Caldecott Medal

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.

Past Caldecott Medal Winners and Honors

List of all winner and honor books from 1938 to present. This award is given 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.

2026 Caldecott Medal Winner

Fireworks

illustrated by Catia Chien, written by Matthew Burgess, and published by Clarion Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Part poem, part portable fireworks display with a vertical gatefold, this POB picture book from the award-winning team of Matthew Burgess and Cátia Chien highlights the simple delights of a steamy July day in the city as two siblings eagerly await a spectacular fireworks display.

2026 Caldecott Medal Honor Books

Every Monday Mabel

illustrated and written by Jashar Awan and published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.

Every Monday, Mabel wakes up early and peeks out her window to make sure she didn’t miss the one thing she’s been looking forward to the whole week. She drags her chair down the hallway, past her big sister and Mom and Dad, out the door, and waits.

What is Mabel waiting for every Monday? According to Mabel, it’s the best thing in the world. But no one else in her family seems to understand…until they see what’s honking down the street!

Stalactite & Stalagmite: A Big Tale from a Little Cave

illustrated and written by Drew Beckmeyer and published by Antheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.

A hilarious and thought-provoking picture book about two little cave rock formations who witness the entire history of the world, perfect for fans of Oliver Jeffers, Jon Klassen, and Mac Barnett.

Our Lake

illustrated and written by Angie Kang and published by Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

A breathtakingly vulnerable and tender exploration of love and loss that follows two boys as they take their first trip back to the lake without their father, from debut author-illustrator Angie Kang.

Sundust

illustrated and written by Zeke Pena and published by Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

In his striking author-illustrator debut, Zeke Peña offers an immersive and fantastical look at his hometown of El Paso, where the sun reigns over the vast desert and shapes all that it touches.

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