Caldecott Medal 1986: Complete list of winners

Chris Van Allsburg’s The Polar Express claimed the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 1986, cementing the author-illustrator’s reputation as one of children’s literature’s most visually inventive talents. The book’s enchanting story of a magical train whisking children away to the North Pole, paired with Van Allsburg’s signature atmospheric illustrations, resonated deeply with the Caldecott committee. The award recognized not just a beautiful picture book, but a work that seemed to capture something genuinely wondrous about childhood wonder itself—a quality that would eventually make The Polar Express a modern classic, adapted for film and embraced by generations of readers.

The 1986 Caldecott Medal selection reflected the award’s ongoing commitment to celebrating illustration as a serious artistic medium. Van Allsburg’s detailed, almost photorealistic drawings with their subtle use of light and shadow set a high bar for picture book artistry during the mid-1980s. His ability to create both intimate domestic scenes and grand, fantastical vistas demonstrated the range and sophistication that the Caldecott Medal—America’s most prestigious award for children’s book illustration—continues to honor year after year.

Below, you’ll find details about this year’s honored titles and what made them stand out to the selection committee.

Picture Books

• The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg