Caldecott VS. Newbery

Caldecott Award

The Caldecott Award began in 1938 and is awarded to illustrators of distinguished children's picture books. The award was named in honor of a 19th century illustrator named Randolph Caldecott. Each year the award is given to an illustrator of a book that was published in the previous year. This award is only given to children's books published within the United States. In order to receive this award, one must be a U.S. resident or citizen.

The Caldecott Award committee uses the following criteria when selecting Caldecott Award and Honor books:
1. Excellent execution in artistic technique used
2. Excellent pictorial interpretation of the story, theme, or concept
3. Appropriate style of illustration to the story, theme, or concept
4. Proper delineation of plot, theme, characters, setting, mood or information through the illustrations
5. Excellent presentation designed for a child audience

Newbery Award

The Newbery Medal began in 1922 and is awarded to authors that have the most distinguished contribution in the field of children's literature from the previous year. In order to receive this award, one must be a U.S. resident or citizen. The Newbery Award was the first children's book award in the world and was named for the 18th century bookseller John Newbery.

The Newbery Award committee considers the following criteria when selecting a book worthy of the Newbery Award or Honor:
1. Interpretation of the theme or concept
2. Information is presented in a manner that is accurate, clear, and organized
3. Plot development
4. Delineation of characters
5. Delineation of setting
6. Appropriate style
7. Designed for a child audience

Caldecott and Newbery Award Books

Both award committees decided that they would honor additional books that were worthy of recognition. These books are designated as runners-up or commonly known as "honor books."

In my opinion, one award is not more important than the other. Both award committees refer to the same definition of a "distinguished" book deserving of their award. According to the American Library Association website, both awards view distinguished books by the following criteria:

1. Marked by eminence and distinction

2. Marked by excellence in quality

3. Marked by conspicuous excellence or eminence

4. Individually distinct

The only major difference between the awards is that the Caldecott Award features an illustrator from a story book and the Newbery Award focuses on an author. Both awards have strict guidelines that were designed specifically to help in the selection of the highest quality of children's literature. We can depend upon these committees to only choose books that have earned the title of distinguished. Both awards are also sponsored by the Association for Library Service to Children.