Before 1937, the American Library Association awarded the Newbury Medal to the best children's books published in the previous year every year. Many people think that we should follow the example of the Newbery Award and set up another award to recognize and encourage the painters of children's picture books. 1937, Frederic G. Melcher, an American publishing giant and advocate of children's literature, proposed to set up the second annual children's book award, which was specially awarded to the most outstanding children's picture book painter of that year. Frederick Machel's proposal was warmly responded by the American Library Association and recognized by the Association's Executive Committee, so in 1937, the American Library Association established the Cadillac Award.

Cadillac Award is the most authoritative picture book award in the United States, and the winning works are all recognized masterpieces. Therefore, the award-winning works will inevitably become the best-selling picture books of the year. In America, there are many awards for children's literature. The reason why "Cadillac Award" stands out and is well received lies in the GAI and innovation of its selection criteria, and its emphasis on the artistic value and special creativity of the works. In particular, every award-winning work should have the function of "entertainment", so that children can open up another thinking space during reading. Usually, publishers will put a medal with the famous illustration "John riding a horse" on the cover of books that win gold and silver awards. Gold represents the gold medal of Cadillac Award, and silver represents the silver medal. The winning book will be as beautiful as a knight who has been awarded the Medal of Honor.