Caldecott Medal

History 1938 – established for children’s picture books in the United States. Named after Randolph Caldecott who was an influential children’s illustrator in the 19 th century. His illustrations create a sense of movement, vitality, and action that complemented the stories they accompanied Picture on the medal is an actual Caldecott drawing. Awarded to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children published by an American publisher in the United States in English during the preceding year.

Criteria The book must be published in English in the United States during the preceding year. The illustrations must be original work. The artist must be a citizen or resident of the United States. The book must be considered for the artistic technique employed; pictorial interpretation of story; appropriateness of style of illustration to the story; delineation of plot, theme, characters, setting mood or information through the pictures; and recognition of a child audience. The book must display respect for children's understandings, abilities, and appreciations.

Criteria Cont. The only limitation to graphic form is that the form must be one which may be used in a picture book. The book must be a self-contained entity, not dependent on other media (i.e., sound, film or computer program) for its enjoyment. Each book is to be considered as a picture book. The committee is to make its decision primarily on the illustration, but other components of a book are to be considered such as written text, the overall design of the book, etc.

Award Awarded annually by the Children's and School Librarians Sections of the American Library Association. The committee includes 15 members. Each member can formally nominate up to 7 books.

First winner Dorothy Lathrop

3 time winner – Marcia Brown

3 time winner – David Wiesner

2011 Winner Erin E. Stead