Caldecott Medal 1962: Complete list of winners

The 1962 Caldecott Medal honored one of children’s literature’s most versatile and accomplished illustrators: Marcia Brown, who won for her picture book Once a Mouse. Brown’s win that year cemented her status as a master of the form, bringing her signature artistic innovation to a retelling of an Indian fable about a mouse rescued by a hermit. The Caldecott Medal, awarded annually by the American Library Association to the artist of the most distinguished picture book for children published in the United States, has long championed the craft of illustration, and Brown’s achievement was particularly significant given her ability to work across multiple artistic styles and mediums throughout her career.

What made Brown’s 1962 victory noteworthy was the timeless quality of her interpretation—she captured the moral essence of the ancient tale while creating illustrations that felt both culturally authentic and universally accessible to young readers. The Caldecott Medal award in 1962 reflected the committee’s ongoing commitment to recognizing works that combined literary merit with exceptional visual artistry, a balance that Brown achieved with remarkable grace. Her win added to her already impressive collection of accolades and influenced how picture books would be illustrated for generations to come.

Below, you’ll find the complete details about the 1962 Caldecott Medal winner and what made this year’s selection a landmark moment in children’s literature.

Picture Books

• Once a Mouse by Marcia Brown