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BRIGHT'S INDUSTRY AWARDS GUIDE
last updated 19 August 2019
At Bright, we understand that keeping up with the ongoing cycle of industry awards can feel like a daunting task at times, and so we wanted to find a way to streamline the information in a handy guide to major children’s publishing and illustration awards. Who’s eligible to apply? What are the key dates to look out for? We’ve simplified the nitty gritty details and listed them in one place for an overview that can be referred to whenever you need a refresher!
Caldecott Medal
The Caldecott medal was established in 1937 and is awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book published the previous year. The medal is named in honor of the nineteenth-century English illustrator, Randolph J. Caldecott, whose children’s illustrations were unique to their time in both their humor and their ability to create a sense of movement, vitality, and action.
For more information, click here.
Coretta Scott King Award
The Coretta Scott King Book Awards are given annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values. The award commemorates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and honors his wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood.
For more information, click here.
Pura Belpré Award
Named after Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library, the Pura Belpré Award was established in 1996 and is presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.
For more information, click here.
Geisel Award
The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award is given annually to the authors and illustrators of the most distinguished American book for beginning readers published in English in the United States during the preceding year. The award is named for the world-renowned children’s author, Dr. Seuss.
For more information, click here.
Newbery Medal
The Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the American Library Association to the author of the most distinguished American children’s book published the previous year. The award was proposed in 1921, making it the first children’s book award in the world. Its terms, as well as its long history, continue to make it one of the most prestigious and best-known children’s book awards in the country.
For more information, click here.
The Golden Kite Awards
Instituted in 1973, the Golden Kite Awards are the only children’s literary awards judged by a jury of peers. More than 1,000 books are entered each year. The award recognizes excellence in children’s literatures in six categories: Young Reader and Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Nonfiction for Younger Readers, Nonfiction for Older Readers, Picture Book Text, and Picture Book Illustration.
For more information, click here.
Read about Becca Stadtlander’s big night at The Golden Kite Awards here.
Society of Illustrators: The Original Art
The Original Art is an annual exhibit created to showcase illustrations from the year’s best children’s books published in the U.S. Founded by painter, art director, and artists’ representative Dilys Evans, The Original Art was first exhibited in 1980 at the Master Eagle Gallery in New York City. The show was an instant success, even receiving a proclamation of appreciation from the mayor’s office, and it has been popular ever since.
For more information, click here.
Check out Bright artists at the 2018 SOI Original Art Exhibit here.
Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year
The Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year list includes more than 600 titles chosen by reviewers for literary quality and excellence of presentation as well as the potential emotional impact of the books on young readers. Other criteria include credibility of characterization and plot, authenticity of time and place, age suitability, positive treatment of ethnic and religious differences, and the absence of stereotypes.
For more information, click here.
Read more about past Bright winners here.
BolognaRagazzi Award
Since 1966, the BolognaRagazzi Award has been among the world’s most highly regarded international prizes in the sector of children’s publishing. Aimed at selecting the finest illustrated children’s books, the award honors the best productions in terms of their graphic and editorial qualities.
For more information, click here.
Bologna Children’s Book Fair Illustrators Exhibition
The Illustrators Exhibition is a showcase for the latest trends in illustration and new talent held during the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. The work of exhibiting artists is published in the well-known Illustrators Annual: a large catalog for publishers and professionals all over the world. After the Fair, the Exhibition travels for over two years during an international tour in museums, art galleries and important libraries in Japan, China, and in different countries every year.
For more information, click here.
Bologna Children’s Book Fair - Fundación SM International Illustration Award
Launched in 2009, the Fundación International Illustration Award is dedicated to illustrators under 35 already selected for the Bologna Children’s Book Fair Illustrators Exhibition. The winner is awarded $15,000 to develop a picture book to be published by the Spanish publisher, SM. The original illustrations of the book are presented to the following Bologna Children’s Book Fair for a personal exhibition dedicated to the winner.
For more information, click here.
World Illustration Awards
The World Illustration Awards continues the AOI’s tradition of delivering an annual illustration competition which has run in various forms for over 40 years. It is delivered by the AOI in partnership with the Directory of Illustration.
For more information, click here.
Read more about Fiona Woodcock’s big night at the 2019 World Illustration Awards here.
See our UK Industry Awards Guide here.