2025 Randolph Caldecott Medal Contenders | PreK-12 Books & Hands-on Learning | Free Resources & PDF Tool

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2025 Randolph Caldecott Medal Contenders

The Randolph Caldecott Medal is given to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children published in the United States. The award is named after the 19th-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott, known for his colorful and lively children’s book illustrations.

The medal is one of the highest honors in children’s literature and focuses on excellence in visual storytelling. Winning books are selected for their artistic excellence, creativity, and the way illustrations complement and enhance the story. The Caldecott Medal encourages the creation of high-quality picture books that engage young readers, helping foster a love of books and reading from an early age.

Our expert certified librarians at Follett Content compile a list of contenders for Randolph Caldecott Medal. This list is available for educators to research, share, or download a PDF of the list with our free export options.

All Award Seals and images are owned and trademarked by the American Library Association (ALA). © 1996–2024 American Library Association 

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The Fastest Drummer : Clap Your Hands for Viola Smith!

By Robbins, Dean
Biography; Nonfiction
Upper Elementary
5 Professional reviews

My Daddy Is a Cowboy

By Seales, Stephanie
Fiction; Easy
Lower Elementary
4 Professional reviews

The Last Stand

By Eady, Antwan
Fiction; Easy
Lower Elementary
6 Professional reviews
Resources Available

Ursula Upside Down

By Tabor, Corey R
Fiction; Easy
Lower Elementary
5 Professional reviews

Two Together

By Wenzel, Brendan
Fiction; Easy
Lower Elementary
6 Professional reviews

Touch the Sky

By Lucianovic, Stephanie V. W
Fiction; Easy
Lower Elementary
3 Professional reviews

The Yellow Bus

By Long, Loren
Fiction; Easy
Lower Elementary
7 Professional reviews
Resources Available

The Spaceman

By Cecil, Randy
Fiction; Easy
Lower Elementary
5 Professional reviews

The Last Zookeeper

By Becker, Aaron
Fiction; Easy
Lower Elementary
6 Professional reviews

The House Before Falling Into the Sea

By Wang, Ann Suk
Fiction; Easy
Lower Elementary
4 Professional reviews

Spider in the Well

By Hannigan, Jess
Fiction; Easy
Lower Elementary
6 Professional reviews

Nothing : John Cage and 4' 33"

By Day, Nick
Nonfiction
Lower Elementary
4 Professional reviews

Jump for Joy

By Ruelle, Karen Gray
Fiction; Easy
Lower Elementary
4 Professional reviews

I'M Sorry You Got Mad

By Lukoff, Kyle
Fiction; Easy
Lower Elementary
4 Professional reviews

Home in a Lunchbox

By Mo, Cherry
Fiction; Easy
Lower Elementary
3 Professional reviews

Finding Things

By Henkes, Kevin
Fiction; Easy
Lower Elementary
5 Professional reviews

Dalmartian

By Cummins, Lucy Ruth
Fiction; Easy
Lower Elementary
3 Professional reviews

Being Home

By Sorell, Traci
Fiction; Easy
Lower Elementary
5 Professional reviews

Are You Big?

By Willems, Mo
Nonfiction
Lower Elementary
5 Professional reviews

Angela's Glacier

By Scott, Jordan
Fiction; Easy
Lower Elementary
6 Professional reviews

Ahoy!

By Blackall, Sophie
Fiction; Easy
Lower Elementary
7 Professional reviews

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This list has not been tailored based on budget, curriculum, or other specifications. We encourage you to review this list closely to ensure that it meets the needs of your school community before placing your order.