Randolph Caldecott MedalFireworksMatthew Burgess, illustrated by Cátia ChienIn “Fireworks,” two children navigate a sweltering city summer day as the book’s sensory-rich illustrations and percussive prose transform ordinary urban sights into moments of shared joy. From spraying hydrants to pulsing street rhythms, the day builds toward a stunning fireworks finale that lifts childhood wonder skyward.All readersATOS Book Level 3.5AR Interest Level LG K-3View book detailsRandolph Caldecott Medal and Honor Books 2026
The 2026 edition includes 4 Caldecott Honor Books and 1 Randolph Caldecott Medal recipient. It records one year of the Caldecott program for distinguished American picture-book illustration. The award centers on artistic technique and how the pictures convey story, theme, character, setting, mood, or information.
2026 Randolph Caldecott Medal and Honor BooksSee the original list
Selections5
Published byAssociation for Library Service to Children (ALA)
SectionsAll readers
All readers
5 selections
Randolph Caldecott MedalFireworksMatthew Burgess, illustrated by Cátia ChienIn “Fireworks,” two children navigate a sweltering city summer day as the book’s sensory-rich illustrations and percussive prose transform ordinary urban sights into moments of shared joy. From spraying hydrants to pulsing street rhythms, the day builds toward a stunning fireworks finale that lifts childhood wonder skyward.All readersATOS Book Level 3.5AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
Caldecott Honor BookEvery Monday MabelJashar Awan, illustrated by Jashar AwanMabel considers Monday the week’s best day because the neighborhood garbage truck arrives. She wakes early, moves a chair from her bedroom to the top of the driveway, and waits for it. Her family members do not share her enthusiasm, but Mabel stays patient until she hears the truck’s rumble and horn. Watching it lift the trash can brings her deep satisfaction.All readersATOS Book Level 1.9AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
Caldecott Honor BookOur LakeAngie Kang, illustrated by Angie KangTwo brothers return to a lake that holds memories of their father. The younger brother follows his older sibling up a rocky path to a bluff above the water and copies his warm-up motions, but hesitates at the edge. After his brother dives and calls encouragement from below, the younger boy remembers his father’s joyful dives. He then enters the lake himself, while his brother cheers from the water.All readersATOS Book Level 2.3AR Interest Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Caldecott Honor BookStalactite & Stalagmite: A Big Tale from a Little CaveDrew Beckmeyer, illustrated by Drew BeckmeyerStalactite and Stalagmite are two cave formations who narrate their long existence together. Over millions of years, they watch creatures pass through their cave, including trilobites, ichthyostega, triceratops, ground sloths, and bats. As time moves on, the two rock formations continue to grow toward one another. Their story combines the changing history of life in and around the cave with the enduring companionship of two formations.All readersATOS Book Level 3.0AR Interest Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Caldecott Honor BookSundustZeke Peña, illustrated by Zeke PeñaTwo siblings follow a shimmering trail of sundust beyond a rock wall and into a vast desert. There they climb old nopal trees, examine empty turtle shells, and encounter a colibrí that offers an unexpected ride. Their exploration moves between the desert’s living details and their own imagining as they consider the Sun’s power. Poetic text frames the landscape as a place of wonder, curiosity, and connection.All readersATOS Book Level 2.9AR Interest Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details