Which award did the American Library Association add in 1937 for picture-book artists?

The American Library Association added the Caldecott Medal in 1937 for picture-book artists. It honored the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children published in the United States.

The award was proposed by Frederic G. Melcher, the Publishers Weekly editor who had earlier helped establish the Newbery Medal. It was named for Randolph Caldecott, a nineteenth-century English illustrator. The medal recognizes illustration, while the Newbery recognizes an author's contribution to children's literature.

The two awards initially shared a judging committee, and books were once considered for either award rather than both. Separate committees were created in 1978, and beginning with the 1980 awards, a book could be eligible for both medals. The formal term “Honor” for distinguished runners-up was introduced in 1971 and applied retroactively.

A common mix-up is choosing the Newbery because both medals are administered by the Association for Library Service to Children. The Newbery is for writing; the Caldecott is specifically for picture-book art.