jerry Pinkney’s The Lion & the Mouse (2010) used nearly wordless storytelling, while This Is Not My Hat (2013) offered minimalist humor. Most notably, in 2016 Matt de la Peña’s Last Stop on Market Street became the first picture book text (not just illustrations) to also win ...
2019 – Detailed illustrations follow the rhythms of a lighthouse keeper’s life and the sea that surrounds him
Hello Lighthouse written and illustrated by Sophie Blackall
2018 – A nearly wordless story of a girl and a wolf pup who help each other survive in a snowstorm.
Wolf in the Snow written and illustrated by Matthew Cordell
2017 – Vibrant collage art tells the childhood story of groundbreaking artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat written and illustrated by Javaka Steptoe
2016 – The true tale of the bear who inspired Winnie-the-Pooh, tenderly illustrated in warm tones
Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
2015 – A lonely imaginary friend sets out into the real world to find the child who will believe in him
The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend written and illustrated by Dan Santat
2014 – Sweeping illustrations capture the wonder and power of 19th-century steam trains crossing the American frontier
Locomotive written and illustrated by Brian Floca
2013 – Dark humor abounds as a small fish steals a hat from a bigger fish, with illustrations telling more than the text
This Is Not My Hat written and illustrated by Jon Klassen
2012 – Expressive, wordless art shows a small dog’s joy and heartbreak when her favorite ball is destroyed
A Ball for Daisy written and illustrated by Chris Raschka
2011 – A gentle story of an elderly zookeeper whose animal friends care for him when he falls ill
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead
2010 – A nearly wordless retelling of Aesop’s fable, with lush watercolor illustrations showing kindness repaid
The Lion & the Mouse written and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
2000’s
In the 2000s, Caldecott winners leaned into bold, expressive artwork and multicultural storytelling. Books like The Man Who Walked Between the Towers (2004) memorialized real-world events, while The Hello, Goodbye Window (2006) highlighted warm famil...
2009 – Lyrical text and striking scratchboard art explore the comforts and mysteries found in the night
The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson, illustrated by Beth Krommes
2008 - blends novel and picture book into a cinematic story about a young orphan in a Paris train station whose discovery of a mysterious automaton unlocks secrets of art, invention, and early film.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret written and illustrated by Brian Selznick
2007 - wordless picture book that follows a curious boy who discovers a mysterious underwater camera, revealing fantastical ocean worlds and imaginative stories within its photographs.
Flotsam written and illustrated by David Wiesner
2006 - a warm and playful story celebrating the special bond between a child and her grandparents, told through the everyday magic of their kitchen window.
The Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton Juster, illustrated by Chris Raschka
2005 – A curious kitten mistakes the full moon for a bowl of milk and embarks on a sweet nighttime adventure
Kitten’s First Full Moon written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes
2004 – A lyrical tribute to Philippe Petit’s daring 1974 tightrope walk between New York’s Twin Towers
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers written and illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein
2003 – A well-meaning rabbit’s attempts to help lead to comical chaos, testing the patience and loyalty of a friend
My Friend Rabbit written and illustrated by Eric Rohmann
2002 – A playful retelling where the pigs step out of their own story and explore new worlds beyond the page
The Three Pigs written and illustrated by David Wiesner
2001 – Humorous anecdotes and caricatured illustrations highlight the quirks and lives of America’s presidents.
So You Want to Be President? by Judith St. George, illustrated by David Small
2000 – A resourceful man keeps remaking his worn overcoat into smaller and smaller items until nothing remains but a story
Joseph Had a Little Overcoat written and illustrated by Simms Taback
1990’s
The 1990s saw experimentation with form and narrative. Books like Smoky Night (1995) directly addressed urban unrest, while David Wiesner’s Tuesday (1992) showcased wordless storytelling through fantastical illustration. The decade reflects a shift t...
1999 - tells the inspiring true story of Wilson Bentley, a Vermont farmer who became the first person to photograph and study the unique beauty of snowflakes.
Snowflake Bentley: A Caldecott Award Winner
1998 - lavishly illustrated retelling of the classic fairy tale, celebrated for its Renaissance-inspired artwork that brings the timeless story to life with beauty and depth.
Rapunzel by Paul O. Zelinsky
1997 - dramatic retelling of the Jewish legend, illustrated with striking cut-paper artwork that brings to life the powerful story of the clay giant created to protect the Jewish community of Prague.
Golem (Caldecott Medal Book) by Wisniewski
1996 - a humorous and heartwarming story about a safety-conscious police officer and his lively dog, whose partnership shows that sharing the spotlight can make a bigger impact.
Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann
1995 - uses bold collage-style art to tell a child’s perspective of a city uprising, showing how communities can find understanding and healing after conflict.
Smoky Night by Eve Bunting, David Diaz
1994 - a poignant tale of immigration and identity, reflecting on the author’s grandfather’s journey between Japan and America and the deep love he held for both countries.
Grandfather’s Journey by Allen Say
1993 - tells the inspiring story of a young girl in Paris who learns courage and determination when she secretly trains to walk the high wire under the guidance of a retired tightrope master.
Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully
1992 - nearly wordless picture book that whimsically follows frogs on a magical night as they take flight on lily pads, filling the skies with surreal adventure.
Tuesday by David Wiesne
1991 - an inventive, postmodern picture book that weaves together four seemingly separate stories, challenging readers to think about how narratives and perspectives connect.
Black and White by David Macaulay
1990 - a beautifully illustrated retelling of the classic tale, where three clever sisters outwit a wolf disguised as their grandmother.
Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China by Ed Young
1980’s
In the 1980s, Caldecott winners often mixed gentle stories with innovative visual techniques. Chris Van Allsburg (Jumanji, 1982) stunned readers with surreal realism, while David Wiesner (Tuesday, 1992 but influenced this period) later built on this ...
1989 - celebrates the magic of a grandfather entertaining his grandchildren with lively memories of his vaudeville days.
Song and Dance Man by Ackerman & Gammell
1988 - a gentle, lyrical story of a child’s quiet nighttime walk with her father as they search for owls under the winter moonlight.
Owl Moon: Jane Yolen, John Schoenherr
1987 - a whimsical yet thoughtful tale about a janitor and his dog who escape to a magical island in the sky, only to realize that home is where they truly belong
Hey, Al, written by Arthur Yorinks and illustrated by Richard Egielski
1986 - a beloved Christmas classic about a magical train ride to the North Pole, capturing the wonder of childhood belief in the spirit of the season
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
1985 - a richly illustrated adaptation of the classic tale of bravery and faith as the knight Saint George battles a fearsome dragon to save a kingdom
Saint George and the Dragon, retold by Margaret Hodges and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
1984 - tells the inspiring true story of French aviator Louis Blériot’s daring flight across the English Channel, brought to life with vivid, historical illustrations.
The Glorious Flight: Across the Channel with Louis Blériot July 25, 1909 by Alice and Martin Provensen
1983 - uses striking, dreamlike artwork to explore the mysterious and ever-changing presence of shadows.
Shadow (1983 Caldecott Medal Winner), a French poem by Blaise Cendrars translated and illustrated by Marcia Brown
1982 - a thrilling story about a magical board game that brings wild jungle adventures to life, blurring the line between imagination and reality.
Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg
1981 - a charming collection of original fables, each paired with witty illustrations and gentle morals that highlight both human folly and wisdom
Fables by Arnold Lobel
1980 - poetically depicts the rhythms of 19th-century New England farm life through the journey of a man who sells his goods at market and begins the seasonal cycle anew.
Ox-Cart Man, written by Donald Hall and illustrated by Barbara Cooney,
1970’s
The 1970s winners continued the push toward diverse artistic styles and multicultural tales. Uri Shulevitz (The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship, 1969, also influenced early 1970s) and others brought folklore from around the world into American ...
1979 – A Plains Indian tale about a girl who finds freedom and kinship among wild horses
The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses written and illustrated by Paul Goble
1978 – A nearly wordless retelling of the biblical flood story, rich with intricate detail and humor
Noah’s Ark written and illustrated by Peter Spier
1977 – An alphabet book showcasing traditions of 26 African peoples with striking, respectful illustrations.
Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions written by Margaret Musgrove, illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon
1976 – A West African pourquoi tale explains why mosquitoes are forever pestering humans.
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears retold by Verna Aardema, illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon
1975 – A Pueblo tale in which a boy, son of the Sun, undergoes trials to bring the Sun’s spirit to his people.
Arrow to the Sun written and illustrated by Gerald McDermott
1974 – A Cornish folktale similar to Rumpelstiltskin, where a mischievous devil demands a terrible price for his spinning help.
Duffy and the Devil retold by Harve Zemach, illustrated by Margot Zemach
1973 – Based on a Japanese folktale, a woman who loves to laugh outwits demons and earns a fortune.
The Funny Little Woman retold by Arlene Mosel, illustrated by Blair Lent
1972 – A fox must repay a village woman after stealing her milk, learning humility through a chain of bargains.
One Fine Day written and illustrated by Nonny Hogrogian
1971 – An African folktale in which Anansi the Spider tricks the Sky God into giving him all the world’s stories.
A Story, A Story retold and illustrated by Gail E. Haley
1970 – A donkey finds a magic pebble that grants wishes, but a careless wish leaves him trapped until love restores him.
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble written and illustrated by William Steig
1960’s
The 1960s brought a creative explosion in style and subject matter. Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are (1964) and Ezra Jack Keats’s The Snowy Day (1963) redefined what children’s books could be — one for its psychological depth, the other for...
1969 – A Russian folktale where a simple man earns a flying ship and the hand of a princess.
The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship retold by Arthur Ransome, illustrated by Uri Shulevitz
1968 – A cumulative rhyme about soldiers building and firing a cannon, with bold, folk-art illustrations.
Drummer Hoff adapted by Barbara Emberley, illustrated by Ed Emberley
1967 – A fisherman's daughter blurs fantasy and reality until her tall tales lead to a near-tragedy
Sam, Bangs & Moonshine written and illustrated by Evaline Ness
1966 – A Scottish tale of a generous man who welcomes all travelers into his humble home.
Always Room for One More by Sorche Nic Leodhas, illustrated by Nonny Hogrogian
1965 – A polite boy repeatedly brings unexpected animal guests to dine with a king and queen
May I Bring a Friend? by Beatrice Schenk de Regniers, illustrated by Beni Montresor
1964 – A mischievous boy sails to an island of monsters and discovers the comforts of home.
Where the Wild Things Are written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak
1963 – A little boy explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall, capturing the quiet wonder of childhood
The Snowy Day written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats
1962 – An Indian fable about transformation and pride, brought to life with woodcut illustrations
Once a Mouse… retold and illustrated by Marcia Brown
1961 – A Russian folktale of Baboushka, who misses her chance to greet the Wise Men and searches for the Christ child ever after
Baboushka and the Three Kings retold and illustrated by Nicolas Sidjakov
1960 – A young Mexican girl eagerly awaits her first posada celebration, with vivid cultural illustrations of tradition and festivity
Nine Days to Christmas by Marie Hall Ets and Aurora Labastida, illustrated by Marie Hall Ets
1950’s
The 1950s winners highlight a turn toward folklore, fairy tales, and domestic life. Works like Madeline’s Rescue (1954) and Cinderella (1955) leaned on European tradition, while The Biggest Bear (1953) and Time of Wonder (1958) celebrated the America...
1959 – A Chaucer tale retold for children, in which a clever fox nearly outwits a proud rooster
Chanticleer and the Fox adapted and illustrated by Barbara Cooney
1958 – Evocative illustrations capture the rhythms of a summer spent exploring the islands and sea of Maine.
Time of Wonder written and illustrated by Robert McCloskey
1957 – A simple yet poetic celebration of the beauty and usefulness of trees
A Tree Is Nice by Janice May Udry, illustrated by Marc Simont
1956 – A lively folk ballad of Frog’s wedding, filled with whimsical animal characters.
Frog Went A-Courtin’ retold by John Langstaff, illustrated by Feodor Rojankovsky
1955 – A classic retelling of the beloved fairy tale, illuminated by elegant, dreamlike illustrations.
Cinderella, or the Little Glass Slipper translated and illustrated by Marcia Brown
1954 – After a dog saves Madeline from drowning, she becomes part of the girls’ Parisian boarding school adventures.
Madeline’s Rescue written and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans
1953 – A boy adopts a bear cub that grows too big, teaching him about responsibility and letting go.
The Biggest Bear written and illustrated by Lynd Ward
1952 – Two puppies squabble over a single bone until a judge finds a fair solution.
Finders Keepers by William Lipkind, illustrated by Nicholas Mordvinoff
1951 – Pennsylvania Dutch Easter traditions come alive when children discover decorated eggs in their grandmother’s attic.
The Egg Tree written and illustrated by Katherine Milhous
1950 – A young boy in California eagerly awaits the return of the mission’s beloved swallows
Song of the Swallows written and illustrated by Leo Politi
1940’s
This decade emphasized American values and wartime resilience. Books like Make Way for Ducklings (1942) and The Little House (1943) became beloved classics, blending nostalgia with modern anxieties about change. Illustrators like Robert McCloskey and...
1949 – Woodland animals prepare for winter’s arrival, beautifully depicted in seasonal detail
The Big Snow written and illustrated by Berta and Elmer Hader
1948 – A community experiences the beauty and quiet of winter snow through poetic text and bold illustrations
White Snow, Bright Snow by Alvin Tresselt, illustrated by Roger Duvoisin
1947 – A lyrical story showing the seasons of a small island and its connection to the wider world.
The Little Island by Golden MacDonald (pseud. of Margaret Wise Brown), illustrated by Leonard Weisgar
A lively collection of American rhymes, songs, and jingles with colorful folk-inspired art.
The Rooster Crows written and illustrated by Maud and Miska Petersham
1945 – A tender bedtime prayer paired with gentle, reassuring illustrations.
Prayer for a Child by Rachel Field, illustrated by Elizabeth Orton Jones
1944 – A whimsical tale of a princess who wants the moon, and the different ways her request is interpreted
Many Moons by James Thurber, illustrated by Louis Slobodkin
1943 – A small country house watches the world change as the city grows up around it.
The Little House written and illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton
1942 – A pair of ducks raise their ducklings in Boston, navigating city streets and friendly policemen
Make Way for Ducklings written and illustrated by Robert McCloskey
1941 – A family history celebrating the author’s ancestors and the values of courage and perseverance.
They Were Strong and Good written and illustrated by Robert Lawson
1940 – A richly illustrated biography introducing young readers to the life of Abraham Lincoln.
Abraham Lincoln written and illustrated by Ingri & Edgar Parin d’Aulaire
1930's
The Caldecott Medal was first awarded in 1938, recognizing distinguished picture book illustration. The earliest winners (Animals of the Bible, Mei Li) reflected both the moralistic tone of children’s publishing at the time and a growing interest in ...
1939 – Out of Print - A young Chinese girl sneaks out on New Year’s Eve to join her brother’s adventures, discovering the wonders of the fair.
Mei Li written and illustrated by Thomas Handforth
1938 – Passages from the Bible are accompanied by finely detailed animal illustrations, celebrating the natural world in scripture
Animals of the Bible, A Picture Book selected by Helen Dean Fish, illustrated by Dorothy P. Lathrop