Children’s Literature for Elementary
October 13, 2013
Randolph Caldecott Medal

Colorful Mind and Colorful Illustrations

The Randolph Caldecott Medal was created in 1937 by Rene Paul Chambellan. It is an award that acknowledges the illustrators of children’s picture books. I have chosen a book that won the award in 1976 to tell you about. “Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears” by Verma Aardema, illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon, won the Caldecott Medal in 1976. This is the first Caldecott Medal that they won. (Articles of Washington post.com) Then again in 1977 with “Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions.” (Articles of Washington post.com) Leo and Diane Dillon is a married inter-racial couple. They have worked together since they meet through their art works. (TM) They both have a passion for art. (TM) In their works together they make art inspiring for children because the illustrations are life like for the story. (Macmillan) Illustrations by this couple lifts the spirits of children and grown-ups alike. (Macmillan) The colors bring the beauty back into our lives when you see the illustrations they make to go along with any of the stories that they have illustrated. (Macmillan) This dynamic couple has won many awards for their illustrations. In the 60’s and 70’s they also illustrated fantasy- science fiction covers for Harlan Ellison and Ray Bradbury. (Macmillan) (Articles of Washington post.com) They have won 4 New York Times Best Illustrated Awards, 2 Coretta Scott King Awards, (Macmillan) 3 Coretta Scott King Honors, and Society of Illustrators Gold Medal. (Macmillan) (TM) I believe that the statement, “It doesn’t matter your race, everyone experiences the same things,” (TM) helps them to illustrate their books in a way that everyone can enjoy. They make clean, precise lines that have painstaking attention to details. (Illustrators) The warmth of characterization is also brought through in the innovative use of color and details. (Illustrators) Children love the books that this couple illustrates to be read out loud so they can see the pictures. When the teacher reads these books with feeling and excitement it goes along with the illustrations better. The Randolph Caldecott Medal is a medal that is bronze that has the winners name and date engraved on the back. (Ala.org) The School Libraries names 5 of its members to the committee to read and find the picture books that have the most distinguished pictures. (Ala.org) The artists have to live in the United States and be a citizen or resident. (Ala.org)