Great book list of Caldecott award winners

(By Jerry Pinkney) A wordless retelling of Aesop’s fable, where a tiny mouse repays a lion’s kindness in a powerful story about compassion and unexpected friendships.

(By Emily Arnold McCully) A young girl learns the art of tightrope walking from a mysterious master, overcoming her fears through determination.

(By Allen Say) A touching story about immigration, identity, and longing for home, inspired by the author’s grandfather’s journey between Japan and America.

(By Nonny Hogrogian) A charming Armenian folktale about a fox who must make amends after drinking a woman’s milk without permission.

(By Brian Floca) A detailed, visual journey through America’s early railroads, showcasing the excitement of train travel.

(By Arthur Yorinks) A janitor and his dog are whisked away to a paradise in the sky, but they soon realize that home is where they truly belong.

(By Robert McCloskey) Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey is a charming story about a family of ducks trying to find a home in Boston. The story follows the ducks as they navigate the busy streets and avoid obstacles on their journey to safety. With its detailed illustrations and gentle storytelling, the book teaches children about family, safety, and the importance of helping others. It\’s a delightful read for young children and an enduring classic.

(By Eve Bunting) Set during the Los Angeles riots, this emotional story follows a young boy and his mother as they navigate a chaotic night, highlighting themes of community and understanding.

(By Chris Raschka) A nearly wordless picture book that tells the touching story of a dog who loses her beloved ball, using expressive watercolor illustrations.

(By Verna Aardema) A West African folk tale explaining why mosquitoes are so annoying, featuring a beautifully illustrated chain reaction of events in the animal kingdom.

(By Karen Ackerman) A nostalgic look at a grandfather’s past as a vaudeville performer, filled with warmth and energy.

(By William Steig) A donkey named Sylvester finds a magic pebble that grants wishes but accidentally turns himself into a rock, leading to an emotional journey of hope and family love.

(By Lindsay Mattick) The true story of the bear that inspired Winnie the Pooh, connecting history, family, and storytelling.

(By James Thurber) A whimsical tale about a princess who wishes for the moon, challenging the wisdom of her royal advisors with her simple understanding.

(By Ingri d'Aulaire) A beautifully illustrated biography of one of America’s most iconic presidents.

(By Peggy Rathmann) Officer Buckle’s safety presentations are dull until his dog, Gloria, secretly adds humor, teaching an important lesson about teamwork and friendship.

(By Helen Dean Fish) A collection of biblical passages featuring animals, accompanied by intricate illustrations that bring the stories to life.

(By Chris Van Allsburg) Chris Van Allsburg’s beautifully illustrated book tells the magical story of a young boy who boards a mysterious train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. The book captures the wonder of childhood belief and the spirit of the holiday season, with a poignant message about the power of faith and imagination.

(By Hader Elmer) A beautifully illustrated picture book about woodland animals preparing for winter, with lyrical prose that captures the quiet beauty of nature’s changing seasons.

(By Sorche Nic Leodhas) A Scottish folktale about a kind-hearted man who welcomes every traveler into his home, emphasizing generosity and warmth.

(By Margaret Hodges) A retelling of the legend of Saint George, featuring a brave knight, a fierce dragon, and a tale of heroism.

(By Janice May Udry) A simple but profound celebration of the beauty and importance of trees.

(By Maud Petersham) A collection of classic American nursery rhymes, songs, and jingles that celebrate childhood traditions.

(By Judith St. George) A humorous yet informative look at past U.S. presidents, filled with fun facts and history.

(By Jon Klassen) A mischievous yet darkly humorous story about a small fish who steals a hat, only to learn a valuable lesson about consequences.

(By Ludwig Bemelmans) In this classic tale, Madeline is saved from a near accident by a heroic dog, leading to a charming adventure as the girls in her boarding school all want to keep the pup.

(By Andrea L. Rogers) A touching story that highlights the importance of helping others and finding one’s place in the world.

(By Barbara Emberley) A rhythmic, cumulative tale of soldiers building a cannon, brought to life with bold illustrations.

(By Jacqueline Briggs Martin) A true story about Wilson Bentley, a farmer who became the first person to photograph snowflakes, revealing their unique beauty to the world.

(By Evaline Ness) A thoughtful story about a girl who learns the difference between imagination and reality, winning the Caldecott Medal for its striking artwork and poignant message.

(By Sophie Blackall) A lyrical story about the life of a lighthouse keeper, capturing isolation, dedication, and change.

(By Thomas Handforth) A spirited Chinese girl sneaks away from home to explore the New Year’s fair, experiencing an exciting adventure in old Beijing.

(By Doug Salati) A humorous and heartwarming tale about an overheated city dog who finds relief and joy at the beach.

(By Mordicai Gerstein) The inspiring true story of Philippe Petit, who performed a daring tightrope walk between the Twin Towers in 1974.

(By Gerald McDermott) A Pueblo tale about a boy searching for his father, told through stunning geometric illustrations.

(By Donald Hall) A poetic depiction of a 19th-century farmer’s life, following his journey to the market and showing the cycle of work and perseverance.

(By Gail E. Haley) The tale of how Anansi the Spider tricked the Sky God into giving stories to the world.

(By Leo Politi) A touching story about the annual return of the swallows to San Juan Capistrano, celebrating nature and tradition.

(By Marcia Brown) A haunting and poetic book inspired by African folklore, exploring the mysterious nature of shadows with striking illustrations.

(By Kwame Alexander) A powerful, poetic tribute to Black history, resilience, and excellence, honoring figures from the past and present.

(By Chris Van Allsburg) A mysterious board game comes to life, bringing jungle chaos into the real world, forcing two children to finish the game to restore order.

(By Margaret Musgrove) A beautifully illustrated alphabet book that introduces readers to the rich cultural traditions of different African tribes.

(By John Langstaff) A classic folk song retold with whimsical illustrations, following the adventures of a frog seeking a bride.

(By Eric Rohmann) A humorous tale of friendship and problem-solving as Rabbit’s wild ideas lead to unexpected trouble.

(By Ezra Jack Keats) A heartwarming story of a young boy experiencing the magic of a snowy day, capturing the wonder and joy of childhood through vibrant illustrations.

(By Ruth Robbins) A Russian Christmas folktale about an old woman who searches for the Christ child, showing themes of generosity and faith.

(By Simms Taback) A clever story about resourcefulness, where Joseph continuously repurposes his worn-out coat into something new, teaching children about sustainability.

(By David Wiesner) Flotsam by David Wiesner is a wordless picture book about a boy who finds an old underwater camera washed ashore. As he develops the film, he discovers a world of strange and magical sea creatures. The book\’s intricate, detailed illustrations tell an imaginative story, allowing children to interpret the narrative and create their own meaning. It\’s a beautiful exploration of curiosity and the mysteries of the ocean.

(By Andrea Wang) A deeply personal story about a Chinese American girl who struggles with her heritage until she learns the significance of her family’s traditions.

(By Margaret Wise Brown) A poetic exploration of nature’s beauty, following the changing seasons on a small island and its connection to the world beyond.

(By Lynd Ward) A young boy brings home a bear cub, not realizing it will grow into a full-sized, mischievous bear, leading to a heartfelt adventure about responsibility.

(By Rachel Field) A gentle bedtime prayer, expressing gratitude and comfort for the simple blessings of a child’s world.

(By Harve Zemach) A lively Cornish folktale about a clever girl who makes a deal with the devil and must outwit him before he takes her soul.

(By Robert McCloskey) A lyrical tribute to summer on the Maine coast, capturing childhood adventures and the bittersweet passage of time.

(By Arthur Ransome) A humorous and whimsical Russian folktale about a simple young man who wins a princess’s hand with the help of unusual companions.

(By Javaka Steptoe) A vibrant biography of Jean-Michel Basquiat, capturing his journey from childhood to becoming a groundbreaking artist.

(By Arnold Lobel) A collection of short fables, each with a witty twist and a moral lesson, accompanied by charming illustrations. A Newbery Honor book.

(By Beatrice Schenk de Regniers) A charming story about a boy who brings unusual animal guests to tea with the king and queen.

(By Marcia Brown) A fable about a tiny mouse who is magically transformed into larger and more powerful creatures, only to learn a lesson about humility.

(By David Wiesner) A creative and unexpected twist on the classic fairy tale, where the pigs escape their story’s boundaries and explore other stories in a meta-adventure.

(By Matthew Cordell) A wordless picture book about a lost girl and a lost wolf pup who help each other find their way home in a snowstorm.

(By Virginia Lee Burton) The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton tells the story of a small house in the country that eventually becomes surrounded by a growing city. The book showcases themes of change, urbanization, and nostalgia, as the little house longs to return to its peaceful countryside origins. Its detailed illustrations and poignant narrative make it a timeless story about the passage of time and the importance of place.

(By Jacob Grimm) A classic fairy tale about a girl locked in a tower, featuring themes of love, bravery, and the power of resilience.

(By Jacobus Revius) A poetic retelling of the biblical story, brought to life with stunning illustrations.

(By Paul Goble) A Native American tale about a girl who finds freedom and belonging among wild horses.

(By Alvin Tresselt) A gentle story about a snowfall transforming a town, capturing the peacefulness of winter.

(By Vashti Harrison) A beautifully illustrated story about a girl who grows up feeling out of place but learns to embrace her own strength and identity.

(By David Wisniewski) A striking retelling of the Jewish legend of the Golem, a mystical clay figure created to protect the oppressed, brought to life through intricate cut-paper illustrations.

(By David Macaulay) A cleverly structured book with four separate stories that intertwine in unexpected ways, challenging readers to think about perspective and storytelling.

(By Kevin Henkes) A simple yet beautifully illustrated story of a curious kitten who mistakes the moon for a bowl of milk, teaching perseverance and wonder.

(By William Lipkind) A delightful tale about two dogs who find a bone and argue over who gets to keep it, teaching lessons about sharing and fairness.

(By Marie Hall Ets) A beautifully illustrated story that follows a young girl’s excitement as she prepares for her first posada, a traditional Mexican Christmas celebration.

(By Susan Marie Swanson) A poetic bedtime story that takes readers on a dreamlike journey through a night filled with light and wonder.

(By Carole Lindstrom) A lyrical, visually stunning story inspired by Indigenous-led environmental movements, encouraging the protection of Earth’s water.

(By Dan Santat) A heartfelt story about an imaginary friend who embarks on a journey to find the child who will imagine him.

(By Arlene Mosel) A humorous Japanese folktale about a woman who accidentally falls into an underground world and must use her wits to escape.

(By Marcia Brown) A timeless retelling of the classic fairy tale, brought to life with elegant illustrations that highlight the magic and romance of the story.

(By Norton Juster) A celebration of childhood imagination and the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren, seen through a magical window.

(By Ed Young) A darker, beautifully illustrated retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, where three clever siblings outsmart a dangerous wolf.

(By Maurice Sendak) Maurice Sendak’s groundbreaking picture book follows Max, a mischievous boy who is sent to bed without supper and journeys to an island of wild creatures. Crowned their king, Max eventually realizes the importance of home and love. With its dreamlike illustrations and deep emotional themes, the book remains a masterpiece of children’s literature.

(By Robert Lawson) A biographical picture book that follows the author’s ancestors, celebrating their strength, perseverance, and contributions to American history.

(By Brian Selznick) A unique blend of novel and graphic storytelling, this book follows Hugo, an orphan who lives in a train station, as he uncovers a mystery tied to an old automaton.

(By Katherine Milhous) A beautifully illustrated Easter story about a Pennsylvania Dutch family’s tradition of decorating eggs, inspiring a young girl to create her own.

(By David Wiesner) Tuesday by David Wiesner is a wordless picture book that tells the story of frogs who unexpectedly begin flying on lily pads, creating a surreal adventure. As the frogs explore the world above, strange events unfold, offering readers a chance to interpret the story in their own way. The book\’s stunning illustrations and unique storytelling style make it a captivating and imaginative experience for all ages.

(By Alice Provensen) A historical picture book about Louis Bleriot’s daring flight across the English Channel, capturing the wonder of early aviation.

(By Philip C. Stead) A sweet tale of kindness and friendship, where a zookeeper’s animal friends take care of him when he falls ill.

(By Jane Yolen) Owl Moon by Jane Yolen is a beautifully poetic story about a young girl and her father who go owling on a cold winter night. With lyrical text and John Schoenherr’s stunning watercolor illustrations, this book captures the quiet wonder of nature, the bond between parent and child, and the magic of nighttime adventures. It’s a calming, reflective read that introduces children to patience, observation, and the beauty of the natural world.

(By Barbara Cooney) A classic adaptation of a tale from Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, featuring a proud rooster who must outwit a cunning fox.