Caldecott Book Awards 2026
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Books have the extraordinary ability to comfort, inspire, and spark imagination—creating meaningful moments between children and the adults who read with them. Each year, the Randolph Caldecott Medal celebrates the most distinguished American picture book for children, honoring artists whose illustrations elevate storytelling to unforgettable heights. Join us as we spotlight the 2026 Caldecott Medal winner and honor books that have captured hearts and imaginations alike…
Caldecott Medal Winner
Every Monday Mabel by Jashar Awan
In Every Monday Mabel, Jashar Awan delivers a tender and beautifully observed story about a young girl named Mabel and her weekly subway rides with her father. What begins as a simple Monday routine unfolds into a touching portrait of love, community, and small but meaningful acts of kindness. Awan’s warm, expressive illustrations capture the quiet magic of everyday life, using light, color, and subtle details to evoke the emotional richness of shared moments. The result is a gentle yet powerful reminder that even ordinary days can hold extraordinary meaning.
Caldecott Honor Books
Our Lake by Angie Kang
Our Lake is a lyrical and visually immersive story about family, memory, and the passing of time. Through evocative artwork and heartfelt storytelling, Angie Kang explores the deep emotional connection between a child and a beloved natural space. The illustrations move fluidly between past and present, using layered textures and shifting perspectives to reflect how memories shape our understanding of home and belonging. It is a quiet, reflective book that lingers long after the final page.
Stalactite & Stalagmite: A Big Tale from a Little Cave by Drew Beckmeyer
With humor, clever wordplay, and imaginative design, Drew Beckmeyer brings science and storytelling together in Stalactite & Stalagmite. This playful tale follows two cave formations as they slowly grow toward one another over centuries. Beckmeyer’s inventive illustrations transform geological processes into engaging characters, making complex natural phenomena accessible and entertaining for young readers. The book balances educational content with charm and creativity, proving that even the slowest stories can sparkle with life.
Sundust by Zeke Peña
In Sundust, Zeke Peña crafts a luminous story about imagination, grief, and resilience. When a young girl confronts loss, she finds solace and strength in nature and creativity. Peña’s bold, textured illustrations radiate warmth and movement, blending realism with dreamlike elements that mirror the emotional journey of the story. The artwork carries a quiet intensity, inviting readers to explore themes of healing, connection, and hope through a deeply personal lens.
Add these 2026 Caldecott Medal and Honor books to your reading list and experience the beauty of storytelling through art.
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Jann Fujimoto, MS CCC-SLP is an avid reader and looks forward to the announcement of the Newbery Medal each January. She’s a speech-language pathologist and owner of SpeechWorks. SpeechWorks helps children become confidence communicators and provides in-person and online speech therapy services.