Which prestigious award is given for the most distinguished American picture book for children?

The Caldecott Medal is awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children, recognizing excellence in illustrations and artistic achievement. This award emphasizes the importance of illustrations in children's literature and celebrates creativity, innovation, and the ability of visual storytelling to engage and educate young readers. Named after the English illustrator Randolph Caldecott, this award has been a significant honor in children's literature since its establishment in 1938. Winning this medal not only provides recognition for the illustrator’s work but also influences the visibility and circulation of the book among children, educators, and librarians.

The other awards listed focus on different aspects of children's literature, such as textual excellence or contributions to multicultural literature, but they do not specifically address the distinguished nature of picture books like the Caldecott Medal does.