The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award
Jordan Heller and Stephen Moyers
The Award
- Annual award to the author and illustrator of most distinguished American book for beginning readers published in the United States the previous year.
- Established in 2004, but started being presented in 2006. 1 book is selected each year as winner along with several honor books.
- Winners receive a bronze metal as award. It is presented at the ALA (American library Association) Annual Conference.
- The committee for this award is appointed by the head of ALA.
- If the committee finds no such book suitable for the award, none will be selected for that year.
Criteria for the Award
- 2 copies of the book must be sent in for submission by December 31 to be eligible for the award the next year.
- Must be a minimum of 24 pages, maximum of 96.
- Must be directed towards Pre-K-2nd grade level.
- Authors and illustrators must be citizens or residents of the US.
Bink and Gollie by DiCamillo and Alison McGhee
Winner in 2011. Depicts the tales of two friends named Bink and Gollie. The book is three short stories within one book. Bink, is blonde, energetic, and always looking for adventure while Gollie is more prim and proper and looking to correct Bink's mistakes. This creates conflict in several situations and the two must look to fix the dilemmas they get into.
Winner because:
- Bright, vivid illustrations that include some text important to the plot within them.
- Teaches basic character traits such as compromise.
- Allows children to see multiple view points from both girls.
- Easy read with words centered around the the pictures.
Henry and Mudge and the Great Grandpas by Cynthia Rylant
Winner in 2006. Henry and his lovable dog named Mudge go on an adventure to visit their great grandpas. This books describes all of the fun things they do while visiting such as playing chess, going swimming, playing at the beach, and eating lots of spaghetti. Henry and Mudge have a wonderful time getting to know their family and spend the day with them.
Winner because:
- Illustrations cover the entire pages of the book and look like the work of a child in some senses.
- The text is an easy reader in the form of a basic chapter book for more advanced readers.
- Definite establishment of the setting/characters through the illustrations.
Are You Ready to Play Outside by Mo Willems
Winner in 2009. This story features Piggie the Pig and Gerald the Elephant. They have many activities planned for the day, until it starts to rain. At first they are disappointed, but then they see the worms outside having fun. The two decide to not let a little rain ruin their day and head out to play. As soon as they start to enjoy themselves, it stops raining.
Winner because:
- The illustrations are centered around the main characters in cartoon like fashion.
- The text is great for first readers and is incorporated into the illustrations via speech bubbles.
- The theme of not letting something ruin your day/fun is prevalent throughout the text.
Tales for Very Picky Eaters by Josh Schneider
Winner in 2012. Tales for Very Picky Eaters is about a little boy named James who refuses to try anything different. His father tries numerous ways to get him to eat his food with to avail. James thinks of all of his food as gross and repulsive. In the end, James gives in to his father's wishes and tries eggs and bacon. He ends up liking the food.
Winner because:
- The text is very relatable to many young children and families with small children.
- The theme of the story is be willing to try new things. This can apply to many situations growing up.
- The illustrations do a good job of James' emotions and thoughts to life.
Notable Authors
Many of authors who have won this award are famous for many children's books. Bink and Gollie is a part of a collection about the two characters and is very popular. Henry and Mudge also have their own series of chapter books that can grow with the reader. Cynthia Rylant is also notable for being a West Virginia author and has numerous books about the state. Mo Willems is best known for his book Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus.