Caldecott Medal 2016: Complete list of winners

The 2016 Caldecott Medal went to Sophie Blackall for Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear, a choice that felt particularly resonant for a award dedicated to celebrating the finest in American children’s illustration. Blackall’s watercolor artwork brings warmth and historical authenticity to the beloved origin story of Winnie-the-Pooh, transforming what could have been a straightforward biography into something genuinely magical. The book traces the real-life journey of a Canadian bear cub who inspired A.A. Milne’s timeless creation, proving that sometimes the most enchanting stories are the ones hidden in plain sight.

What makes this award particularly meaningful is how it recognizes illustration that serves narrative in the deepest sense—Blackall’s artwork doesn’t simply decorate the text, it carries the emotional and historical weight of the story itself. The Caldecott Medal, America’s most prestigious award for children’s book illustration, has always championed artists who understand that pictures for young readers demand the same artistic rigor and creativity as any fine art. With this win, Blackall joined a distinguished lineage of illustrators who’ve shaped how children see and understand the world through picture books.

Below, you’ll find details about the 2016 Caldecott Medal winner and the full context of this year’s selection.

Picture Books

• Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear by Sophie Blackall