Geisel Award

The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award is a literary award by the American Library Association (ALA) that annually recognizes the "author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished book for beginning readers published in English in the United States during the preceding year."^[1] The winner(s) receive a bronze medal at the ALA Annual Conference, presented by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) division of ALA.

The award is named for Theodor Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss, who once said, "Children want the same things we want: to laugh, to be challenged, to be entertained and delighted."^[2] It was established in 2004 and inaugurated in 2006 for 2005 publications.^[2]

A few runners up are termed Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Books; their authors and illustrators receive certificates.

Criteria

• The book must encourage and support the beginning reader.
• The book must be published in English in the United States during the preceding year.
• There are no limitations as to the character of the book considered except that it will be original and function successfully as a book for beginning readers.
• The author(s) or illustrator(s) must be citizens or residents of the United States.
• The "author(s) and illustrator(s)" may include co-authors and co-illustrators. The author(s) and illustrator(s) may be awarded the medal posthumously.
• The text must be directed at readers from pre-K through Grade 2.
• The illustrations must function as keys or clues to the text.
• Fiction, non-fiction, and poetry are all eligible.
• Reprints and compilations are not eligible.
• Subject matter must be intriguing enough to motivate the child to read.
• The book may or may not include short "chapters".
• New words should be added slowly enough to make learning them a positive experience.
• Words should be repeated to ensure knowledge retention.
• Sentences must be simple and straightforward.
• There must be a minimum of 24 pages.
• Books may not be longer than 96 pages.

Source: Theodor Seuss Geisel Award terms and criteria^[3]

Recipients

Multiple awards

• Mo Willems won the 2008 and 2009 awards. He was also honored in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015.
• Kate DiCamillo won the 2011 award (with co-author Alison McGhee and illustrator Tony Fucile). She was honored in 2007.
• Cynthia Rylant won the award in 2006 and was honored in 2015.
• Tedd Arnold was honored in 2006 and 2010.
• Laura Vaccaro Seeger was honored in 2008 and 2009.

References