Caldecott Medal 1940: Complete list of winners

The 1940 Caldecott Medal, awarded to the most distinguished picture book for children published that year, went to Abraham Lincoln by the husband-and-wife team of Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire. This honor marked a significant moment in the medal’s history, as the d’Aulaires’ sweeping biographical illustration proved that picture books could tackle weighty historical subjects while maintaining the visual artistry and accessibility that define the award. The Caldecott Medal, established in 1938 by the American Library Association, had already become the gold standard for children’s book illustration, and the d’Aulaires’ win demonstrated the growing recognition that picture books were serious artistic endeavors worthy of major recognition.

What makes the d’Aulaires’ achievement particularly striking is how they brought Lincoln to life for young readers through richly detailed, carefully researched illustrations that captured both the humanity and historical significance of America’s sixteenth president. Their approach—combining meticulous artwork with accessible storytelling—would influence children’s literature for decades to come. The 1940 Caldecott Medal winner remains a testament to how picture books, when executed with skill and vision, can educate and inspire readers of all ages about the figures who shaped our nation.

Picture Books

• Abraham Lincoln by Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire