Caldecott Award Winning Illustrated Children's Books: 2020-2029

2024 WINNER: Written and illustrated by Vashti Harrison. Published by Puffin.

This deeply moving story shares valuable lessons about fitting in, standing out, and the beauty of joyful acceptance from an award-winning creator. The first picture book written and illustrated by award-winning creator Vashti Harrison traces a child's journey to self-love and shows the power of words to both hurt and heal. With spare text and exquisite illustrations, this emotional exploration of being big in a world that prizes small is a tender portrayal of how you can stand out and feel invisible at the same time.

2023 WINNER: Written and illustrated by Doug Salati. Published by Alfred A. Knopf

This hot dog has had enough of summer in the city! Enough of sizzling sidewalks, enough of wailing sirens, enough of people's feet right in his face. When he plops down in the middle of a crosswalk, his owner endeavors to get him the breath of fresh air he needs. She hails a taxi, hops a train, and ferries out to the beach. Here, a pup can run! With fluid art and lyrical text that have the soothing effect of waves on sand, award-winning author Doug Salati shows us how to find calm and carry it back with us so we can appreciate the small joys in a day.

2022 WINNER: Written by Andrea Wang; illustrated by Jason Chin. Published by Holiday House

APALA Award Winner A story about the power of sharing memories--including the painful ones- and the way our heritage stays with and shapes us, even when we don't see it. Embarrassed about gathering watercress from a roadside ditch, a girl learns to appreciate her Chinese heritage after learning why the plant is so important to her parents.

2021 WINNER: Written by Carole Lindstrom; illustrated by Michaela Goade. Published by Roaring Brook.

Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America,We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption--a bold and lyrical picture book. Water is the first medicine. It affects and connects us all . . . When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth And poison her people's water, one young water protector Takes a stand to defend Earth's most sacred resource.

2020 WINNER: Written by Kwame Alexander; illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Published by Versify.

An ode to black American triumph and tribulation. Originally performed for ESPN's The Undefeated, this poem is a love letter to black life in the United States. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world's greatest heroes.

Also the 2020 winner of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award and a Newberry Finalist.