Cátia Chien's illustrations in Fireworks receive one of children's publishing's major honours.
Dated news brief · January 26, 2026
Illustrative photograph, not an image of the specific event or discovery reported. Photo: Nils Huenerfuerst / Unsplash.
Cátia Chien received the 2026 Caldecott Medal for illustrating Fireworks, written by Matthew Burgess. The American Library Association announced the result in Chicago during its youth media awards.
The picture book follows two children through a hot summer day in a city. The announcement praised its illustrations and language for turning ordinary urban experiences into shared excitement.
Renée Watson's All the Blues in the Sky won the Newbery Medal. The medals celebrate different contributions: the Caldecott honours illustration, while the Newbery recognises writing for children. Both awards considered work published during the preceding year.
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