Caldecott Medal 1996: Complete list of winners

The 1996 Caldecott Medal recognized one of picture books’ most delightful creations: Officer Buckle and Gloria, illustrated and written by Peggy Rathmann. This year’s winner captures everything the American Library Association’s prestigious award celebrates—imaginative artwork that elevates a story into something truly magical. Rathmann’s illustrations bring Officer Buckle and his canine partner Gloria to vivid life, creating a narrative about friendship and safety that resonates with both children and adults. The Caldecott Medal, awarded annually since 1938 to the most distinguished American picture book for children, has long championed illustrators who push the boundaries of visual storytelling, and Rathmann’s work exemplified this tradition perfectly.

Officer Buckle and Gloria stands out as a masterclass in how illustration and text can work in tandem to create genuine humor and heart. Rathmann’s expressive drawings capture Gloria’s mischievous personality with remarkable charm, while the story itself—about a safety-conscious police officer who becomes an unlikely star when his dog starts performing tricks during his presentations—balances comedy with genuine messages about community and self-worth. The 1996 Caldecott selection reflected the award’s continued commitment to championing diverse voices and fresh perspectives in children’s literature, even as it honored a work that would quickly become a beloved classic in classrooms and libraries nationwide.

Below you’ll find more details about this year’s recognition and what made Rathmann’s achievement particularly significant in the landscape of children’s illustration.

Picture Books

• Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann