The Best of the Best Caldecott Award Picture Books

There is no denying it.  I love books!  Previously I gave you the Best Newbery (juvenile/children's) Award Books and The Best Printz (YA/Teen) Award Books book lists.

On Monday, February 2nd they will announce the various book awards for this year.  I can't wait!  

I love reading all of the award books.  I have a deep love for the awesome Caldecott books b/c they are picture books.  I especially love a great picture book, and these 19 picture books are the best of the best.  They all have amazing pictures/illustrations (b/c that is what the Caldecott awards), but the story/content is great as well.  

These 19 picture books are fabulous for lessons, there's a book with a great lesson for every grade and subject (mostly), and they are books every library should have.  Personally, I think every home library would greatly benefit from having these books.  

The 19 Very Best Caldecott Award Picture Books

Creepy Carrots! Illustrated by Peter Brown, Written by Aaron Reynolds 

Honor book in 2013.

Best for Toddler through 4th grade. 

For my thoughts/review click here. 

Extra Yarn illustrated by Jon Klassen, written by Mac Barnett 

Honor book in 2013.

Best for Preschool through 3rd grade. 

For my thoughts/review click here. 

Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein 

Honor book in 2011.

Best for Preschool through 3rd grade. 

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick 

Medal Winner in 2008.

Best for 3rd grade and up.  

This is a chapter book with A LOT of pictures (hence winning the award).  Third graders LOVE checking this book out.  

         

Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad Illustrated by Kadir Nelson, Written by Ellen Levine  

Honor book in 2008. 

Best for 3rd through 5th grade. 

This would make a great lesson for 5th graders learning US History. 

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems. 

Honor book in 2005

Best for toddlers through 2nd grade. 

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein 

Medal Winner in 2004.

Best for 3rd grade and up. 

It is a bit wordy of a book, but there are loads of history and science lessons possible with this book.  

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

Honor book in 2004.

Best for Toddlers through 3rd grade. 

A simple but hilariously funny book.  This makes a great read aloud. 

My Friend Rabbit by Eric Rohmann 

Medal Winner in 2003. 

Best for toddlers through 3rd grade. 

The Spider and the Fly by Tony DiTerlizzi and illustrated by Mary Howitt 

Honor book in 2003 

Best for 1st-4th grade. 

Click,Clack, Moo: Cows that Type illustrated by Betsy Lewin, Written by Doreen Cronin

Honor book in 2001

Best for Toddlers through 3rd grade. 

Olivia by Ian Falconer 

Honor book in 2001

Best for Preschool through 3rd grade. 

Snowflake Bentley Illustrated by Mary Azarian, Written by Jacqueline Briggs Martin 

Medal Winner in 1999.

This nonfiction book is a bit wordy and long, but perfect for 4th grade and up.  

This would make a great science lesson on weather/snowflakes 

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales Illustrated by Lane Smith; text: Jon Scieszka 

Honor book in 1993.

Best for 3rd grade and up.
Absolutely hilarious, and a great read aloud book, and 6 Traits Ideas writing lesson. 

Alphabatics by Suse MacDonald  

Honor book in 1987. 

Best for Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Kindergartners. 

A great alphabet concept book for preschool teachers to use to teach letters, but art teachers could have students of all grades attempt to create artwork of the same idea. 

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg 

Medal Winner in 1986. 

Best for Kindergarten through 3rd grade. 

A great holiday Christmas book that has been made into a movie. 

The Relatives Came, illustrated by Stephen Gammell; written by Cynthia Rylant  

Honor book in1986

Best for Kindergarten through 4th grade. 

This book is perfect for so many various writing lessons. 

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears Illustrated by Leo & Diane Dillon, Retold by Verna Aardema 

Medal Winner in 1976

Best for Kindergarten through 6th grade.

The younger grades will love the "Why" story, and the older grades will as well.  Teachers of all ages could use this for a simple writing prompt, 6 traits Ideas lesson, or a complete writing process idea. 

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak 

Medal Winner in 1964

Best for Toddlers through 3rd grade. 

A classic fun story. 

Have you read all of these awesome picture books?   There are 19 great ones here, and they'd look really good in your collection. 

Happy Awesome Caldecott Award Picture Book reading!