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Caldecott Medal Predictions 2026

As librarians and educators look ahead to the next awards season, I’ve gathered my personal predictions for the books that could rise to the top when the Caldecott Medal is announced on Monday, January 26, 2026. This watchlist reflects early buzz, standout illustration work, and the type of visual storytelling that often capture the committee’s attention. Think of it as a starting point for exploring the picture books generating excitement in the year ahead. Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. Tabor Crow is known for being cranky, brushing off every friendly greeting with a sharp “KAW.” But his grumpiness hides a surprising secret: Crow is actually on call for an important mission. When a red phone rings, he slips underground and into a hidden spaceship. His task? Save Earth from an incoming asteroid. Tabor’s expressive artwork and comedic timing give this humorous hero story both charm
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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
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Caldecott Medal 2024 Predictions

The Caldecott Medal award winner will be announced on January 22, 2024, which means it’s time for my predictions on which book will take home the top prize and who will be runner-up. The ALA awards are given out sometime in mid-January. Members of the Caldecott committee work hard all year to choose the book they think is deserving of this distinguished award. Members of the committee read thousands of picture books throughout the year. Then they must narrow their choices down to 7 titles each. Once they have this much smaller list, they spend hours debating about which book should receive the top honor. Every year I always come up with my own list of titles that I believe will be contenders. This year I have come up with 15 books that I believe should be on the list (although I have not read nearly as many as
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Caldecott Medal 2023 Predictions

The 2023 Caldecott Medal award winner will be announced January 30, 2023, which means it’s time for my predictions on which book will take home the top prize and who will be runner-up. The ALA awards will be given out sometime in mid-January. Members of the Caldecott committee work hard all year to choose the book they think is deserving of this distinguished award. Members of the committee read thousands of picture books throughout the year. Then they must narrow their choices down to 7 titles each. Once they have this much smaller list, they spend hours debating about which book should receive the top honor. Every year I always come up with my own list of titles that I believe will be contenders. This year I have come up with 15 books that I believe should be on the list (although I have not read nearly as many
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Caldecott Medal 2022 Predictions

The 2022 Caldecott Medal award winner will be announced in just a few weeks, which means it’s time for my predictions on which book will take home the top prize and who will be runner-up. The ALA awards will be given out sometime in mid-January. Members of the Caldecott committee work hard all year to choose the book they think is deserving of this distinguished award. Members of the committee read thousands of picture books throughout the year. Then they must narrow their choices down to 7 titles each. Once they have this much smaller list, they spend hours debating about which book should receive the top honor. Every year I always come up with my own list of titles that I believe will be contenders. This year I have come up with 15 books that I believe should be on the list (although I have not read nearly
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Back to School Books by Kevin Henkes

Are you searching for the perfect back-to-school read-alouds? Look no further than the works of Kevin Henkes—one of my all-time favorite children’s authors! Not only does he write with heart and humor, but he also illustrates his own books, bringing each story to life with charming, expressive characters. Kevin Henkes is a Caldecott Medal winner and Newbery Honor recipient, and it’s easy to see why. His stories often feature animal characters with very human emotions and experiences—something that young children deeply relate to. From navigating the first day of school to adjusting to a new sibling or coping with the loss of a grandparent, Henkes’ books tackle big feelings in a way that feels safe, gentle, and honest. Two of his books stand out as must-reads for back-to-school season: Chrysanthemum and Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. Both are beloved classics in primary classrooms and are ideal for launching conversations about
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Staying Cool in the Library is my blog, where I share my passion for fostering a love of reading with children. As a librarian, I believe reading should be fun and accessible to all students. That’s why I share engaging and interactive lesson plans, creative ways to build exciting library collections, and resources to inspire even the most reluctant readers in any classroom or library. Check out my blog posts and products in my store, and join my email list below.

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