Geisel Award

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 or illustrator must be citizens or residents of the United States.
• The "author and illustrator" may include co-authors and co-illustrators. The author and illustrator 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.

  Recipients

Multiple awards

• Mo Willems won the 2008 and 2009 awards. He received honors in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015.
• Kate DiCamillo won the 2011 award. She received an honor in 2007.
• Cynthia Rylant won the award in 2006 and received an honor in 2015.
• Tedd Arnold received honors in 2006 and 2010.
• Laura Vaccaro Seeger received honors in 2008 and 2009.