Randolph Caldecott Award Winning and Honored Books
The Caldecott Medal, established in 1938, was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. Learn more about this award at Caldecott Medal Home Page.
Below are the Caldecott Medla winning and Honor books awarded to Black illustrators or illustrators of books featuring Black characters. In 2024, Vashti Harrison became the first Black woman to win a Caldecott Medal (read more ▶).
One Book Recieved The Caldecott Award or Honor in 1973
Honor Book – Gerald McDermott
Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti
by Gerald McDermott, Illustrated by Gerald McDermott
Publication Date: Mar 15, 1987
List Price: $8.99
Format: Paperback, 48 pages
Classification: Fiction
Target Age Group: Early Reader
ISBN13: 9780805003116
Imprint: Harcourt School Publishers
Publisher: Harcourt School Publishers
Parent Company: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Read a Description of Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti
Anansi the Spider is one of the great folk heroes of the world. He is a rogue, a mischief maker, and a wise, lovable creature who triumphs over larger foes.
In this traditional Ashanti tale, Anansi sets out on a long, difficult journey. Threatened by Fish and Falcon, he is saved from terrible fates by his sons. But which of his sons should Anansi reward? Calling upon Nyame, the God of All Things, Anansi solves his predicament in a touching and highly resourceful fashion.
In adapting this popular folktale, Gerald McDermott merges the old with the new, combining bold, rich color with traditional African design motifs and authentic Ashanti language rhythms.
Anansi the Spider is a 1973 Caldecott Honor Book.