Caldecott Medal
The most prestigious award for American picture book illustration, presented annually by the American Library Association.
About the Caldecott Medal
The Caldecott Medal is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), to the illustrator of the most distinguished American picture book for children. Named after the nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott, the award has been presented since 1938.
The Caldecott Medal specifically honors illustration excellence, not the text. The committee evaluates artistic technique, pictorial interpretation of story, and appropriateness of style to the intended audience. Each year, the committee may also name Caldecott Honor Books.
Selection Criteria
- Excellence of Execution - Artistic technique in the medium employed
- Pictorial Interpretation - How the illustrations illuminate the story
- Appropriateness of Style - Suitability for the child audience
- Delineation of Plot - Visual storytelling and pacing
- Delineation of Characters - Character development through illustration
- Overall Design - Format, typography, and visual coherence
Eligibility Requirements
Books must be published in the United States during the preceding year. The illustrator must be a U.S. citizen or resident. The book must be original work (not a reprint) and must be a picture book for children, defined as one where illustrations are essential to the story experience.
Recent Caldecott Medal Winners
| Year | Title | Illustrator |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Big | Vashti Harrison |
| 2023 | Hot Dog | Doug Salati |
| 2022 | Watercress | Jason Chin |
| 2021 | We Are Water Protectors | Michaela Goade |
| 2020 | The Undefeated | Kadir Nelson |
| 2019 | Hello Lighthouse | Sophie Blackall |
| 2018 | Wolf in the Snow | Matthew Cordell |
| 2017 | Radiant Child | Javaka Steptoe |
| 2016 | Finding Winnie | Sophie Blackall |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Caldecott and Newbery?
The Caldecott Medal honors illustration excellence in picture books, while the Newbery Medal honors the most distinguished writing in children's literature. A book can potentially win both if the same person wrote and illustrated it.
Can an author-illustrator win both Caldecott and Newbery?
Yes, though it's rare. The Caldecott specifically evaluates illustration while Newbery evaluates text. If one person creates both outstanding illustrations and text, they could receive both honors.
What is a Caldecott Honor Book?
Caldecott Honor Books are runners-up to the medal winner. The committee may name as many Honor Books as they deem worthy each year. These books receive silver seals, while the winner receives a gold seal.
Who selects the Caldecott winner?
A committee of 15 ALSC members selects the winner through a deliberative process. Committee members read and evaluate all eligible books published during the year before making their final selection.