U of A doctoral candidate wins 2025 Caldecott Medal for ‘Chooch Helped’

When asked about her inspiration behind the book, Rogers said she wanted a book that could make her children feel included.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A local author’s book has won the 2025 Randolph Caldecott Medal for Distinguished Illustrative Excellence, according to the University of Arkansas.

The American Library Association awards this to “the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children,” according to its website.

The winning book is titled ‘Chooch Helped,’ illustrated by Rebecca Kunz. It’s about an older sister learning to accept and make space for her younger brother as they share life and traditions in their Cherokee family.

After learning about her book winning the Caldecott Medal, Rogers said she was very surprised.

“Even though winning a Caldecott was definitely on my list of goals, I was pretty stunned that it happened,” said Rogers.

When asked about her inspiration behind the book, Rogers said she wanted a book that could make her children feel included.

“I wanted a book that my kids would feel included them. So, I wrote it for children first, then parents, then communities where children are growing up. I could see the images in my head, so a picture book was the best fit. I wanted it to be beautiful and informative, but also funny and heartwarming. Rebecca was exactly the right artist to be able to do all that, while honoring our families and our tribe,” said Rogers.

According to the University of Arkansas, Rogers has won several other writing awards, including the 2023 Walter Award for her book ‘Man Made Monsters‘ and recognition on NPR’s Best Books of 2020 list for ‘Mary and the Trail of Tears. ‘

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