Caldecott Medal
The Caldecott Medal is awarded each year for the preceding year’s most distinguished American picture book for children. Runners-up are called Caldecott Honor Books.
The award was named in honor of the nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott.
The Caldecott Medal and the Newbery Medal are the most prestigious of American children’s book awards.
Learn more: official Caldecott Medal homepage
Winners:
Animals of the Bible a Picture Book (1937)
Selections from the Bible with illustrations of the animals described.
Read online at archive.org.
Mei Li (1938)
Abraham Lincoln (1939)
Ingri d’Aulaire
Ingri d’Aulaire
They Were Strong and Good (1940)
Robert Lawson tells the story of his parents and grandparents, and illustrates it too.
Make Way for Ducklings (1941)
Mrs. Mallard proudly parades her ducklings to the Boston Public Garden.
Read online at archive.org.
The Little House (1942)
The Little House gets a new lease on life when she moves to the country.
Read online at archive.org.
Many Moons (1943)
When the Princess Lenore falls ill of a surfeit of raspberry tarts, the only thing that can cure her is the Moon. But how will her father the King get it for her?
Read online at archive.org.
The Rooster Crows: A Book of American Rhymes and Jingles (1945)
A collection of songs and jingles.
Read online at archive.org.
Miska Petersham
Miska Petersham
The Little Island (1946)
The little island through the seasons, and a visit from a little cat.
Read online at archive.org.
The Big Snow (1948)
The woodland animals were all getting ready for the winter. Geese flew south, rabbits and deer grew thick warm coats, and the raccoons and chipmunks lay down for a long winter nap. It was a sure sign that the big snow was on its way. The authors feature in this winter story.
Elmer Hader
Elmer Hader
The Egg Tree (1950)
Finders Keepers (1951)
The Biggest Bear (1952)
When Johnny Orchard goes hunting for a bear he comes home with a cub, but that’s not the end of the story.
Read online at archive.org.
Madeline’s Rescue (1953)
Madeline falls in the Seine and is rescued by Miss Genevieve, a dog.
Read online at archive.org.
Cinderella, or the Little Glass Slipper (1955)
Frog Went A-Courtin’ (1955)
Frog went a-courtin’, he did ride
Sword and pistol by his side.
Read online at archive.org.