Caldecott Medal 1972: Complete list of winners

The 1972 Caldecott Medal, America’s most prestigious award for children’s picture book illustration, went to Nonny Hogrogian for One Fine Day, a charming Armenian folktale that showcases her masterful use of line and composition. Hogrogian’s distinctive illustration style—characterized by delicate pen work and warm, earthy tones—brought the circular narrative of a fox seeking redemption to vivid life, earning her recognition during a pivotal moment in children’s literature when picture books were beginning to embrace more diverse cultural sources and artistic techniques.

The early 1970s represented a fascinating era for the Caldecott Medal, as the award increasingly celebrated illustrators who drew from global folklore and non-Western artistic traditions. Hogrogian’s win reflected the growing recognition that picture books could be both artistically sophisticated and culturally enriching for young readers, paving the way for future Caldecott honorees to push the boundaries of what illustration in children’s literature could accomplish. Her award-winning work remains a touchstone in the history of the medal, demonstrating how a simple, elegant story could be elevated through careful, intentional visual storytelling.

Below you’ll find the complete list of 1972 Caldecott Medal winners and honorees.

Picture Books

• One Fine Day by Nonny Hogrogian