1. The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson, illustrated by Beth Krommes
Ages 3-6

This cozy nighttime story for young children won the Caldecott in 2009. With poetic text—"In the house burns a light, In that light rests a bed"—and gorgeous black, white and gold scratch-board illustrations, it's a fitting end to any day. Find it at NYPL or buy it on amazon.

2. My Friend Rabbit by Eric Rohmann
Ages 4-6

Rohmann’s expressive animal illustrations beautifully complement this giggle-inducing tale about a bunny who means well but always gets into trouble. The book won the Caldecott in 2003. Find it at NYPL or buy it on amazon.

3. Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback
Ages 3-6

Taback’s distinctive, colorful, cut-out illustrations are on fabulous display in this 2000 Caldecott winner about making something from nothing. Find it at NYPL or buy it on amazon.

4. Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, illustrated by Mary Azarian
Ages 5-8

Detailed, water-colored woodcuts illustrate this 1999 Caldecott winner about the real-life Wilson Bentley. Fascinated by snowflakes as a Vermont farm boy in the late 1800s, he went on to pioneer the scientific study of ice crystals, developing a technique to photograph snowflakes using a camera and microscope. Find it at NYPL or buy it on amazon.

5. Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann
Ages 4-6
Officer Buckle’s boring school safety lectures get a much needed (and hilarious) boost when police dog Gloria joins in. The cartoon-style illustrations, accompanied by lots of safety tips, are perfect for this funny tale, which won the Caldecott in 1996. Find it at NYPL or buy it on amazon.

6. Fables by Arnold Lobel
Ages 6-8
For this 1981 Caldecott winner, Lobel created 20 new fables, each accompanied by a vividly detailed illustration. From "The Baboon’s Umbrella" to "The Hippopotamus at Dinner," this collection has something to amuse everyone. Find it at NYPL or buy it on amazon.

7. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
Ages 4-8

A tender story of a young donkey who, upon finding a wish-granting pebble, accidentally turns himself into a rock and can’t change back. Love, loss, worry, hope and a triumphant ending are all packed into this 1970 Caldecott winner. Find it at NYPL or buy it on amazon.

8. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Ages 2-6

The tale of Max's adventures with the "wild things" took home the 1964 Caldecott and is one of the most highly acclaimed picture books ever. Take one look at the wonder-filled illustrations, and you’ll know why. Find it at NYPL or buy it on amazon.

9. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Ages 5-8

Keats' watercolors and collages perfectly illustrate the magic that children experience on a snowy day. 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of this gentle story, which won the Caldecott in 1963. Through January 29, you can view the original illustrations and learn about the author-illustrator's life in the Jewish Museum's wonderful retrospective. Another distinction of The Snowy Day: It was the first children's book published in the U.S. to feature an African-American main character. Find it at NYPL or buy it on amazon.

10. Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
Ages 4-8

Mr. and Mrs. Mallard raise their ducklings right in the middle of Boston in this truly timeless classic, which won the Caldecott Medal in 1942. Find it at NYPL or buy it on amazon.
 

You can find a complete list of all the Caldecott Medal winners on the American Library Association's website.

Read about some of our other favorite children's books.

Thanks to The New York Public Library for providing this book list. You can find all of these titles at the library.