Caldecott Medal 2007: Complete list of winners

The 2007 Caldecott Medal went to David Wiesner for his wordless picture book Flotsam, a stunning achievement that reminded the children’s literature world why Wiesner remains one of the most innovative illustrators working today. The Caldecott Medal, awarded annually by the American Library Association to the most distinguished American picture book for children, has long celebrated artistic excellence and imagination—and Wiesner’s imaginative exploration of a boy’s discovery of a mysterious underwater camera certainly fit the bill. Flotsam showcases Wiesner’s signature style: intricate, fantastical illustrations that tell a complete story without a single word, inviting young readers to become active participants in uncovering the book’s mysteries.

What makes the 2007 Caldecott particularly noteworthy is how Wiesner’s win underscores the medal’s ongoing commitment to recognizing truly experimental work in picture books. While some years see the award go to more traditional narratives, this year’s selection celebrates the power of pure visual storytelling and the artist’s ability to construct an entire world through detailed, dreamlike imagery. The book’s premise—a child finding photographs and artifacts washed ashore that hint at an entirely different civilization—invites readers of all ages to ponder larger questions about discovery, perspective, and imagination.

Below, you’ll find the complete list of 2007 Caldecott Medal winners and honorees.

Picture Books

• Flotsam by David Wiesner