Living Canon

Caldecott Medal 1970: Complete list of winners

The 1970 Caldecott Medal, one of the most prestigious awards in children’s literature, recognized William Steig’s Sylvester and the Magic Pebble as the year’s most distinguished picture book. Steig’s luminous watercolors and charming narrative about a young donkey who discovers a magical pebble that grants wishes captured the hearts of both the award committee and generations of readers since. The Caldecott Medal, presented annually by the American Library Association to the artist of the most outstanding American picture book for children, had once again identified a work that would become a cornerstone of children’s literature—a book that seamlessly blends whimsy, heart, and breathtaking visual artistry.

What makes Steig’s win particularly significant is how Sylvester and the Magic Pebble demonstrates the power of picture books to explore complex emotions through deceptively simple stories. Beneath its fantastical premise lies a touching meditation on family, love, and the things we truly value in life. The 1970 Caldecott Medal winner remains a testament to Steig’s extraordinary talent as both writer and illustrator, proving that the best children’s books are those that speak authentically to young readers while maintaining artistic integrity. Below, you’ll find the complete details of this year’s honorees and what made them stand out in the eyes of the Caldecott committee.

Picture Books