2024: Duncan Tonatiuh and Ibi Zoboi
2023: Ekua Holmes and Dashka Slater
2022: Raul the Third and Erin Entrada Kelly
2021: Sophie Blackall and Javaka Steptoe with Special Guest: Kate DiCamillo
2020: Joseph Bruchac and Melissa Sweet
2019: Nikki Grimes and David Wiesner
2018: Matt De La Pena and Wendell Minor
2017: Andrea Pinkney and Brian Pinkney
2016: Jason Chin and Steve Sheinkin
2015: Jane Yolen
2014: Steve Jenkins and Mark Teague
2013: Beth Krommes and Stephen Krensky
2012: Jerry Pinkney and Joyce Sidman
2011: Jeanne Birdsall
2010: Grace Lin, Leda Schubert, Jimmy Gownley and Nick Abadzis
2009: Molly Bang
2008: Barbara Lehman
2007: Steven Kellogg
2006: John Lechner & Gordon Morrison

2005: Chris Van Allsburg
2004: Kathrine Paterson
2003: Patricia & Fredrick McKissack
2002: Allen Say
2001: Diane Stanley
2000: Jack Prelutsk
1999: Kevin Henkes
1998: Joseph Brushac
1997: Ann Jonas & Donald Crews
1996: Patricia Polacco
1995:  Eric Carle
1994: Joanna Cole
1993: Jan Brett
1992: Jerry Pinkney
1991: Rosemary Wells
1990: Barbara Cooney
1989: Peter Spier
1988: Jean Fitz
1987: Steven Kellogg
1986: Tomie dePaola