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Caldecott Medal Winners

The Caldecott Medal is awarded each year by the American Library Association to the artist of the most distinguished American Picture Book for Children published in the United States during the preceding year. The artist must be a citizen or resident of the United States.
2010s

Radiant ChildRadiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
by Javaka Steptoe
Caldecott Medal 2017
Ages 4–8

This beautifully illustrated biography presents the childhood of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, who learned to see beauty in the messy streets and games of fellow children. His Puerto Rican mother encouraged him by taking him to museums and anatomy textbooks. The illustrations echo Basquiat's vibrant art with layers of paint and paper scraps on found-wood panels. Basquiat's creativity is celebrated in the text, his heroin addiction and early death is mentioned in the afterword.

BeekleThe Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend
by Dan Santat
Caldecott Medal 2015
Ages 3–6

Beekle is born on an island of imaginary friends and longs to be imagined by a real child. But though he waits, and waits, and waits, his turn never comes. So Beekle sets out across the water until he reaches the real world where he is eventually spotted by a small girl. They become friends, sharing snacks and jokes and adventures. Beekle’s marshmallow-white body stands out in the rich mixed-media illustrations.

This Is Not My HatThis Is Not My Hat
by Jon Klassen
Caldecott Medal 2013

Ages 4–8
The small fish narrating this story has snatched a tiny bowler hat from a much larger fish. Though he swears a crab to secrecy as he flees with the hat, the unreliable crab betrays him instantly. This wryly funny book uses both pictures and words to tell the story of the small hat thief determined to keep his stolen prize.

A Sick Day for Amos McGeeA Sick Day for Amos McGee
by Philip Christian Stead, Erin Stead
Caldecott Medal 2011
Ages 2–6

Elderly zookeeper Amos McGee always makes time in his busy day to spend time with the animals. He plays chess with the elephant, reads to the owl, and sits quietly with the penguin. When Amos catches a cold and can’t come to work, the animals miss him and pile onto the bus to pay him a visit, each offering a small kindness in return. Erin Stead’s delicate woodblock prints perfectly complement this gentle story of quiet affection.
 
Finding WinnieFinding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear
by Lindsay Mattick, Sophie Blackall
Caldecott Medal 2016
Ages 3–6
in 1914, a veterinarian named Harry Colebourn who rescued an orphaned black bear cub while on the way to join his army unit during WWI. He named the bear Winnie, after his home town of Winnipeg, and took her with him to England, where she became the mascot of the Second Canadian Infantry Brigade. Since Winnie couldn’t come with him to France, Harry donated her to the London Zoo where a boy named Christopher Robin discovered her. Lindsay Mattick, the great granddaughter of Captain Colebourn, frames this story as a bedtime tale for her young son Cole.

LocomotiveLocomotive
by Brian Floca
Caldecott Medal 2014
Ages 4–10
It’s the summer of 1869, and the Transcontinental Railroad has just been completed. A mother and her two children board the train in Omaha, leaving their old home behind to join Papa who has gone ahead to Sacramento, California to prepare their new home. Details about the construction of the railroad and the crew it takes to run the train provide background to the small family enjoying the cross-country journey.

A Ball for DaisyA Ball for Daisy
by Chris Raschka
Caldecott Medal 2012
Ages 3–up

This nearly wordless book tells the story of love and loss. Daisy adores her bright red ball and is heartbroken when it is accidentally destroyed while playing with a bigger dog. Daisy’s feelings of both joy and sadness are brilliantly illustrated in watercolor, gouache and ink. This simple story of the pain of loss with a happy ending is sure to appeal to any child who has mourned the loss of a favorite toy.

LionThe Lion & the Mouse
by Jerry Pinkney
Caldecott Medal 2010
Ages 3–6

This adaptation of Aesop’s fable is nearly wordless, but Pinkney’s gorgeous illustrations tell the tale in stunning detail.
 

2000s
NightThe House in the Night
illustrations by Beth Krommes, text by Susan Marie Swanson
Ages 3–6
Caldecott Medal 2009
Beth Krommes’s magical illustrations amplify the minimal text to highlight the things in a house that really matter: books, art, music, and love. This bedtime book will be treasured by children and adults alike.

FlotsamFlotsam
by David Wiesner
Caldecott Medal 2007
Ages 4–9

In this wordless picture book, a wave brings an underwater camera to shore and a boy develops the film. Amazing photographs emerge: a windup fish, aliens among the sea horses, an octopus reading, and finally a picture of a child holding a picture of a child holding a picture of a child… inviting the reader to discover the narrative on each page.

KittenKitten’s First Full Moon
by Kevin Henkes
Caldecott Medal 2005
Ages 3–5

This lively kitten is positive that the full moon is a bowl of milk and persists in trying to lap it up despite numerous setbacks.

RabbitMy Friend Rabbit
by Eric Rohmann
Caldecott Medal 2003
Ages 4–8

Mouse narrates this story of his friend Rabbit who has just as much fun getting Mouse out of trouble as he does getting him into it. Incredible and hilarious illustrations support the simple story.

PresidentSo You Want to Be President?
illustrations by David Small, text by Judith St. George
Caldecott Medal 2001
Ages 8–12

This lighthearted book uses anecdotes and trivia to convey the message that anyone can be president. The humorous caricatures highlight each president’s best known qualities.
CabretThe Invention of Hugo Cabret
by Brian Selznick
Caldecott Medal 2008
Ages 9–12

Hugo, a 12-year-old-orphan lives in the walls of a Paris train station at the turn of the 20th century, trying to finish an invention his father left. Black and white pencil illustrations pay homage to flickering silent movies.

WindowThe Hello, Goodbye Window
Illustrations by Chris Raschka, text by Norton Juster
Caldecott Medal 2006
Ages 4–7

A girl visits her grandparents, enjoying the house and garden and the surprises through the window. This child-centered view of everyday activities is just right for reading aloud. The bright illustrations are perfect for portraying this happy multi-racial family.

TowersThe Man Who Walked Between the Towers
by Mordicai Gerstein
Caldecott Medal 2004
Ages 5–8

In August 1974, Philippe Petit and a friend carry a 440-pound reel of cable and other equipment to the top of the Twin Towers in New York City so that Petit can walk a tight rope between the towers. Beautifully detailed paintings illustrate the beauty and danger of this event.

PigsThe Three Pigs
by David Wiesner
Caldecott Medal 2002
Ages 5–8

These three clever pigs move from realistic to storybook illustrations as they manipulate the classic tale. The use of white space, perspective, and humor make these illustrations something special.

JosephJoseph Had a Little Overcoat
by Simms Taback
Caldecott Medal 2000
Ages 4–8

When Joseph’s overcoat starts falling apart he turns it into a jacket, then a vest, then a scaft, and so on in this adaptation of a Yiddish folksong. The illustrations are incredibly detailed and full of funny details.

1990s
SnowflakeSnowflake Bentley
illustrations by Mary Azarian, text by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Caldecott Medal 1999
Ages 4–8

This biography of Wilson A. Bentley tells the story of a rural Vermont farmboy in the mid-19th century who became fascinated by snowflakes. Bentley developed a system of microphotography that allowed him to capture images of snowflakes and prove that no two snowflakes are identical. Azarian’s woodcuts are perfect.

GolemGolem
by David Wisniewski
Caldecott Medal 1997
Ages 6–10

Elaborate cut-paper collage illustrations provide dramatic visuals for this retelling of the Jewish legend of Rabbi Loew who used his powers to create a gigantic Golem from clay to protect his people from persecution in the ghettos of 16th-century Prague.

SmokySmoky Night
illustrations by David Diaz, text by Eve Bunting
Caldecott Medal 1995
Ages 5–10

Daniel’s cat doesn’t get along with Mrs. Kim’s cat and Daniel’s mother doesn’t shop at Mrs. Kim’s store, preferring to patronize African-American stores. But when Daniel’s apartment building goes up in flames, all the neighbors, including the cats, learn the importance of working together and accepting differences. Inspired by the Los Angeles riots, this book delivers a message about racism with a light touch supported by dazzling mixed-media collage illustrations.

MiretteMirette on the High Wire
by Emily Arnold McCully
Caldecott Medal 1993
Ages 4–8

Mirette helps “The Great Bellini” regain his confidence while he stays at her mother’s boarding house and eventually the two are walking the high wire above the rooftops of the city. Rich illustrations capture 19th-century Paris.

Black and WhiteBlack and White
by David Macaulay
Caldecott Medal 1991
Ages 4–10

Four stories, that at first seem unrelated, each occupy a fourth of each two-page spread. The interactions between the four stories creates a fifth. There is no resolution, challenging readers to discover new meaning with each reading.
RapunzelRapunzel
by Paul O. Zelinsky
Caldecott Medal 1998
Ages 4–10

The beautiful Italian Renaissance-styled illustrations with warm golden tones bring the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale to life.

GloriaOfficer Buckle and Gloria
by Peggy Rathmann
Caldecott Medal 1996
Ages 4–8

Officer Buckle’s school safety assemblies are so boring that his audience falls asleep. Then police dog Gloria joins the act and pantomimes each safety tip behind the unsuspecting Officer Buckle who is amazed that his audience suddenly finds him funny. The hilarious illustrations make this book something special.

GrandfatherGrandfather’s Journey
by Allen Say
Caldecott Medal 1994
Ages 4–8

This book tells the story of Say’s grandfather who sailed from Japan to North America, ending up in California. He returned to Japan to marry his sweetheart, bringing her back to California. When his daughter is nearly grown, he takes his family back to Japan. In Japan they miss California and return to America. The beautiful illustrations perfectly capture the feeling of always being homesick for one country or the other.

TuesdayTuesday
by David Wiesner
Caldecott Medal 1992
Ages 5–8

In this nearly wordless book, the frogs on their lily pads soar through the night. The illustrations perfectly capture the surreal magic of flying frogs.

Lon Po PoLon Po Po:
A Red-Riding Hood Story from China
by Ed Young
Caldecott Medal 1990
Ages 4–8

Three daughters left at home while their mother goes to visit Grandmother are almost fooled by Lon Po Po, the wolf pretending to be their Grandmother. Incredible illustrations that are both realistic and abstract add to the power of this retelling of the classic tale.

1980s
Dance ManSong and Dance Man
by Karen Ackerman
Caldecott Medal 1989
Ages 3–7

One afternoon a visit to the attic convinces Grandpa to recreate his vaudeville song and dance act for his three delighted grandchildren. The colorful illustrations capture the children’s viewpoint of this delightful event.

AlHey, Al
illustrations by Richard Egielski, text by Arthur Yorinks
Caldecott Medal 1987
Ages 4–8

A strange bird offers to take Al, the janitor, and his dog Eddie to a wonderful place with no worries. The strange and beautiful place is indeed paradise, but Al and Eddie eventually decide that home is better.

Saint GeorgeSaint George and the Dragon
illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman, text by Margaret Hodges
Caldecott Medal 1985
Ages 4–8

George, the Red Cross Knight, slays the dreadful dragon that has been terrorizing the countryside for years and brings peace and joy to the land. The illustrations for the retelling of this segment from Spenser’s The Faerie Queene are rich in detail and sparkle with gold highlights.

ShadowShadow
by Marcia Brown
Caldecott Medal 1983
Ages 5–8

Marcia Brown's stunning African-inspired collage illustrations evoke the atmosphere and drama of a life now haunted, now enchanted by Shadow. (translated by Marcia Brown from the French poetry of Blaise Cendrars)

FablesFables
by Arnold Lobel
Caldecott Medal 1981
Ages 6–10

These short original fables have unexpected morals. The humorous illustrations add to the fun.
Owl MoonOwl Moon
illustrations by John Schoenherr, text by Jane Yolen
Caldecott Medal 1988
Ages 3–8

A young girl and her father go owling late one winter night. The lyrical text and beautiful illustrations combine to transform this simple event into a magical adventure.

Polar ExpressThe Polar Express
by Chris Van Allsburg
Caldecott Medal 1986
Ages 6–8

The Polar Express is an old-fashioned steam train that takes children to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Incredible illustrations evoke a memory of a long-ago time.

FlightThe Glorious Flight:
Across the Channel with Louis Blériot
by Alice & Martin Provensen
Caldecott Medal 1984
Ages 4–8

This book shows the persistence of Louis Blériot, a Frenchman, who was determined to to build a flying machine to cross the English Channel. His glorious flight occurred on July 25, 1909.

JumanjiJumanji
by Chris Van Allsburg
Caldecott Medal 1982
Ages 8–12

When Judy and Peter find a board game in the park, they take it home and begin to play. Soon the jungle adventure comes to life and chimps and rhinos are roaming through the house. Incredibly detailed illustrations bring the perilous predicaments to life.

Ox-Cart ManOx-Cart Man
illustrations by Barbara Cooney, text by Donald Hall
Caldecott Medal 1980
Ages 4–8

The stunning combination of text and illustrations recreates the mood of 19-century rural New England.

1970s
wild HorsesThe Girl Who Loved Wild Horses
by Paul Goble
Caldecott Medal 1979
Ages 5–8

The girl in this Native American tale loves horses so much that eventually she leaves her people to live with the herd. The bold illustrations beautifully complement this story of a girl who followed her heart with the support of her village.

AshantiAshanti to Zulu:
African Traditions
illustrations by Leo & Diane Dillon, text by Margaret Musgrove
Caldecott Medal 1977
Ages 6–12

Incredible pictures illustrate the traditions and customs of 26 African tribes beginning with letters from A to Z. Most paintings include a man, woman, child, artifact, living quarters, and a local animal.

ArrowArrow to the Sun:
A Pueblo Indian Tale
by Gerald McDermott
Caldecott Medal 1975
Ages 4–8

A young boy searches for his father and must prove he is worthy by passing through four ceremonial chambers in this retelling of the Pueblo Native American legend. The bold and colorful geometric illustrations echo Pueblo designs.

WomanThe Funny Little Woman
illustrations by Blair Lent, text by Arlene Mosel
Caldecott Medal 1973
Ages 3–8

Long ago in old Japan a funny little woman with a silly little laugh chases a runaway dumpling and soon finds herself cooking dumplings for a band of demons. Her infectious laugh helps her charm the demons into releasing her.

StoryA Story, A Story
by Gail E. Haley
Caldecott Medal 1971
Ages 4–8

In the beginning there were no stories for children to hear, so Ananse the Spider went to bargain with Nyame, the Sky God, to bring the stories down to Earth. Wonderful woodcut illustrations support the clever text in this retelling of an African folktale.
NoahNoah’s Ark
by Peter Spier
Caldecott Medal 1978
Ages 2–6

Minimal text and detailed illustrations retell the Biblical story of Noah and the paired animals on his ark.

MosquitoesWhy Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears
illustrations by Leo & Diane Dillon, text by Verna Aardema
Caldecott Medal 1976
Ages 5–8

This retelling of a traditional West African tale reveals how the mosquito developed its annoying habit of buzzing in people’s ears. The wax-resist style illustrations are incredible.

DuffyDuffy and the Devil
ilustrations by Margot Zemach, text by Harve Zemach
Caldecott Medal 1974
Ages 4–8

This comic version of the Rumpelstiltskin story is based on a 19th century play from Cornwall, England. The pen and wash illustrations are rich in detail and humorous interpretation of the characters.

One DayOne Fine Day
by Nonny Hogrogian
Caldecott Medal 1972
Ages 4–8

In this humorous retelling of an Armenian folktale, a fox steals some milk from an old farm woman. She cuts off his tail, and the fox spends the rest of the day bargaining to get it back. The vividly beautiful illustrations bring this tale to life.

SylvesterSylvester and the Magic Pebble
by William Steig
Caldecott Medal 1970
Ages 4–8

Sylvester the donkey finds a magic pebble that will grant his every wish. Unfortunately Sylvester is startled by a lion and wishes he were a rock and then cannot hold the magic pebble to wish himself back to normal again. The glorious watercolor illustrations convey the nuances of this touching story.

1960s
FoolThe Fool of the World and the Flying Ship
illustrations by Uri Shulevitz, text by Arthur Ransome
Caldecott Medal 1969
Ages 4–8

In this retelling of a Russian folktale, the simple third son is helped by those with magical powers to perform the impossible tasks set by the Czar and wins the princess. The colorful illustrations have a wonderful Russian folk-art look.

SamSam, Bangs & Moonshine
by Evaline Ness
Caldecott Medal 1967
Ages 4–8

Samantha is a fisherman’s daughter who lives in her imagination. Everyone calls her fantasies moonshine. One day she sends her friend Thomas and her cat Bangs out to sea to look for her escaped pet kangaroo. A sudden storm makes Sam rethink the line between moonshine and reality.

FriendMay I Bring a Friend?
illustrations by Beni Montresor, text by Beatrice Schenk de Regniers
Caldecott Medal 1965
Ages 3–8

The King and Queen are always gracious, even when their guest brings along a wild animal or several. The richly colored illustrations show the well-behaved animals causing unintentional havoc in the palace.

SnowThe Snowy Day
by Ezra Jack Keats
Caldecott Medal 1963
Ages 4–8

A small boy wakes up to discover that snow has fallen overnight. The beautiful illustrations of watercolor and collage show the magic of simple experiences in the snow.

BaboushkaBaboushka and the Three Kings
illustrations by Nicolas Sidjakov, text by Ruth Robbins
Caldecott Medal 1961
Ages 4–8

The Three Kings coming from the East to bring gifts to a new-born child lose their way in the snow in Russia and knock on Baboushka’s door. She is too busy with her chores to join them. The next morning she is sorry she refused and tries to follow with her own gifts but the trail is covered by new snow. Baboushka gives her gifts to other children instead. The strong primary colors and bold outlines emphasize the Russian theme of the story.
DrummerDrummer Hoff
illustrations by Ed Emberley, text by Barbara Emberley
Caldecott Medal 1968
Ages 3–8

Seven soldiers build an incredible cannon which Drummer Hoff sets off. The cumulative rhymes and repetition in the text encourage young children to “read along” while admiring the brightly-colored woodcut illustrations.

RoomAlways Room for One More
illustrations by Nonny Hogrogian, text by Sorche Nic Leodhas
Caldecott Medal 1966
Ages 4–8

Travelers in a storm are glad to hear Lachie MacLachlan generously call out that there is always room for one more. Narrated in a lilting, rhyming brogue, the Scottish travelers fill the little house until it explodes.

Wild ThingsWhere the Wild Things Are
by Maurice Sendak
Caldecott Medal 1964
Ages 4–8

Max puts on his wolf suit and gets sent to bed without supper. Luckily a forest grows in his room and he can rampage with the other wild things. The hilarious wild things, scary-looking without actually being scary, and the wonderful run-on sentences of the simple text combine to create an incredible view inside a child’s imagination.

MouseOnce a Mouse…
by Marcia Brown
Caldecott Medal 1962
Ages 4–8

The mighty tiger challenges anyone to say he was once a mouse, but the hermit knows it to be true, since he himself used magic to transform the mouse into a cat and then a dog and finally a tiger. And unfortunately for the too proud tiger, those changes can be reversed. Beautiful woodcuts illustrate this Indian fable.

Nine DaysNine Days to Christmas
by Marie Hall Ets
Caldecott Medal 1960
Ages 4–8

Ceci is five years old and her mother has finally agreed to host a posada (Christmas festival in Mexico). Ceci is allowed to choose the piñata and becomes too attached to the glorious star she picks. Detailed pencil drawings highlight Ceci’s joy and her beautiful Mexican town.

1950s
ChantecleerChanticleer and the Fox
by Barbara Cooney
Caldecott Medal 1959
Ages 4–8

Chanticleer the rooster falls for the flattery of the fox and is caught. Luckily Chanticleer is clever enough to think himself out of danger in this retelling of the “Nun’s Priest’s Tale” from Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Beautiful pen and ink drawings illustrate the fable.

TreeA Tree Is Nice
illustrations by Marc Simont, text by Janice Udry
Caldecott Medal 1957
Ages 4–8

This book explores all the benefits that trees bring us in simple text suitable for young readers. The elongated shape of the book allows the beautiful illustrations to capture the graceful height of trees.

CinderellaCinderella, or the Little Glass Slipper
by Marcia Brown
Caldecott Medal 1955
Ages 4–8

This retelling of the classic tale by Charles Perrault is a skillful version that is both simple and romantic. The pen and watercolor illustrations complement the story beautifully.

BearThe Biggest Bear
by Lynd Ward
Caldecott Medal 1953
Ages 4–8

Johnny sets off to kill the biggest bear he can find, but since all he finds is a cup he brings it home. When the bear grows too big to keep as a pet, Johnny tries to set it free, but the bear keeps returning at supper time. Finally Johnny has to find permanent solution. Beautifully detailed illustrations capture rural life perfectly.

Egg TreeThe Egg Tree
by Katherine Milhous
Caldecott Medal 1951
Ages 5–8

Katy discovers her grandmother’s old hand-painted eggs while on a family Easter egg hunt. Grandmom had painted the eggs when she was a little girl, and shows Katy how to hang them on the special egg tree. The beautiful Pennsylvania-Dutch inspired illustrations will inspire readers to paint eggs of their own.
WonderTime of Wonder
by Robert McCloskey
Caldecott Medal 1958
Ages 4–8

Two sisters spend a glorious summer in Maine on Penobscot Bay, swimming, sailing, and experiencing a storm. The poetic language and beautiful illustrations capture this magical time.

FrogFrog Went A-Courtin’
illustrations by Feodor Rojankovsky, text by John Langstaff
Caldecott Medal 1956
Ages 4–8

In this version of the old song, Froggy puts on his shiny black boots and goes out to court Miss Mousy. The colorful illustrations bring this book to life. Included are the words and music to the song.

MadelineMadeline’s Rescue
by Ludwig Bemelmans
Caldecott Medal 1954
Ages 4–8

One day on a walk through Paris Madeline slips and falls off a bridge right into the Seine and is rescued by a brave dog. The girls take the dog home, but she is banned from the house, so the girls must search all of Paris to find her again. Incredible illustrations complement the rhyming text. (sequel to Madeline)

FindersFinders Keepers
illustrations by Nicolas Mordvinoff, text by William Lipkind
Caldecott Medal 1952
Ages 4–8

Nap and Winkle dig up a bone together in the yard and can’t decide who it belongs to since Nap saw it first and Winkle touched it first. People passing by can’t help them solve their disagreement until another dogs offers a solution both can agree to. The humorous illustrations fit the story perfectly.

SwallowsThe Song of the Swallows
by Leo Politi
Caldecott Medal 1950
Ages 4–8

Julian, the gardener and bell-ringer at Mission San Juan Capistrano, shares his love of the swallows that return every year with his young friend Juan. This year Juan plants his own garden and hopes that the swallows will build a nest there. Beautiful watercolor illustrations capture the magic of the migrating birds.

1940s
Big SnowThe Big Snow
by Berta & Elmer Hader
Caldecott Medal 1949
Ages 4–8

Simple text and beautiful illustrations tell the story of how the woodland creatures prepare for winter. In the winter of the big snow, the people who live in the little stone house help the animals by putting food out for them.

IslandThe Little Island
illustrations by Leonard Weisgard, text by Margaret Wise Brown
Caldecott Medal 1947
Ages 4–9

The little island is rich with plant and animal life despite its remote location. The illustrations beautifully document the seasonal changes.

PrayerPrayer for a Child
illustrations by Elizabeth Orton Jones, text by Rachel Field
Caldecott Medal 1945
Ages 2–5

The sweet, simple illustrations are a perfect match for this version of prayer from a child’s viewpoint.

Little HouseThe Little House
by Virginia Lee Burton
Caldecott Medal 1943
Ages 3–6

The little house in the country was happy until the city grew large enough to surround her. Finally a woman rescues the house by moving it back to the country. The whimsical drawings are delightful.

StrongThey Were Strong and Good
by Robert Lawson
Caldecott Medal 1941
Ages 9–12

Lawson shares the story of three generations of his family, none of whom were great or famous. Humorous and detailed illustrations highlight the human aspect of this history. The views of other races and cultures are accurate for the time, but will need interpretation for modern readers.
SnowWhite Snow, Bright Snow
illustrations by Roger Duvoisin, text by Alvin Tresselt
Caldecott Medal 1948
Ages 4–8

When the snow begins to fall, the adults rush around doing important chores, but the children dance and try to catch snowflakes on their tongues. The bright illustrations capture a child’s delight in the first snow of the season.

RoosterThe Rooster Crows:
A Book of American Rhymes and Jingles
by Maud & Miska Petersham
Caldecott Medal 1946
Ages 3–8

This book is full of nursery rhymes, counting-out games, skipping-rope songs, finger games, and other jingles.

MoonsMany Moons
illustrations by Louis Slobodkin, text by James Thurber
Caldecott Medal 1944
Ages 4–8

Once there was a little princess who wanted the moon, but no one could get it for her—not her father, the king, his wise men, or the jester. Finally the little princess solves the problem herself. The beautiful watercolors portray the magical quality of this tale.

DucklingsMake Way for Ducklings
by Robert McCloskey
Caldecott Medal 1942
Ages 3–8

Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are having trouble finding the perfect nest site until they reach Boston’s Public Garden. Safe from foxes and turtles, and plenty of peanuts, this must be the perfect spot. The lovely humorous illustrations beautifully support the gentle minimal text.

AbrahamAbraham Lincoln
by Ingri & Edgar Parin d’Aulaire
Caldecott Medal 1940
Ages 8–12

Idealized view of the young Abraham Lincoln supported by charming illustrations.

1930s
Mei LiMei Li
by Thomas Handforth
Caldecott Medal 1939
Ages 4–8

Mei Li convinces her older brother to take her to the New Year Fair in the city where they enjoy all kinds of exciting events.
AnimalsAnimals of the Bible
by Dorothy P. Lathrop
Caldecott Medal 1938
Ages 6–10

Richly detailed drawings illustrate verses from the King James Bible.