Caldecott Medal and Newberry Medal

The Caldecott medal was established in 1937 at the suggestion of Frederic G. Melcher. Melcher named the medal after 19th Century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. The medal is presented annually at the ALA mid-winter conference. There are several other authors that are noted as being honor books at the convention as well. The criteria for the prestigious award include originality, excellence of illustrations, and the creation of a work that presents children with a noteworthy visual experience. The artist does not have to be the author of the book but the pictures not the text must be the book’s main focus. The medal is determined by a panel of 15 members which is appointed by ALA.

The Newberry medal was established in 1921 at the suggestion of Fredric G. Melcher. Melcher named the medal after John Newberry, an 18th century bookseller and English publisher. . The medal is presented annually at the ALA mid-winter conference. There are several other authors that are noted as being honor books at the convention as well. The criteria for the prestigious award include originality, excellence, and distinctiveness. The books must be appropriate through the age of 14 and the medal is presented to the author of the book that has contributed to the distinguished level of literature the previous year. The medal is determined by a panel of 15 members which is appointed by ALA.

The Newberry medal and the Caldecott Medal are prestigious awards presented by ALA (American Library Association) annually. The medals exemplify the most distinguished forms of literature. There are books that are also considered honor books. The recipients of these awards must be US residents. The Caldecott is presented primarily to authors of picture books while the Newberry is presented to writers of fiction chapter books.