What is the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award?

The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award recognizes the author and illustrator of the "most distinguished contribution to the body of American children's literature known as beginning reader books published in the United States during the preceding year.  The beginning reader book should demonstrate creativity and imagination in literary and artistic achievements to engage children in reading.

Who decides the winner?

The selection committee is comprised of six members and a chair from the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC,) a division of the American Library Association (ALA.)

When did the award begin?

The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award was established in 2004 with the first award presented in 2006. The award will be given annually at the American Library Association Midwinterl Conference.

What special criteria are used to select this award?

The award shall be given annually to the author and illustrator of the most distinguished contribution to the body of American children's literature known as beginning reader books published in the United States during the preceding year.  Honor books may be named.

• Author and illustrator may include co-authors and co-illustrators. The medal may be award posthumously

• All forms may be included (fiction, nonfiction, poetry)

• Originally published in the United States

• Minimum 24 pages and maximum 96 pages

• Directed to readers from pre-K through grade 2

• Provide a stimulating and successful reading experience with plot and rhythm that will carry child along

• Sentences must be simple and straightforward

• Illustrations must demonstrate story being told and provide clues to the text

• Reprints and compilations are not eligible

Why is it called the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award?

Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, was a world-renowned children's author who said, "Children want the same things we want: to laugh, to be challenged, to be entertained and delighted."  Responding to a 1954 Life magazine report on children's illiteracy that suggested children's books were boring, Geisel wrote The Cat in the Hat using only 220 words. Before his death in 1991, Geisel had published forty-four books for children, including Green Eggs and Ham and The Lorax.

What does the award look like?

The round gold medal features a likeness of Theodor Geisel.  Letters around the top spell "THEODORE SEUSS GEISEL;" letters around the bottom spell "AWARD."