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The 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. Flotsam 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. The 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. Kitten’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. The 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. My 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. The 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. So 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. Joseph 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. Snowflake 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. Rapunzel 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. Golem 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. Officer 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. Smoky 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. Grandfather’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. Mirette 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. Tuesday 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. Black 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. Lon 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. Song 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. Owl 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. Hey, 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. The 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. Saint 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. The 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. Shadow 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) Jumanji 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. Fables by Arnold Lobel Caldecott Medal 1981 Ages 6–10 These short original fables have unexpected morals. The humorous illustrations add to the fun. Ox-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. The 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. Noah’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. Ashanti 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. Why 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. Arrow 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. Duffy 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.

The 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. One 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. A 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. Sylvester 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. The 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. Drummer 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. Sam, 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. Always 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. May 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. Where 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. The 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. Once 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. Baboushka 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. Nine 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. Chanticleer 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. Time 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. A 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. Frog 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. Cinderella, 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. Madeline’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) The 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. Finders 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. The 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. The 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. The 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. White 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. The 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. The 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. Prayer 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. Many 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. The 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. Make 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. They 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. Abraham Lincoln by Ingri & Edgar Parin d’Aulaire Caldecott Medal 1940 Ages 8–12 Idealized view of the young Abraham Lincoln supported by charming illustrations. Mei 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. Animals of the Bible by Dorothy P. Lathrop Caldecott Medal 1938 Ages 6–10 Richly detailed drawings illustrate verses from the King James Bible.

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