Brooklyn College is proud to announce that the children’s book Fireworks, written by Associate Professor of English Matthew Burgess and illustrated by Cátia Chien, has won the 2026 Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book illustration. Burgess is widely known for his contributions to children’s literature, poetry, and education, and has long championed creativity, literacy, and the power of storytelling, inspiring students both in and out of the classroom. This award places Burgess among an elite group of writers whose work has made a lasting impact on children’s literature. Published by Clarion Books, Fireworks follows two siblings on a steamy summer day in the city, capturing the anticipation and joy of fireworks with immersive, sensory art. It was selected for its exceptional artistic quality, imaginative storytelling, and ability to capture the wonder and emotional resonance of its subject for young readers. Other notable recognitions for Fireworks include: Society of Illustrators Gold Medal New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Book Kirkus’ Best Books of 2025 School Library Journal’s Best Books of 2025 Publisher’s Weekly Best Picture Books of 2025 Blue Ribbon Award 2025 2026 Charlotte Zolotow Honor for Outstanding Writing in Picture Books Burgess, who has been teaching at Brooklyn College since 1999, is a noted expert in a wide range of fields, including poetry, creative writing, and children’s literature, as well as education and pedagogy. He is the author of one poetry collection and 16 books for children, including Words With Wings and Magic Things, The Bear and the Moon, Drawing on Walls: A Story of Keith Haring, As Edward Imagined: A Story of Edward Gorey in Three Acts, and Sylvester’s Letter. Burgess also edited two book-length collections: Spellbound: The Art of Teaching Poetry and Dream Closet: Meditations on Childhood Space.
