Caldecott Medal 1971: Complete list of winners

The 1971 Caldecott Medal honored one of the most distinctive picture books of the decade. Gail E. Haley’s A Story a Story captured the prestigious award—given annually by the American Library Association to recognize the most distinguished American picture book for children—with its bold, inventive approach to visual storytelling. Haley’s retelling of West African folktales, featuring the legendary spider Anansi, stood out for its striking woodcut-style illustrations that seemed to leap off the page with energy and cultural authenticity.

What made this Caldecott winner particularly significant was how it expanded the scope of American children’s literature at a time when diverse stories and artistic styles were gaining long-overdue recognition. Haley didn’t simply illustrate a text; she created a complete visual experience that honored the oral tradition of African storytelling while introducing young readers to a rich cultural heritage. The book’s success demonstrated that picture books could be both artistically sophisticated and deeply meaningful in their representation of different voices and traditions.

The award reflected the Caldecott’s ongoing mission to celebrate excellence in illustration while telling compelling stories—and A Story a Story accomplished both with remarkable grace. Below, you’ll find the complete details of the 1971 Caldecott Medal winner.

Picture Books

• A Story a Story by Gail E. Haley