The Randolph Caldecott Medal

The Randolph Caldecott Medal was designed in 1937 by Rene Paul Chambelian.  It is a bronze medal and holds the winners name and date engraved on the back.  Wow had no idea!  I have only seen this "medal/sticker" on books!  I am not sure why it never occurred to me that it was an actual medal!  There would be a back!  Isn't it funny how we overlook things and just accept them.  I am going to have to read more about this!!!

The front is taken from Mr. Caldecotts illustrations in the book "The Diverting Story of John Gilpin"
The front design is of Mr. John Gilpin on a runaway horse, along with geese, dogs and onlookers!

The History of the Medal
The Caldecott is really an afterthougth in the world of literature.  The Newberry Medal was first.  The Newberry was awarded annually by the American Library Association for the most distinguished American children's book published the previous year.  Many people became concerned that the artists that worked so hard on children's literature were being overlooked.  So in 1937 The Caldecott Medal was established.  The Caldecott Medal would be to honor illustrators.

Okay how does one win this?
1. The Caldecott Medal is given to one illustrator each year. 
2. The artist who had created the most distinguished picture book of the year.
3. Illustrator must be a citizen or resident of the United States.

What happens to the "runner-ups?"
There are years when the committee is considering many very talented books.  By the end they conclude that it is one or more Caldecott Honor books in addition to the winner.

Who is Randolph Caldecott?
Mr. Caldecott was a nineteenth-centry English illustrator.  He and two other illustrators were working in England in the 19th century.  He was known for illustrations for children that were "unique to their time in both their humor, and their ability to create a sense of movement, vitality and action that complemented the stories they accompanied."

HOLD UP!!!!  Again I am learning something new!  Caldecott was a man who was an illustrator!  How funny!  How come I never put these dots together!

Okay I think that is enough history for now!  Sure is fun to learn new things about something that I see almost every day at work!  Until next time......