Caldecott/Newbery Award
What is the difference?

Both of these awards are given each year to talented and inspiring individuals to recognize the outstanding work in the area of children’s literature. The Caldecott and Newbery awards are the most prestigious American children’s book awards. The awards are given out to books published within the previous year that meet specific criteria. However, the criterion is different for each award.

The Caldecott Medal is awarded yearly by the Association for Library Service to children, a division of the American Library Association, to an artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. It was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. The following is a list of criteria, provided by the American Library Association that must be met by a book in order to qualify for the award:

The book must be published in English in the United States during the preceding year.
The illustrations must be original work.
The artist must be a citizen or resident of the United States.
The book must be considered for the artistic technique employed; pictorial interpretation of story; appropriateness of style of illustration to the story; delineation of plot, theme, characters, setting mood or information through the pictures; and recognition of a child audience.
The book must display respect for children's understandings, abilities, and appreciations.
The book must be a self-contained entity, not dependent on other media for its enjoyment.
“Caldecott Terms & Criteria". American Library Association. 2008. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottterms/caldecottterms.cfm. Retrieved on 2009-06-28.

The Newbery Award is given also given out yearly by the by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. This award has been given out since 1922 and was the first children’s literature award given out in the world. This award is named in honor of John Newbery, an 18th century children’s book publisher. The following is a list of criteria, provided by the American Library Association that must be met by a book in order to qualify for the award:

The book must be published in English in the United States the previous year.
The author must be a citizen or resident of the United States.
The book must be considered for its theme, presentation (clarity, accuracy and organization), plot, characters, setting, and style.
The book must relate to a child audience.
The book must contribute to literature.
The book must stand alone and not as a part of a multimedia presentation. Association for Library Service to Children. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberyterms/newberyterms.cfm. Retrieved on 2009-06-28.

I think that book of these awards are equally important. They both honor extremely talented and motivated individuals that strive to create enriching and inspiring works for children.