Newbery and Caldecott Awards

Few differences exist between the Caldecott Awards and the Newbery Awards. First and most obvious is the art which each honors. The other main differences are the person for whom each is named and year in which they were first awarded.

The Newbery Medal is given to an author who makes the most significant contribution to American literature for children published in the previous year. Awarded by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), the criteria for eligiblity include fiction, nonfiction or poetry that is an original work. The writing must be published in English, in the United States, and be specifically designed for children up to the age of fifteen. In addition, the author must be a citizen or a resident of the United States. The work cannot be a reprint or a compilation of other previous publications. Other facts about the Newbery Award include that it is named after British publisher John Newbery and has been awarded each year since 1922.

The Caldecott Medal is also awarded by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) but differs from the Newbery in that the Caldecott is given for children's book illustrations. Named after English illustrator Randolph Caledcott, the Caldecott Medal has been given out each year since 1938. Like the Newbery, the award must be given to an illustrator that is either a citizen or a resident of the United States. The book also has to have been published in English in the United States.

Personally, I think that a literary experience is richer than a visual art experience. Therefore, if I had to determine that one honor is a better award than the other, I would say the Newbery. However, since I have absolutely no artistic ability beyond knitting, which may not even count, I have to say that I have a higher respect for the Caldecott Medal. When I read a Newbery book, I tend to think, "I want to win that someday. That would be such an honor." When I read Caldecott books, I think, "Wow, what incredible talent! I could never achieve that."

While I intensely admire the artists who create Medal-worthy works of both types, I would only aspire to achieve the Newbery.