Living Canon

Caldecott Medal 1968: Complete list of winners

The 1968 Caldecott Medal, one of the most prestigious awards in children’s literature, celebrated a striking achievement in illustrated picture books that year. Ed Emberley’s Drummer Hoff took home the top honor, earning recognition from the American Library Association for its distinctive artistry and inventive storytelling. The book’s bold, rhythmic text paired with Emberley’s innovative collage-style illustrations made it stand out as a masterwork of visual narrative designed specifically for young readers.

Drummer Hoff represents a pivotal moment in Caldecott Medal history, as Emberley’s experimental approach to illustration—layering vibrant, geometric shapes and patterns—brought a modernist sensibility to children’s books at a time when the field was evolving rapidly. The story itself, rooted in a traditional cumulative folk rhyme structure, gave Emberley the perfect framework to showcase how visual design could amplify rhythm and humor in ways that engaged both children and adult readers. This year’s Caldecott Medal winner demonstrated that picture books could be intellectually engaging while remaining joyfully accessible.

The recognition of Drummer Hoff highlighted the Caldecott Medal’s ongoing commitment to honoring innovation in children’s book illustration. Below, you’ll find the complete list of winners and honor books from this significant year in the award’s history.

Picture Books