Caldecott Medal and Honor Books

Every January, the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, awards the Randolph Caldecott Medal to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children published in English by an American publisher in the United States during the preceding year. The Caldecott committee also gives several Caldecott Honor awards to artists of other books of distinction. Check out our list of some of the recent Caldecott-winning books. The latest winners and honorees are at the top. And be sure to check out our list of Newbery Medal and Honor Books and Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners.

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Big book cover: Black girl in a tutu holding the letter "i" in the title
BOOK

Big

age 4+

Powerful picture book about girl who's told she's too big.

By: Vashti Harrison (2023)
There Was a Party for Langston book cover: Langston Hughes resting on a crown while holding a paint brush, other Black characters hold up the crown while dancing with smiles and their eyes closed against a blue background
BOOK

There Was a Party for Langston

age 5+

Upbeat ode honors famous activist and word-making man.

By: Jason Reynolds (2023)
Hot Dog book cover shows red dachshund with wind blowing his fur at top of stairs leading down to a beach and blue ocean
BOOK

Hot Dog

age 4+

Hot and tired pooch finds relief in cute summertime story.

By: Doug Salati (2022)
little owl in armor holding a spear, standing atop a castle, with bright moon behind him
BOOK

Knight Owl

age 4+

Adorable owl befriends dragon in outstanding fantasy tale.

By: Christopher Denise (2022)
Choosing Brave book cover: Mamie Till-Mobley at mic with crowd in background.
BOOK

Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement

age 7+

Emotional story of mom's fight to have her son remembered.

By: Angela Joy (2022)
Ain't Burned All the Bright Poster Image
BOOK

Ain't Burned All the Bright

age 12+

Emotional, artistic reflection on COVID, racial strife.

By: Jason Reynolds (2022)
Watercress Poster Image
BOOK

Watercress

age 5+

Beautiful art portrays a family unearthing past hardship.

By: Andrea Wang (2021)
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre Poster Image
BOOK

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre

age 8+

Illuminating retelling of a tragic American event.

We Are Water Protectors Poster Image
BOOK

We Are Water Protectors

age 3+

Powerful words, vibrant images inspire care for the earth.

By: Carole Lindstrom (2020)
Me & Mama Poster Image
BOOK

Me & Mama

age 4+

Warmhearted tale celebrates everyday mother-daughter love.

By: Cozbi A. Cabrera (2020)
Outside In Poster Image
BOOK

Outside In

age 4+

Gorgeous but moody images contrast with joy of outdoors.

By: Deborah Underwood (2020)
A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart Poster Image
BOOK

A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart

age 5+

Powerful poem reflects on Black Americans' emotional story.

By: Zetta Elliott (2021)
Bear Came Along Poster Image
BOOK

Bear Came Along

age 4+

Bear finds he's not alone in fun, eye-opening adventure.

By: Richard T. Morris (2019)
Double Bass Blues Poster Image
BOOK

Double Bass Blues

age 4+

Gorgeous story of a boy's excellence and the power of music.

By: Andrea J. Loney (2019)
Going Down Home with Daddy Poster Image
BOOK

Going Down Home with Daddy

age 6+

Beautiful book about a very special family reunion.

The Undefeated Poster Image
BOOK

The Undefeated

age 6+

Poetic tribute to African American heroes and struggles.

By: Kwame Alexander (2019)
Hello Lighthouse Poster Image
BOOK

Hello Lighthouse

age 4+

Unique, engaging look at the life of a lighthouse keeper.

By: Sophie Blackall (2018)
A Big Mooncake for Little Star Poster Image
BOOK

A Big Mooncake for Little Star

age 3+

Girl sneaks nibbles, mooncake wanes in cozy bedtime charmer.

By: Grace Lin (2018)
Big Cat, Little Cat Poster Image
BOOK

Big Cat, Little Cat

age 3+

Strikingly designed tale of cat-kitten friendship.

By: Elisha Cooper (2017)
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut Poster Image
BOOK

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

age 5+

Joyful, foot-tapping celebration of fresh haircut, culture.

By: Derrick Barnes (2017)