Caldecott Criteria

To sum it up:

Award is for the ILLUSTRATIONS as follows: 
Artistic technique execution
Pictorial interpretation of story, theme, concept
Appropriateness of style to the story, theme, concept
Plot, theme, characters, setting, mood, information well delineated
Recognizes child audience 

From the horse's mouth:

1. In identifying a “distinguished American picture book for children,” defined as illustration, committee members need to consider:

   1. Excellence of execution in the artistic technique employed;

   2. Excellence of pictorial interpretation of story, theme, or concept;

   3. Appropriateness of style of illustration to the story, theme or concept;

   4. Delineation of plot, theme, characters, setting, mood or information through the pictures;

   5. 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.

[Adopted by the ALSC board, January 1978. Revised, Midwinter 1987. Revised, Annual 2008.]