Caldecott Medal 1993: Complete list of winners

The 1993 Caldecott Medal celebrated one of picture books’ most enchanting achievements: Emily Arnold McCully’s Mirette on the High Wire, a luminous tale of courage and mentorship set against the glittering world of nineteenth-century Paris. McCully’s exquisite watercolors bring to life the story of a young girl who befriends a mysterious lodger and discovers he’s none other than the legendary tightrope walker Monsieur Bellini—a perfect pairing of subject and illustrator that demonstrates why the Caldecott Medal remains America’s most prestigious award for children’s picture book illustration. The American Library Association’s recognition of McCully’s work reflected the year’s appreciation for stories that inspire young readers to dream boldly and rise to their own challenges.

The Caldecott Medal, named after nineteenth-century British illustrator Randolph Caldecott, has long championed the artistry and innovation that elevates picture books beyond mere decoration of text. Winners like McCully often find their books becoming touchstones of children’s literature, passed down through generations and studied in classrooms across the country. Mirette on the High Wire perfectly embodied this tradition—a work that satisfied both critical acclaim and genuine child appeal, proving that award-winning illustration needn’t sacrifice story or heart for technical mastery.

Below, you’ll find the complete list of the 1993 Caldecott Medal winner and honorees, along with details about each selection that made this year such a remarkable one in children’s literature.

Picture Books

• Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully