Ninety years ago this month, a hallmark in children’s literature was born: the first Newbery Medal was awarded on June 27th, 1922.
The Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the American Library Association to the year’s most distinguished American children’s book. Its namesake is John Newbery, an Englishman born in 1713 who is credited as the first publisher and seller of children’s books. Mr. Newbery published many books from his London bookshop, The Bible and Sun, including A Little Pretty Pocket-Book in 1744 and the bestselling The History of Little Goody-Two Shoes in 1765.
Title page of “A Pretty Little Pocket Book”
The Buena Park Library Blog 