Geisel Award

Established in 2004, the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award is given annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished American book for beginning readers published in English in the United States during the preceding year. The winner(s) receive a bronze medal (honor book authors and illustrators receive certificates) at the ALA Annual Conference.^[1] award was established in 2004 and first presented in 2006^[1]

The award is named for Theodor Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss: "Children want the same things we want: to laugh, to be challenged, to be entertained and delighted."^[1] The award is given by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).

Criteria

• The book must encourage and support the beginning reader.^[2]
• The book must be published in English in the United States during the preceding year.^[2]
• 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.^[2]
• The author(s) or illustrator(s) must be citizens or residents of the United States.^[2]
• 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.^[2]
• The text must be directed at readers from pre-K through Grade 2.^[2]
• The illustrations must function as keys or clues to the text.^[2]
• Fiction, non-fiction, and poetry are all eligible.^[2]
• Reprints and compilations are not eligible.^[2]
• Subject matter must be intriguing enough to motivate the child to read.^[2]
• The book may or may not include short "chapters".^[2]
• New words should be added slowly enough to make learning them a positive experience.^[2]
• Words should be repeated to ensure knowledge retention.^[2]
• Sentences must be simple and straightforward.^[2]
• There must be a minimum of 24 pages.^[2]
• Books may not be longer than 96 pages.^[2]

Recipients

Recipients of Multiple Medals and Honors

• Laura Vaccaro Seeger was honored in 2008 and 2009.
• Mo Willems won in 2008 and 2009. He was also honored in 2011.
• Tedd Arnold was honored in 2006 and 2010.

References