Caldecott Medal 1938: Complete list of winners

The 1938 Caldecott Medal marked a fascinating moment in children’s literature when the American Library Association honored Dorothy P. Lathrop’s Animals of the Bible, celebrating her exceptional artistry in picture book illustration. Lathrop’s beautifully rendered animals, drawn from biblical stories, captured the hearts of judges who recognized the work’s distinctive combination of naturalistic detail and narrative charm. Her ability to bring scripture to life through carefully observed illustrations of creatures both familiar and exotic demonstrated why the Caldecott Medal had become so vital to recognizing excellence in children’s book design and illustration.

This was a significant year for children’s publishing, as Lathrop’s win reflected a growing appreciation for illustrators who treated their young audiences with artistic seriousness. The Caldecott Medal, awarded annually since 1938, seeks out the most distinguished American picture book for children, and Lathrop’s work exemplified that mission from the very beginning. Her approach—combining meticulous observation of animal anatomy with a reverent attention to their biblical contexts—set a high bar for the award’s future honorees and established that picture books could be both educationally rich and visually stunning.

Below you’ll find more details about this landmark Caldecott Medal year and the legacy of Lathrop’s winning work.

Picture Books

• Animals of the Bible by Dorothy P. Lathrop