Living Canon

Caldecott Medal 1987: Complete list of winners

The 1987 Caldecott Medal, one of the most prestigious honors in children’s literature, crowned Richard Egielski’s Hey, Al as its winner, celebrating a work that perfectly captures the imagination and artistry the award has championed since 1938. Egielski’s vibrant illustrations bring Arthur Yorinks’ text to life in this fantastical tale of a janitor and his dog’s unexpected adventure, earning recognition for its stunning visual storytelling and imaginative narrative. The book’s success that year reflected the Caldecott’s commitment to honoring picture books that achieve excellence in both artistic merit and the ability to captivate young readers.

Hey, Al stands out as a distinctly playful entry in the Caldecott’s long history, with Egielski’s dynamic illustrations transporting readers to an island paradise that becomes increasingly surreal and wondrous. The work exemplified what judges were looking for in 1987—bold, distinctive artwork paired with a narrative that explores deeper themes about home, friendship, and contentment beneath its whimsical surface. The American Library Association’s recognition of this title underscored how picture books could be both commercially appealing and artistically sophisticated, paving the way for future Caldecott winners to embrace more experimental and imaginative approaches to the form.

Below, you’ll find the complete details of the 1987 Caldecott Medal winners and honorees:

Picture Books