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The long and shortlists for picturebook awards offer English teachers an excellent way to discover the latest picturebook publications, newcomers, and authors and illustrators who are in the spotlight. These lists also offer an insight into new topics being embraced by picturebook makers.
There are numerous annual picturebook awards. While some are more prestigious than others, they all strive to recognise artistic and literary excellence in the field of children’s literature. The earliest awards date back to the early 20th century, whereas more recent ones were established at the beginning of the 21st century.
Several awards are named in honour of individuals, such as the Klaus Flugge Prize, established in 2016 and named after the founder of Andersen Press, and the Coretta Scott King Book Award, first given in 1970 to honour the work of the wife of Martin Luther King. Among the most prestigious awards are the Caldecott Medal, named after English illustrator Randolph Caldecott and first awarded in 1937; the John Newbery Medal, named after publisher John Newbery, the “father of children’s literature,” and first awarded in 1922; and the Carnegie Medal, now known as the Yoto Carnegies, first awarded in 1936 and named after philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, founder of thousands of libraries.Read More
In addition to award eligibility, each award has its own judging criteria. Although the criteria might remain vague to a certain extent, they make for an insightful read and can serve as a useful guide for reflecting on the picturebook selection process.
For example, the Canadian ‘Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award’ states the following criteria:
- The award will be given to an outstanding picturebook in which the author and illustrator achieve artistic and literary unity
- The book should give equal consideration to the text or storyline (in the case of wordless picturebooks) and visual material
- There should be a seamless integration of text/storyline, illustration and design
- Elements of the story that draw upon or are inspired by real cultures, folklore and history should be done respectfully and authentically
The Caldecott Medal includes the following five criteria to select a ‘distinguished American picturebook for children’:
- Excellence of execution in the artistic technique employed
- Excellence of pictorial interpretation of story, theme, or concept
- Appropriateness of style of illustration to the story, theme or concept
- Delineation of plot, theme, characters, setting, mood or information through the pictures
- Excellence of presentation in recognition of a child audience
The easiest way to stay up to date with these awards is by following the social media accounts of the awarding bodies, where they share their nominations, finalists, and winners, along with author and illustrator interviews, judges’ comments, and lesson resources.
Finally, it should be noted that while each award aims to recognise quality based on its criteria, a popular, award-winning picturebook may not necessarily be suitable for an ELT classroom.
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Every award has its own eligibility. For example, the Klaus Flugge Prize is awarded to the most promising and exciting newcomer to children’s picturebook illustration. The Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award honours excellence in Canadian children’s literature in the illustrated picturebook format. The Coretta Scott King Award is given annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators, and Yoto Carnegies Medal-nominated books must be written in English and first published in the UK or Ireland during the preceding school year.
