Caldecott Medal Predictions 2025

The Caldecott Medal winner will be revealed on January 27th, 2025. Each year, I compile my own list of potential contenders. While I haven’t read as many books as the committee, I’ve selected 15 titles I believe are strong candidates. These books are listed in alphabetical order, and at the end of this post, I’ll share my top three picks for the Caldecott Medal. Don’t forget to explore my other Caldecott blog posts for more insights!

Being Home by Traci Sorrell

This book portrays the journey of a young Cherokee girl and her mother as they return to their homeland. As she prepares for the road trip, she draws the different landscapes she sees out her window. She is excited for the journey to end so she can be with her family and start life in a different home. The illustrations enhance the narrative with vivid depictions of landscapes and family life, creating a touching celebration of heritage and belonging.

Chooch Helped by Andrea Rogers

Sissy’s two-year old brother Chooch is constantly intruidng in family activities, often creating messes. Despite her frustration, the adults always say, “Chooch helped.” When Chooch disrupts Sissy’s clay pot project, she loses her temper, leading to a family discussion about patience and understanding. Sissy learns that Chooch’s involvement is his way of learning and connecting, and she begins to appreciate his efforts.

Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo

This almost wordless picture books tells the story of Jun who has moved to America from Hong Kong. She only knows a few words and she is terrified about going to school in a new country. She feels lost and alone at her new school. At lunch she opens her lunchbox to find her favorite foods. Her classmates notice the unique food she has in her lunchobx and they all share their food and soon become friends. he realizes that home isn’t as far away as she thought.

I’m Sorry You Got Mad by Klye Lukoff

Jack wants to apologize for hurting his friend’s feelings, but he can’t find the right words. His teacher tells him to write an apology letter. Jack struggles to find the right words, leading to multiple drafts and reflections on what it means to truly apologize. Through this process, he learns that a sincere apology goes beyond just saying “I’m sorry.”

In Praise of Mystery by Ada Limon

This book features Ada Limón’s poem, “In Praise of Mystery,” which is also etched on NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft. That poem, “In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa” launched to Jupiter and its moons on October 14, 2024. Reimagined as In Praise of Mystery, this luminous poem is illustrated by Peter Sís.

Joyful Song: a Naming Story by Leslea Newman

Zachary is excited about his baby sister’s first Shabbat and her naming ceremony. As the family walks to the synagogue, they meet various neighbors who ask about the baby’s name. Zachary wants to share, but he knows the name will be revealed during the ceremony. Zachary invites each neighbor to come to the ceremony. A colorful parade follows the family as they make thier way to the ceremony.

Jump for Joy by Karen Ruelle

Joy has always wanted a dog, any kind of dog. She makes dogs out of snow, seashells or anything else she can find. Unfortunately, all the dogs she makes go away. Little does Joy know that the dog she has always wanted is just around the corner.

Just Like Millie by Laruen Castillo

A young girl and her mother move to a new city. The child feels happily plays by herself while her mother works from home. When her mother suggests going to the park to meet new friends, the girl feels overwhelmed and prefers to stay inside. However, after meeting Millie, a friendly dog, she gains the confidence to explore her new surroundings and eventually makes new friends.

The Last Stand by Antwan Eady

A little boy is excited to work with his Papa as they collect eggs, plums, peppers and pumpkins to sell at their farmer’s market stand, but when Papa cannot make it to the stand, his community gathers around him, with dishes made of his own produce.

The Last Zookeeper by Aaron Becker

This wordless picture book takes place after the Earth has flooded. There is nothing left except builidngs. Peeking out from the flood are the remains of a zoo, home to rare and endangered animals. NOA is a construction robot who’s found new purpose as the caretaker of the zoo’s animals. Bracing for the next storm, NOA builds an ark from the wreckage to search for a new land and, only to discover something even more profound.

The Mochi Makers bby Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson

A girl and her grandmother spend the day making mochi, a recipe that has been passed down in their family. Grandmother brought the recipe with her when she came to America from Japan. And Emi will be the next mochi maker in the family

The Table by Winsome Bingham

For years, a mining family’s life centers around their table—a place for meals, reading, sewing, laughter, and managing household bills. But Appalachia is changing and the family must move on and leave their table behind. Another family finds the table and the new family gathers around it, using it for meals, work, and shared laughter.

Time to Make Art by Jeff Mack

A little girl begins asking questions about creating art. Her questions are answered by a diverse group of artists throughout time and history: from the earliest cave painters to the most recent digital illustrators. This book introduces readers to diverse works from every era and continent in an inspiring way.

Ursula Upside Down by Corey Tabor

Ursula is a catfish happily swiming through a river of weeds above and a sky full of bugs below. Then one question turns her world upside down. Is left right? Is right wrong? Which way even is up?

The Yellow Bus by Loren Long

There is a bright yellow bus who spends her days driving. She loves carrying children from one important place to another. Every morning they climb in… Pitter-patter, pitter-patter, giggle, giggle-patter. And they fill her with joy. As time passes, things change. The Yellow Bus gets a new driver, a new route, and new passengers, young and old. Until one day the driving stops for good, and the Yellow Bus is left on her own. And yet, no matter where she is, the Yellow Bus still finds joy and discovery in the world around her.

My Predictions

• The Yellow Bus
• Home in a Lunchbox
• Joyful Song

What books do you think should win the Caldecott? Leave a comment and let us know.