Renée Watson, Cátia Chien win Newbery, Caldecott Medals

CHICAGO — Renée Watson, author of “All the Blues in the Sky,” and Cátia Chien, illustrator of “Fireworks,” are the 2026 recipients of the John Newbery and Randolph Caldecott Medals, the most prestigious awards in children’s literature.

Watson and Chien were among the award winners announced today by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), during the ALA’s Youth Media Awards Announcements in Chicago.[LS1]  The Newbery and Caldecott Medals honor outstanding writing and illustration of works published in the United States during the previous year.

The Newbery for the most distinguished contribution to children’s literature went to Watson for “All the Blues in the Sky,” published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing.

Sage’s best friend is dead. Analytical at heart, she struggles with the turbulent nature of grief. Watson mixes verse and prose to convey the aftermath of a 13-year-old trying to move forward after immeasurable loss. Experiencing shades of grief, Sage discovers that from the buds of sorrow, strength still blooms. 

“Through the character of Sage, Watson offers a wise, lyrical meditation on loss and grief, providing love and community as the only sure answers,” said Newbery Medal Committee Chair Dr. Ramona Caponegro.

Renée Watson, a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author, Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King award winner with over one million books sold, is often inspired by personal experiences. She hopes her newest book gives readers permission to understand that feeling joy and goodness does not diminish grief or sadness.

The Caldecott for the most distinguished picture book is awarded to Cátia Chien for “Fireworks,” written by Matthew Burgess, and published by Clarion Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

In “Fireworks,” two children navigate a sweltering city summer day as the book’s sensory-rich illustrations and percussive prose transform ordinary urban sights into moments of shared joy. From spraying hydrants to pulsing street rhythms, the day builds toward a stunning fireworks finale that lifts childhood wonder skyward.

“Through playful movement, rhythmic pacing, and expressive composition, ‘Fireworks’ captures the essence of childhood delight in a visual celebration that feels both joyful and expansive,” said Caldecott Medal Committee Chair Jewel Davis.

Cátia Chien is a Brazilian Taiwanese illustrator of celebrated picture books. Her art has been shown in galleries worldwide. She is also the founder of A Thousand Worlds, a curated picture book directory celebrating creators who are Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC). She lives with her family in Los Angeles. 

Four Newbery Honor Books were named:

“The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli,” written and illustrated by Karina Yan Glaser, and published by Allida, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

“A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez,” written by María Dolores Águila, and  published by Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing.

“The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II Story,” written by Daniel Nayeri, and published by Arthur A. Levine, an imprint of Levine Querido.

“The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest,” written by Aubrey Hartman, illustrated by Marcin Minor and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

Four Caldecott Honor Books were named:

“Every Monday Mabel,” illustrated and written by Jashar Awan, and published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. 

“Our Lake,” illustrated and written by Angie Kang, and published by Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

“Stalactite & Stalagmite: A Big Tale from a Little Cave,” illustrated and written by Drew Beckmeyer, and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.

“Sundust,” illustrated and written by Zeke Peña, and published by Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Members of the 2026 Newbery Medal Selection Committee are Chair Dr. Ramona Caponegro, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa; Lauren Anduri, Berkeley, California; Laura Bos, Mount Prospect Public Library, Illinois; Ericka Brunson-Rochette, State Library of Oregon, Salem; Cristina Amelia Bueno, Skokie Public Library, Illinois; Dr. Kristie Escobar, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia; Kristina Garner, Wallingford Public Library, Connecticut; Rachel Johannigmeier, Kirkwood Public Library, Missouri; Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Lindenhurst Memorial Library, New York; Kelly Mueller, Itasca Community Library, Illinois; Katie Richert, Bloomingdale Public Library, Illinois; Ami Schroder, Union Mill Elementary, Clifton, Virginia; Jenny Seiler, St. Vrain Valley Schools, Longmont, Colorado; Isla Soto, Kitsap Regional Library, Bainbridge Island, Washington; Brittany Tavernaro, Willowbrook Elementary School, Bentonville, Arkansas; and Award Administrative Assistant Sara Truog, Milton Public Library, Massachusetts.

Members of the 2026 Caldecott Medal Selection Committee are Chair Jewel Davis, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina; Kimberly Alberts, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Ohio; Tess M. Botkin, Metropolitan Library System, Oklahoma City; Nell Fleming, Wisconsin School for the Deaf, Delavan; Kimberly Probert Grad, Abbot Public Library, Marblehead, Massachusetts; Jillian Heise, Fox Point-Bayside School District, Milwaukee; Stephie Luyt, Traverse City Area Public Schools, Michigan; Angela Moffett, Alameda County Library, Castro Valley, and Children's Fairyland, Oakland, California; Sada Mozer, Los Angeles Public Library; Susan H. Polos, Greenwich Country Day School, Connecticut; Joe Prince, Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Fredericksburg, Virginia; Mary-Kate Sableski, University of Dayton, Ohio; Beth Shaum, St. Francis of Assisi, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Georgette Spratling, North Miami Public Library, Florida; Brad Williston, SFUSD Libraries, San Francisco; and Award Administrative Assistant Kellee Moye, Hunter's Creek Middle School - OCPS, Orlando, Florida.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association is the largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to America’s libraries. The ALA mission is to empower and advocate for all libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all. For 150 years, ALA has provided resources for information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more information, visit www.ala.org.

About the Association for Library Service to Children

ALSC, a division of the American Library Association, is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. With a network of more than 3,300 children’s and youth librarians, literature experts, publishers and educational faculty, ALSC is committed to creating a better future for all children through libraries. Visit www.ala.org/alsc.

For information on the John Newbery and Randolph Caldecott Medals and other ALA Youth Media Awards, please visit www.ala.org/yma.

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