Caldecott Medal 2010: Complete list of winners

Jerry Pinkney’s The Lion & the Mouse claimed the 2010 Caldecott Medal, bringing fresh artistic life to one of Aesop’s most beloved fables. Pinkney, already celebrated for his distinctive watercolor style and ability to capture emotion through animal characters, created a wordless picture book that speaks volumes through its luminous illustrations. The Caldecott Medal, awarded annually since 1938 to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children, recognizes artistic excellence that goes far beyond simple decoration—and Pinkney’s intricate compositions, rich earth tones, and expressive animal characters proved he was a master of the form.

What makes Pinkney’s win particularly noteworthy is his choice to adapt this classic tale without text, trusting young readers to follow the narrative through visual storytelling alone. The 2010 Caldecott Medal selection reflected the award’s ongoing appreciation for innovation in picture book art, even as illustrators returned to timeless sources. Pinkney’s rendering of the unlikely friendship between the mighty lion and the resourceful mouse demonstrated that traditional stories could feel entirely contemporary when told through an artist’s distinctive voice and vision.

Below, you’ll find detailed information about this year’s Caldecott Medal winner and the full list of honorees and their remarkable contributions to children’s literature.

Picture Books

• The Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney