Isabelle Popp has written all sorts of things, ranging from astrophysics research articles and math tests to crossword puzzles and poetry. These days she's writing romance. When she's not reading or writing, she's probably knitting or scouring used book stores for vintage gothic romance paperbacks. Originally from New York, she's as surprised as anyone that she lives in Bloomington, Indiana.
It can be really daunting to know which picture books to buy for or read to the kids in your life. For the kids I know, I strive to share a select few of my own childhood favorites while focusing on books published in their lifetimes. There are plenty of ways to find great new picture books, for example, by talking to librarians and booksellers. There’s another handy shortcut, though, and that’s looking at lists of award winners.
There is a wide variety of awards for picture books out there, so I want to highlight eight awards alongside a recent award-winning book. These awards, many of them chosen by librarians, focus on different aspects of children’s books, including the illustrations, the demographics represented in the book, and the overall quality.
I can’t underscore enough how great it is to keep up with children’s picture books. With the variety available, adults and children alike can find amazing stories, fascinating new information, and breathtaking artwork. When they have access to robust collections in public libraries and schools, kids can feasibly read a new book every day of the year. When the world is that open to them, they will foster a lifelong sense of curiosity. So have a look at some recent award-winning picture books, and pick some up for the kids in your life.
Caldecott Medal
Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers, illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz
The Caldecott Medal, awarded to an illustrator by the American Library Association (ALA), recognizes the most distinguished American children’s book of the year. A recent winner is Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers, illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz. This book is perfect for an older sibling who is frustrated with a younger one. Elisi’s parents frame her little brother Chooch’s activities as helpful, but Elisi doesn’t see it that way at all. When she finally snaps, making her brother cry, the family has to come together to work through it.
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UKLA Book Awards
Gina Kaminski Saves the Wolf by Craig Barr-Green
UKLA Book Awards are national children’s book awards judged by teachers in the United Kingdom. One of this year’s winners is Gina Kaminski Saves the Wolf by Craig Barr-Green, illustrated by Francis Martin. An autistic kid will feel seen reading this one. It’s a retelling of “Little Red Riding Hood” that encourages kids to challenge norms and tell their own story.
Pura Belpré Award
Where Wonder Grows by Xelena González, illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia
The Pura Belpré Award honors the first Latina librarian in New York City. The award, bestowed by the ALA, recognizes a Latine author or illustrator whose work exemplifies Latine culture. A recent winner of this award is Where Wonder Grows by Xelena González, illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia. This is a great book for a child who has a special connection to a grandparent. This book shows how Grandma instills curiosity in her girls by taking them to a garden filled with fascinating natural objects.
The KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards
Beanie the Bansheenie by Eoin Colfer, illustrated by Steve McCarthy
This is the leading award for children’s literature in Ireland, recognizing Irish authors and illustrators. A recent winner is Beanie the Bansheenie by Eoin Colfer, illustrated by Steve McCarthy. This book by the author of the popular Artemis Fowl series tackles the Irish myth of the banshee. This would be a great book for a kid who is curious about death, as banshees are known as heralds of death. This story follows a young banshee who tries to change their fate.
Coretta Scott King Award
My Daddy Is a Cowboy by Stephanie Seales, illustrated by C.G. Esperanza
The Coretta Scott King Award, awarded by the ALA and named for the civil rights activist, honors African American authors and illustrators whose work reflects the African American experience. A recent book given this award is My Daddy Is a Cowboy by Stephanie Seales, illustrated by C.G. Esperanza. This is the perfect book to share with a horse-loving kid. In it, a father and a daughter ride their horses together on city streets.
Hans Christian Andersen Award
My Baba’s Garden by Jordan Scott, illustrated by Sydney Smith
This international book award comes from the International Board on Books for Young People. Like the Nobel Prize in literature to which it is compared, it is awarded to an author or illustrator rather than a particular book. Recently, illustrator Sydney Smith won this award. One book he illustrated is My Baba’s Garden by Jordan Scott. Based on Scott’s childhood memories, the dreamy book portrays time spent between a grandmother and grandson who don’t share much spoken language but who communicate deeply nonetheless.
Stonewall Book Award
Love, Violet by Charlotte Sullivan Wild, illustrated by Charlene Chua
This award from the ALA recognizes outstanding books that relate to the LGBTQIA+ experience. While this award is given to books aimed at a variety of audiences, age-wise, a recent picture book winner is Love, Violet by Charlotte Sullivan Wild, illustrated by Charlene Chua. This is the perfect book for a kid who is beginning to experience crushes or similar feelings. In this sweet story, Violet thinks Mira is really great, and she uses Valentine’s Day to ask her if she wants to go on an adventure.
Mildred L. Batchelder Award
Houses with a Story by Seiji Yoshida, translated by Jan Mitsuko Cash
This ALA award honors children’s books in translation. A recent winner is Houses with a Story by Seiji Yoshida, translated by Jan Mitsuko Cash. This is the perfect book for the kids who love an intricate illustration or complicated cross-section to pore over. You know the kids. This book presents 30 different imaginary places packed with diagrams, details, and descriptions. It will inspire or restore any reader’s sense of whimsy.
There’s truly no reason to go back to the same picture books day after day. (I know, I know, some kids demand it. I myself was “some kids.”) But if you head to the library with this list and lists of other award-winning or must-read picture books, you will come home with treasures.
English (US) · 