When
picture books are evaluated for the prestigious Caldecott award, the standards
used are different from normal, everyday review criteria. This is understandable, as the award is given
to the illustrator of the book.
The
criteria for the Caldecott award committee is as follows:
1. In
identifying a “distinguished American picture book for children,” defined as
illustration, committee members need to consider:
a. Excellence
of execution in the artistic technique employed;
b. Excellence
of pictorial interpretation of story, theme, or concept;
c. Appropriateness
of style of illustration to the story, theme or concept;
d. Delineation
of plot, theme, characters, setting, mood or information through the pictures;
e. Excellence
of presentation in recognition of a child audience.
2. The
only limitation to graphic form is that the form must be one which may be used
in a picture book. The book must be a self-contained entity, not dependent on
other media (i.e., sound, film or computer program) for its enjoyment.
3. Each
book is to be considered as a picture book. The committee is to make its
decision primarily on the illustration, but other components of a book are to
be considered especially when they make a book less effective as a children’s
picture book. Such other components might include the written text, the overall
design of the book, etc.
Note: The
committee should keep in mind that the award is for distinguished illustrations
in a picture book and for excellence of pictorial presentation for children.
The award is not for didactic intent or for popularity.
But
how does this affect the reviewer? Recently, my coworker Brindi and I challenged ourselves to read all 316 Caldecott winners and honors. I’m still waiting for the final two books to
arrive at my library. While reading the
books, I kept the official criteria in mind; however, I was also looking at
them from a librarian’s perspective. Due
to this, the popularity of the book with my young patrons is important. I felt it was also important to consider when
the book was published. During the
seventy-five years that the Caldecott award has existed, publishing and
illustration techniques have evolved.
Additionally, what words and ideas which were once considered acceptable
have since become objectionable, such as referring to a Native American as a
redskin.
When
I read a Caldecott book, I considered the following conditions:
- Artistry
- Audience
- Original publication date
- Overall appeal
- Readability of text (both the font and the story itself)
I
also keep in mind the official Caldecott criteria. Ultimately, I rate a book on
today’s standards. While I might find a
book fantastic considering when it was published, if it doesn’t hold up to the
test of time, it will be rated lower.
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