THE POWER OF BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATIONS: HONORING THE CALDECOTT AWARD
When you see a Caldecott medal shining off the cover of a book, you know it’ll be a good read. And you especially know it’ll have some amazing illustrations. This award is such a great indicator of quality children’s books. Some of my favorite books are Caldecott winners, and I want to share with you some of the best Caldecott award-winning books for young children, and also talk about why beautiful illustrations are so important for the young mind.
The power of illustration is strong. Illustrations are such an important part of children’s books. They help the story come alive by giving the reader a clear visual of what is happening in the story. Good illustrations can spark the imagination and encourage the reader to think deeper and more creatively.
Illustrations are especially important for younger children who are just learning the language. It helps the child follow along as they listen to the rhythm and flow of the words and connect those words to images. Kids love the sound of their parent’s voice, and just reading out-loud to your child is a wonderful thing. And it’s a wonderful thing that’s made even more special with beautiful illustrations that engage the child and provide for a more sensory experience.
Every year in January the American Library Association (ALA) announces the winners for the best books published the previous year. The Newberry, Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, and Geisel awards are a sampling of the medals given to the best children’s books of the year.
The Caldecott Medal is awarded in recognition of the most distinguished American picture book for children. The award panel is comprised of select librarians and other literature and media experts to round up and judge the most visually stunning children’s books.
The ALA website has a list of all past years winners and is a great resource for children’s book recommendations. You can also search for past winners of other awards given by the ALA.
2021 award winner
The 2021 Caldecott award winner was We Are Water Protectors, illustrated by Michaela Goade and written by Carole Lindstrom. Keep an eye out for Caldecott Honor books as well (these are the runners up and also extremely good!).
2020 award winner
The 2020 Caldecott award winner was The Undefeated, illustrated by Kadir Nelson and written by Kwame Alexander.
2019 award winner
The 2019 Caldecott award winner was Hello Lighthouse, written and illustrated by Sophie Blackhall. My particular favorite honor book of 2019 is A Big Mooncake for Little Star, written and illustrated by Grace Lin. It’s an origin story about the phases of the moon, centered around the yummy mooncake Little Star bakes with her mother.
my favorite Caldecott books of all time
The Caldecott award has been presented since 1938. So it’s been around for a long time! I’m not familiar with most of the older books but am excited to read them at some point. My personal favorite Caldecott award-winning books of all time are below:
Owl Moon
Written by Jane Yolen & Illustrated by John Schoenherr
I’m a sucker for anything watercolor. I just think it’s so pretty! I also love that this book features a father and daughter.
The Polar Express
Written & Illustrated by Chris van Allsburg
What a great book! Dark and rich and snowy. (Although I watched the movie for the first time this Christmas and it was terrifying.)
Saint George and the Dragon
Written by Margaret Hodges & Illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
This was my little brother’s favorite book as a kid. He loved knights and dragons. I love how realistic the drawings are, and how each page has a detailed border illustration. You could stare at the pictures forever and still find tiny nuances.
Caldecott Award Winners of the Past Decade
2019
Written & Illustrated by Sophie Blackall
2018
Written & Illustrated by Matthew Cordell
2017
Written & Illustrated by Javaka Steptoe
2016
Written by Lindsay Mattick & Illustrated by Sophie Blackall
2015
Written & Illustrated by Dan Santat
2014
Written & Illustrated by Brian Floca
2013
Written & Illustrated by Jon Klassen
2012
Written & Illustrated by Chris Raschka
2011
Written by Philip C. Stead & Illustrated by Erin E. Stead
2010
Written & Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
A beautifully illustrated children’s book is a wonderful addition to your home library. A picture can be worth a thousand words, especially to a child. So check out the books above and see if you and your child love them as much as the industry experts do!
Look for the 2022 Caldecott Award Winners to be announced next January. I’ll do a follow-up post reviewing the winner and runners up. As always, thanks for stopping by 🙂
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