Gelett Burgess Children's Book Award


The Gelett Burgess Children's Book Award is an annual award presented by the Gelett Burgess Center for Creative Expression. Named for Gelett Burgess, an artist and writer famous for his humorous Goops series, this award recognizes outstanding books that inspire imagination and creativity, and helps support childhood literacy and lifelong reading.

History

The first award was granted in 2011 when Pat Mora won Book of the Year with Gracias Thanks. In addition to the Book of the Year and several Burgess Honors, awards are granted each year in 40 categories, within 4 distinct groups: Lifestyle, Arts and Letters, Society and Culture, and Education. The resulting list of award-winning titles is promoted throughout the year with additional activity and lesson plan resources made available.
The Gelett Burgess Children's Book Award seal was designed by the artist himself as a child. He made an early mark on the world by carving his initials, in the form of a monogram based on the Phoenician alphabet, on nearly every church steeple in Boston.

Eligibility and Criteria

A number of international celebrities have received the Gelett Burgess Children's Book award, including figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, comedic actor Jim Carrey, and film director John Fusco.
YearWorkRecipientTitleCitation
2017authorThe WhisperWinner
2016authorThe Book ItchWinner
2016authorButterfly ParkHonor
2016authorBookHonor
2016authorSidewalk FlowersHonor
2016authorHonor
2014authorThe Farmer and the ClownWinner
2014authorThe Right Word: Roget and His ThesaurusHonor
2014authorWhat Do You Do With An Idea?Honor
2013authorDream AnimalsWinner
2013authorHow Roland RollsHonor
2013authorA Night Time StoryHonor
2013authorIsland of the Invisible BeingHonor
2013authorThe InsomniacsHonor
2012authorSnutt the IftWinner
2012authorRed Knit Cap GirlHonor
2012authorLittle Monk and the MantisHonor
2011authorGracias ThanksWinner
2011authorBad News for OutlawsHonor
2011authorBookspeak! Poems About BooksHonor