2026 Caldecott & Newbery Winners
- 01/26/2026
- 19:58
- maureen
Every year, the American Library Association honors the best in children’s literature with the Newbery Medal for outstanding writing and the Caldecott Medal for exceptional illustration. For nearly a century, these awards have celebrated books that captivate, inspire, and enrich the lives of young readers.
The 2026 winners have just been announced!
John Newbery Medal – Best in Children’s Literature
WINNER: All the Blues in the Sky, written by Renée Watson, is the 2026 Newbery Medal winner. This award-winning novel uses verse and prose to explore friendship, loss, and life, amidst grief. Watson expertly crafts the story of a girl’s journey to heal, grow, and most importantly, forgive herself.
Newbery Honor Award Winners:
- The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli – Karina Yan Glaser (Author/Illustrator)
- A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez – María Dolores Águila (Author)
- The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II Story – Daniel Nayeri (Author)
- The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest – Aubrey Hartman (Author), Marcin Minor (Illustrator)
Randolph Caldecott Medal – Best Picture Book Illustrations
WINNER: Fireworks illustrated by Cátia Chien, written by Matthew Burgess. Chein’s illustrations will enthrall young and old readers alike with the joys and magic of the Fourth of July. This wonderful book with vibrant, immersive art is sure to become a summertime classic.
Caldecott Honor Award winners:
- Every Monday Mabel – Jashar Awan (Author, Illustrator)
- Our Lake – Angie Kang (Author, Illustrator)
- Stalactite & Stalagmite: A Big Tale from a Little Cave – Drew Beckmeyer (Author, Illustrator)
- Sundust – Zeke Peña (Author, Illustrator)