Happy Picture Book Month!
Since 1938, the Caldecott Medal has been awarded every year by the American Library Association to the “artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.” We Are Water Protectors, illustrated by Michaela Goade and written by Carole Lindstrom, was the Caldecott winner in 2021. The entire Caldecott collection can be found here.
The Caldecott Medal is named for English illustrator Randolph Caldecott (1846-1886). Caldecott is credited with originating the modern picture book by using his colorful illustrations to help tell the story rather than simply reflect the written words. Created by Rene Paul Chambellan in 1937, the bronze medal’s design is based on one of Randolph Caldecott’s illustrations for The Diverting History of John Gilpin. It features the image of a man riding a runaway horse surrounded by geese, dogs and children.
To celebrate Picture Book Month, enjoy some of these gorgeous nonfiction picture books illustrated by Christian Robinson, Josh Cochran, Shane W. Evans, Floyd Cooper, Peter Sís, Yuval Zommer, Sylvia Long, Frané Lessac, Evan Turk, Luisa Uribe, Teresa Martinez, Kadir Nelson, Marta Álvarez Miguéns, Chris Sasaki, and Sarah S. Brannen.
Nina: A Story of Nina Simone
by Traci Todd
Drawing on Walls: A Story of Keith Haring
by Matthew Burgess
Hosea Plays on
by Kathleen M Blasi
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre
by Carole Boston Weatherford
The Big Book of Blooms (Big Book)
by Yuval Zommer
A Nest Is Noisy (Aston/Long Nature Books)
by Dianna Hutts Aston
We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know
by Traci Sorell
The People's Painter: How Ben Shahn Fought for Justice with Art
by Cynthia Levinson
Areli Is a Dreamer
by Areli Morales
Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma
by Joanna Ho
The Undefeated
by Kwame Alexander
Summertime Sleepers: Animals That Estivate
by Melissa Stewart
