The Geisel Award, in honor of, Theodor Geisel (Dr. Suess,) is given each year to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished American book for beginning readers by the American Library Association.
2022
Fox at Night
By Corey R. Tabor
Fox is up late in the night. There are shadows and noises everywhere. Fox is sure the night is full of monsters! Then he meets the real creatures of the night and realizes they are not so scary after all. Carefully crafted using basic language, word repetition, sight words, and whimsical illustrations, Fox at Night is ideal for sharing with your emergent reader. The active, engaging My First I Can Read stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey.
2021
See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog
By David LaRochelle, Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
Move over, Spot. . . . Spoofing classic primers, Max the Dog talks back to the book in a twist that will have fans of funny early readers howling.
See Max. Max is not a cat—Max is a dog. But much to Max’s dismay, the book keeps instructing readers to “see the cat.” How can Max get through to the book that he is a DOG? In a trio of stories for beginning readers, author David LaRochelle introduces the excitable Max, who lets the book know in irresistibly emphatic dialogue that the text is not to his liking. Illustrator Mike Wohnoutka hilariously depicts the pup’s reactions to the narrator and to the wacky cast of characters who upend Max’s—and readers’—expectations as the three stories build to an immensely satisfying conclusion. Hooray, Max, hooray!
2020
Stop! Bot!
By James Yang
In this very young picture book mystery, a little boy out for a walk with his family stops to show a building doorman his new “bot”: “I have a bot!” Only he doesn’t have it for long, because it floats up out of his hands like an escaped balloon. “Stop! Bot!” Springing to action, the kind doorman runs up to each floor of the building to try and catch it — along with the help of each floor’s resident. But while everything looks normal at first, every floor (and resident) is a little more wacky and unusual than the last! Musicians, baseball players, zoo animals, and finally a very large monkey all play a part — but will they rescue the Bot before it’s too late?! Children will love all the funny details in this very playful picture book!
2019
Fox the Tiger
By Corey R. Tabor
Fun-loving, mischievous Fox wishes he were a tiger. Tigers are big and fast and sneaky. So he decides to become one! Soon, Turtle and Rabbit are joining in the fun. But will Fox want to be a tiger forever?
2018
Charlie and Mouse
By Laurel Synder, Illustrated by Emily Hughes
Four hilarious stories, two inventive brothers, one irresistible book! Join Charlie and Mouse as they talk to lumps, take the neighborhood to a party, sell some rocks, and invent the bedtime banana. With imagination and humor, Laurel Synder and Emily Hughes paint a lively picture of brotherhood that children will relish in a format perfect for children not quite ready for chapter books.
2017
We Are Growing
By Laurie Keller
Walt and his friends are growing up fast! Everyone is something- est. But what about Walt? He is not the tallest, or the curliest, or the silliest. He is not the anything-est. As a Big surprise inches closer, Walt discovers something special of his own.
2016
Don’t Throw to Mo!
By David A. Adler, Illustrated by Sam Ricks
Mo is the youngest kid on the Robins, his football team. His classmates don’t mind, but the kids on their rival team tease him for being a “butterfingers” who’s too tiny to catch the ball. But Mo’s coach has a plan to turn Mo’s little size into a big win for the Robins!
2015
You Are (Not) Small
By Anne Kang, Illustrated by Christopher Weyant
Two fuzzy creatures can’t agree on who is small and who is big, until a couple of surprise guests show up, settling once and for all! The simple text of Anna Kang and bold illustrations of cartoonist Christopher Weyant tell an original and very funny story about size — it all depends on who’s standing next to you.
2014
The Watermelon Seed
By Greg Pizzoli
With perfect comic pacing, Greg Pizzoli introduces us to one funny crocodile who has one big fear: swallowing a watermelon seed. What will he do when his greatest fear is realized? Will vines sprout out his ears? Will his skin turn pink? This crocodile has a wild imagination that kids will love.
2013
Up, Tall and High!
By Ethan Long
In three laugh-out-loud situations, an irresistible cast of colorful birds illustrate the concepts of “up,” “tall” and “high.” First, a short peacock proves that he may not be tall, but he definitely isn’t small. Then, a resourceful bird helps his penguin friend find a way to fly. Finally, two birds want to live in the same tree, but what goes up must come down! Each short story features a flap that reveals a surprise twist.
2012
Tales for Very Picky Eaters
By Josh Schneider
James is a very picky eater. His dad has to get creative — very creative — in order to get James to eat foods he thinks he doesn’t like. He presents James with a series of outlandish scenarios packed with fanciful and kid friendly details like pre-chewed gum as an alternative to broccoli and lumpy oatmeal it grows so big it eats the dog — in an effort to get James to eat. But it is eventually James himself who discovers that some foods aren’t so bad if you give them a try.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
