The Randolph Caldecott Medal annually recognizes the preceding year’s “most distinguished American picture book for children”, beginning with 1937 publications.

Last summer on our frequent trips to the library I decided that we’d try to read every Caldecott Medal winner on the list. It was perfect for bedtime stories and a family summer reading goal.  Truth be told, it took us a little longer than a summer between travel and trips to the library, but we completed each one and found so many new storybooks and illustrators that we love.

We made it a point to read about each illustrator and author and to talk about the different style that each book was illustrated with. One of our favorites is “A Sick Day for Amos McGee” illustrated by Erin Stead. The illustrations were created by hand using woodblock printing techniques and pencil. This book was the first that she illustrated and it won the Caldecott Medal in 2011.

Other Favorites:

• Flotsam
• Joseph Had a Little Overcoat
• Golem
• Grandfather’s Journey
• Lon Po Po: A Red Riding Hood Story from China
• Duffy and the Devil
• Sam Bangs and Moonshine
• Where the Wild Things Are
• Cinderella and the Little Glass Slipper
• The Man Who Walked Between the Towers
• The Glorious Flight

Want to read the Caldecott list with your family? We’ve made you a handy little printable to help you blaze through the titles. Just color the spine of each book you finish and before you know it you’ll have read the entire list!

DOWNLOAD THE UPDATED PRINTABLE HERE (Updated in 2017!)

DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE PRINTABLE HERE