Whether it’s the flow of the art working in concert with the text, the illustration building up the page-turn, or just simply exquisite artistry, the art behind a picture book is always wondrous and stunning to see come to life. There are so many beautiful picture books published, but once a year, the illustrator of one is selected as the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children for the Caldecott Medal. These books stay on library shelves and build generations of readers with their gorgeous work, which is why new titles by Caldecott Medal-winning artists are always exciting. This year, there are two new picture books hitting shelves that are especially noteworthy: Being Home, illustrated by Caldecott Medal–winning Michaela Goade and written by Sibert Honor–winning Traci Sorell, and The Ship in the Window, illustrated by Caldecott Medal-winning Matthew Cordell and written by children's librarian and reviewer Travis Jonker.

What better way to get insight into these new books and the art behind them than to get a behind the scenes look from the artists themselves! Check out these incredible process videos from award winners Michaela Goade and Matthew Cordell.

Get a sneak inside these stunning picture books with these picture book samplers!

A tender picture book about a Native American family and the joy of moving back to their ancestral land.

Click HERE to start reading a sample!

A timeless tale of a mouse that celebrates the rewards of following your dreams and never losing the spirit of adventure.

Click HERE to start reading a sample!

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