Theodor Seuss Geisel Award

The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award goes to the author and illustrator of the strongest American book written for children who are just learning to read. Named for the writer known as Dr. Seuss, it looks for books in which words and pictures work together to help readers from preschool through second grade succeed on their own.

The Association for Library Service to Children created the award in 2004 and first presented it in 2006. A committee of seven librarians reviews books published in English in the United States the year before and announces the medal and any honor books each January. The medal itself is bronze, and honor books receive certificates. No award is given in a year without a suitable candidate.

Original books of 24 to 96 pages for readers from pre-kindergarten through second grade, published in English in the United States in the previous year by U.S. citizens or residents.