The CLEL Bell Awards recognize the top book for our criteria in each early literacy practice category: READ, WRITE, TALK, SING, and PLAY. Winners are the top in each category from the final shortlist. The award-winning titles are announced each February.
Purchase sheets of stickers through Zazzle if you are interested in labeling the CLEL Bell Award winning books in your collection.
2026 Awards
2026 READ Winner
Let’s Be Bees
By Shawn Harris — published Feb. 11, 2025, Neal Porter Books — ISBN 9780823457090
The only thing better than playing make believe is playing make believe with your favorite grown-up! With bright, bold crayon illustrations, lilting, rhythmic words, and endless fodder for playing along, this is a read aloud guaranteed to bring on the giggles and requests to do it all again.
Let’s Be Bees features strong modeling of reading together in interactive and playful ways, such as mimicking sounds and acting out parts in the story. We love the infectious love of reading by child and caregiver, and the simple, colorful, easy-to-understand illustrations help young readers connect the words to images.
Just One More Story
By Perry Emerson, illustrated by Sean Julian — published Jan. 7, 2025, Tiger Tales — ISBN 9781664300538
This sweet story about books, imagination, and play is an ideal choice for encouraging striving readers to enjoy reading books in their own way. It shows how reading can lead to other actions and development for a child.
My Mom Loves… Books!
By Nancy Kers — published June 10, 2025, Clavis — ISBN 9798890631428
This delightful and heartwarming story captures the joy of reading and the special bond between a mother and her child. Told from the child’s perspective, it offers an endearing glimpse into their shared adventures with a mom who can’t stop reading.
Orson and the World’s Loudest Library
By Laura Gehl, illustrated by Stephanie Roth Sisson — published April 15, 2025, Astra Young Readers — ISBN 9781662602085
In this picture book love letter to public libraries, 6-year-old Orson learns to navigate his big feelings by sharing his love of reading with newfound friends at his local branch. This book demonstrates a variety of children’s reading experiences and the ways that libraries and librarians support everyone to have positive reading experiences.
So Many Books
By Sue Fliess & Ann Marie Stephens, illustrated by Alexandra Colombo — published April 10, 2025, Albert Whitman & Co — ISBN 9780807532331
Featuring rhythmic, rhyming text and delightful illustrations, this story celebrates the magic of reading in an array of settings and situations. Among the scenarios involving books are different book titles, fiction and nonfiction, such as using information to plant a garden. It is full of positive reading interactions with adults and children of different ages.
2026 WRITE Winner
Don’t Draw In This Book
By Bill Cotter — published Sept. 2, 2025, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky — ISBN 9781464220715
Larry has a new sketchbook―a magic one, where you “draw” using your finger to trace shapes. Tracing each shape makes something new happen on the next page! But you never know what’s going to happen…
This book actively supports writing by encourages children to trace shapes on its pages with their fingers. Younger readers will enjoy the imaginative element that marks on a page can turn into art and drawings.
Angel Draws a Dinosaur
By Pavonis Giron – published June 24, 2025, Henry Holt & Co – ISBN 9781250435668
After an exciting day at the museum, Angel is inspired! With all the art supplies he can gather, he knows the dinosaur he draws will be perfect. But soon, fear and frustration take root – why can’t he seem to draw exactly what he sees in his head? And even worse, what if he keeps making mistakes?
This story features caregivers who support exploration and creativity through writing, including the emotions that arise as kids practice.
Oh No, Ojó!
By Àlàbá Ònájìn – published July 15, 2025, Random House Studio – ISBN 9780593805725
Ojó loves to draw, but what happens when he starts to draw everywhere he shouldn’t? From an emerging Nigerian talent comes a humorous story dealing with a common preschooler issue.
Ojó explores mark making with different writing utensils, including markers and sticks.
Sing Along with Me! Pat-a-Cake
By Yu-hsuan Huang – published Nov. 4, 2025, Candlewick – ISBN 9781536241532
Roll, pat, mark, and put a cake in the oven with baby and me in this interactive board book based on the beloved nursery rhyme. Chunky sliders are perfect for little fingers, and a QR code links to both instrumental and vocal versions. Simply scan the code to listen and sing along—it’s the perfect introduction to music for little ones!
This hands-on book encourages movement to strengthen fingers and promote pre-writing skills.
Sidewalk Chalk
By Jen Fier Jasinski, illustrated by Lea Marie Ravotti – published Sept. 23, 2025, Gnome Road – ISBN 9781957655550
Imaginations soar when a group of neighborhood children scritch, scribble and scrawl in a rainbow of colors, crafting lovely works of art. But one little girl watches from afar, unsure how to contribute her own colorful creations…Using soft, but vibrant colors, the illustrations complement themes of inclusion, friendship, and determination.
Early literacy practices of Write and Play join together in this story full of onomatopoeias.
2026 TALK Winner
I Can Say Moo!
By Stephanie Cohen, illustrated by Lindsay Dale-Scott — published April 1, 2025, Sourcebooks Explore — ISBN 9781728291581
This book uses a proven approach designed to help youngsters learn to talk. Encourage connection and communication with this simple speech book that makes a difference!
I Can Say Moo! is an excellent example of age-appropriate conversations for babies. Its interactive style makes it easy to practice conversations as it is read aloud, building skills that caregivers can use in day-to-day experiences. Photos of real babies and toddlers will capture the attention of youngsters to make this a favorite.
pêyak little duck: A counting book in Plains Cree and English
By Sandra Lamouche, illustrated by Mando Littlechild — published March 11, 2025, Orca Book Publishers — ISBN 9781459837171
In a celebration of the connection between language learning and the land, a young child enjoys a walk in nature and spots different birds while practicing counting from one to ten in Plains Cree.
The Talk practice is modeled through sweet caregiver-child interactions and the book supports phonological awareness, increased vocabulary, and letter knowledge.
Thunderland
By Maggie Edkins Willis — published March 11, 2025, Viking Books for Young Readers — ISBN 9780593693292
Storms can be scary. All those CRACKS and CRASHES and RUMBLES! So, one young girl does what anyone would do—hides under the kitchen sink, of course. Until her dad shows her there’s somewhere even better to go. Thunderland!
This book models ways that talking helps children and adults work through feelings while an event is happening and may spark more conversations for kids to learn about the world around them.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First Signs: ASL That Babies & Toddlers Can Use
By Eric Carle — published July 15, 2025, World of Eric Carle — ISBN 9780593890202
This engaging board book introduces ten essential signs that will help babies and toddlers learn to communicate with those around them. With their familiar friend The Very Hungry Caterpillar and photographs modeling the signs, young children and their families will love to read and practice again and again!
This book is an excellent example of non-verbal communication and vocabulary building.
Whoa Panda!
By C.S. Jennings — published Aug. 12, 2025, Nancy Paulsen Books — ISBN 9780593324783
From “Whoa!” to “Way to go!,” this is a humorous and heartwarming look at the importance of communicating personal boundaries.
This story models age-appropriate language for caregivers to use when talking with young kids about this topic and may inspire future conversations.
2026 SING Winner
Abuelita’s Song
By Gloria Amescua, illustrated by Mariyah Rahman — published May 20, 2025, Beach Lane Books — ISBN 9781665957519
From Pura Belpré Honor author Gloria Amescua comes a sweet picture book integrating Spanish words and celebrating the family and music that connects us all.
Through intergenerational sharing of a song, the story shows the importance of words set to music. It models singing as part of a family’s daily routine and encourages making up your own songs.
E-I-UFO: Old MacDonald Had a Farm
By Zach von Zonk, illustrated by Benjamin Chaud — published March 4, 2025, Chronicle — ISBN 9781797223896
Get ready to sing and laugh along with this intergalactic twist on the classic children’s song ‘Old MacDonald Had a Farm’ in a rollicking picture book.
Great for preschoolers and up, this book includes some great vocabulary as well as a fun, engaging read.
Five Little Friends: A Collection of Finger Rhymes
by Sean Taylor, illustrated by Fiona Woodcock — published Aug. 19, 2025, Candlewick — ISBN 9781536242911
In the hallowed tradition of nursery rhymes and songs like “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” this imaginative collection entices children to use their fingers, hands, and sometimes whole bodies to bring a variety of verses to life.
Unique and playful with cute and inclusive illustrations, this book’s solid rhymes supports aspects from multiple early literacy practices (Talk, Sing, Write, and Play).
On Our Way! What a Day!
By JaNay Brown-Wood, illustrated by Tamisha Anthony — published Jan. 7, 2025, Nancy Paulsen — ISBN 9780593110751
It’s Gram’s birthday, and the grandkids can’t wait to celebrate with her. There’s just one thing missing: a gift! Fortunately, there’s no quashing the enthusiasm and creativity of these siblings, who have a marvelous time scouting and singing as they shimmy over to Gram’s, making the journey its own celebration.
Repetition, rhyme and rhythm, onomatopoeia, as well as children playing and singing along with a loving caregiver shine in this book.
Pop! Goes the Nursery Rhyme
By Betsy Bird, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi — published March 18, 2025, Union Square Kids — ISBN 9781454960461
In this laugh-out-loud spin on a classic nursery rhyme collection, a feisty weasel continuously interrupts the narrator’s carefully prepared recitation—adding exuberant mischief to the timeless rhymes we all know and love.
This book includes back matter with excellent support information for caregivers about revisiting old nursery rhymes, including how to engage with rhymes that have problematic history.
2026 PLAY Winner
Catch!
By Trish Cooke, illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max — published May 6, 2025, Charlesbridge — ISBN 9781623546229
Playing catch with Mom is the best way to explore the world—and finish the day! A joyful, sensory picture book that captures the tender moments between parent and child. Perfect for curious preschoolers and kindergarteners who love to play!
This story has excellent modeling of a parent directing supportive play with a child throughout the day. Both characters are willing to adjust and keep trying new things until they find the form of play that is “just right”. Finally, we love the repetitive phrases that support vocabulary building, phonetic awareness, and predictive skills.
Downpour: Splish! Splash! Ker-Splash!
By Yuko Ohnari, illustrated by Koshiro Hata, translated by Emily Balistrieri — published March 4, 2025, Red Comet Press; ISBN 9781636551142
A young boy celebrates a refreshing storm in this joyous picture book about experiencing with all your senses a cloudburst of rain on a hot summer day. Yuko Ohnari’s new book featuring expressive onomatopoeia to sound out and enjoy. This book has great modeling of a young child engaging in independent outdoor play. You’ll definitely want to play outside the next time it rains.
Floor It!
By Bex Tobin Fine, illustrated by Federico Fabiani — published Sept. 16, 2025, Random House Books for Young Readers — ISBN 9780593904992
Start your engines as Baby zooms around the house like a race car driver, turning an ordinary living room into an exhilarating race course! This whimsical picture book brings the thrill of crawling to life from a baby’s unique perspective.
Everyday objects become fantastical through play. While the infant is playing and exploring somewhat independently, they are still within the reach of a caregiver for a snuggle.
Let’s Rumble
By Rachel G. Payne, illustrated by Jose Pimienta — published July 8, 2025, Rise x Penguin Workshop — ISBN 9780593750698
When the oldest and youngest siblings decide to rumble, they do so with great imagination and careful consent. An engaging and encouraging model of healthy rough-and-tumble play, the benefits of which are explained in pointer-rich back matter for parents and caregivers.
This book is a stand-out for its support of gross-motor play and positive child-friendly discussions of body autonomy and consent.
Mama Hug
By Emma Straub, illustrated by Stevie Lewis — published Jan. 7, 2025, Rocky Pond Books — ISBN 9780593618592
Join this lovable Mama and baby for a joyful day of fun and snuggles. A scrumptious, love-filled book for youngsters.
This lovely picture book uses simple, toddler directed text to show a day full of play. This book incorporates multiple early literacy practices such as reading and singing, while focusing on play.
2025 Awards
View Press Release – 2025 CLEL Bell Award Winners
2025 READ Winner
When You Love a Book
By Kaz Windness, illustrated by Heather Brockman Lee — May 21, 2024 — Flamingo Books
When You Love a Book is a poetic ode to readers and the way the stories we read as children have the ability to shape our lives forever. Includes nods to some of the most beloved children’s books of all time.
Activity Sheet & Early Literacy Information – 2025 READ – When You Love a Book (PDF)
Go and Get with Rex
By David LaRochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka — May 7, 2024 — Candlewick
Jack, Jill, and Rex are excited to play a game of Go and Get! The rules are simple: on the count of three, each player must go and get something that begins with a certain letter. It’s a rousing alphabetical exercise in thinking outside the box.
I Lived Inside a Whale
By Xin Li — February 20, 2024 — Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
This is a story of friendship and finding your own voice in a world that is “filled with too much of everything, everywhere.”
Words Are Magic!
By Zaila Avant-garde — January 2, 2024 — Random House Books for Young Readers
New readers will find joyful encouragement in this level 1 easy reader that sings out about the magic of words.
You Can Read to Me!
By Arin Gentry and Clare Crosh, illustrated by Kenyatta Davis — May 1, 2024 — Blue Manatee Press
A sweet, simple story featuring photographs of diverse families reading with their infants during the formative first months of life.
2025 WRITE Winner
Between Two Windows
By Keisha Morris — January 2, 2024 — HarperCollins
Between two windows, Kayla and Mateo pass drawings of dinosaurs back and forth, back and forth, back and forth…until a story comes to life and the worlds of two friends come together.
Activity Sheet & Early Literacy Information – 2025 WRITE – Between Two Windows (PDF)
Feel Calm
By Andy J. Pizza and Sophie Miller — October 1, 2024 — Chronicle Books
This hands-on board book leads toddlers on a whimsical and reassuring journey from chaos to calm.
A Garland of Henna
By Varsha Bajaj, illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan – June 11, 2024 — Nancy Paulsen Books
Nikita is from a long line of henna artists. But the first time Nikita tries to make henna art, the mehndi paste looks like an ugly blob, and she feels like giving up.
Leo and the Pink Marker
By Mariyka Foster — May 21, 2024 — Peachtree
Leo LOVES doodling away with his pink marker! A splash of pink would look great on that crunched-up convertible, and that magnet crane…and the family cat. Uh-oh! Leo got carried away. Will his moms be upset?
A Letter to My Best Friend
By Yangsook Choi — July 9, 2024 — Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Fueled by wonderful memories of his former home, Jihun uses his creativity to craft a letter for his best friend, Oto. The result is nothing short of extraordinary and opens a door for Jihun to make new friends.
2025 TALK Winner
Bye Land, Bye Sea
By Rene Spencer and Rodolfo Montalvo — April 30, 2024 — Roaring Book Press
Two children from different backgrounds show that friendship has no language in this epic bilingual story about being lost and finding a friend who understands.
Activity Sheet & Early Literacy Information – 2025 TALK – Bye Land, Bye Sea (PDF)
Chooch Helped
By Andrea L. Rogers, illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz — October 8, 2024 — Levine Querido
This is a universal story of an older sibling learning to make space for a new child, showing one Cherokee family practicing their cultural traditions.
¡Hola, cara! Hello, Face!
By Aya Khalil — April 2, 2024 — Barefoot Books
Hello, smiling face! From laughing to cooing, from sneezing to yawning, join baby in discovering what expressive eyes, noses, and mouths can do. Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Kadooboo: A Silly South Indian Folktale
By Shruthi Rao, illustrated by Darshkia Varma — February 6, 2024 — Page Street Kids
Kadooboo! Golden brown, puffy, sweet, and crunchy, it’s fresh from the pan―a delicious treat! This modern retelling of a South Indian folktale is about friends, family, and food―the perfect recipe for a satisfying story time.
Monster Hands
By Karen Kane and Jonaz Mc Millan, illustrated by Dion MBD — May 7, 2024 — Nancy Paulsen Books
Two best friends use rhyming ASL to help vanquish their fear of the monster under the bed in this fun, interactive bedtime readaloud.
2025 SING Winner
Adela’s Mariachi Band
By Denise Vega, illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina — August 13, 2024 — Charlesbridge
Adela wants to be in her family’s mariachi band, but nothing seems to fit quite right. Can she find a way to participate while trying out the fun instrument sounds?
Activity Sheet & Early Literacy Information – 2025 SING – Adela’s Mariachi Band (PDF)
The Belly Song
By Mother Moon, illustrated by Leah Giles — July 2, 2024 — little bee books
With a QR code link to a song, irresistible illustrations, and a powerful message of love, acceptance, and kindness to our bodies, this board book is a great gift for any growing library.
It’s Time to Hush and Say Good Night
By Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat — October 1, 2024 — Candlewick Press
Lull a little one to sleep with gentle rhyming verses and a mesmerizing swirl of imagery from the natural world, as a loving parent takes a child on a dreamlike journey.
No Bear Anywhere
By Leah Gilbert — May 14, 2024 — Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Bruin is determined to spot a bear on his walk. He makes up a song for his adventure and learns to deal with the disappointment of finding no bears anywhere.
This Land is a Lullaby
By Tonya Simpson, illustrated by Delreé Dumont — September 17, 2024 — Orca
Written as a lullaby for the author’s daughter and featuring striking pointillism artwork, this lush lullaby of the land honors the beauty of the Prairies and the Plains and the spiritual connection between Indigenous children, ancestors and their Traditional Territories.
2025 PLAY Winner
Ahoy!
By Sophie Blackall – April 2, 2024 – Anne Schwartz Books
Join a child captain and parent first mate as they embark on a wild high seas adventure… all without leaving the living room!
Activity Sheet & Early Literacy Information – 2025 PLAY – Ahoy! (PDF)
All the Rocks We Love
By Lisa Varchol Perron and Taylor Perron, illustrated by David Scheirer — July 16, 2024 — Rise x Penguin Workshop
This book is an appreciation of their versatility and appeal, paired with the presentation of real types of rocks and their play-worthy attributes.
Gaga Mistake Day
By Emma Straub and Susan Straub, illustrated by Jessica Love — April 9, 2024 — Rocky Pond Books
Gaga days are the best! That’s when this eccentric, mischievous grandma babysits her delighted granddaughter. These Gaga days are always full of the silliest “mistakes,” like swapping eyeglasses and walking backwards to the park.
How We Play
By Dolisha Mitchell — April 23, 2024 — Little Feminist Press
Play is powerful! Whether it’s inside or outside, quiet or loud, alone or with friends—there are so many ways to play.
What Can a Mess Make?
By Bee Johnson — August 20, 2024 — Henry Holt and Company
Two sisters spend their day playing at home and leaving joyful, cozy messes in their wake.
2024 Awards
View the honor books on the 2024 Shortlist.
2024 READ Winner
This is a Story
Written by John Shu and illustrated by Lauren Castillo — published by Candlewick
“This is a Story” is about a child who discovers the library, the joy of finding the perfect book, and how the act of reading can connect us to other people and the world. The book demonstrates great reading practices, like reading with friends. It also encourages readers to visit the library. The beautiful watercolor illustrations feature an array of books you might find at the library. We encourage readers to find the titles in the pages and on the shelves of their local libraries.
Activity Sheet & Early Literacy Information – 2024 READ – This is a Story (PDF)
2024 WRITE Winner
Scroll
Written and illustrated by Hui Li — published by Christy Ottaviano Books (Little, Brown and Company)
After observing her grandfather draw Chinese characters on a scroll, Lulu wants to try. And soon she and her dog Dumpling enter a magical world where the Chinese characters she draws come to life.
Activity Sheet & Early Literacy Information – 2024 WRITE – Scroll (PDF)
2024 TALK Winner
A Day with No Words
Written by Tiffany Hammond and illustrated by Kate Cosgrove — published by Wheat Penny
Written by an Autistic mother of two Autistic sons, the story follows a mother and child and explores nonverbal communication and neurodiversity in an affirming fashion. “A Day with No Words” normalizes communication methods beyond just spoken language, which is one of the many reasons it was selected as the winner.
Activity Sheet & Early Literacy Information – 2024 TALK – A Day With No Words (PDF)
2024 SING Winner
We Belong to the Drum
Written by Sandra Lamouche and illustrated by Azby Whitecalf — published by Orca Book Publishers
“We Belong to the Drum” is a story about an indigenous child finding comfort through music. And it models singing between child and caregiver beautifully.
Activity Sheet & Early Literacy Information – 2024 SING – We Belong to the Drum (PDF)
2024 PLAY Winner
Quiet Time with My Seeya
Written and illustrated by Dinale Dabarera — published by Roaring Book Press
“Quiet Time with My Seeya” is a picture book about a young child and the time that she spends with her grandfather or her Seeya. They don’t speak the same language, but they still create a lot of special memories together. We love the interaction between grandfather and grandchild and the illustrations are beautiful.
Activity Sheet & Early Literacy Information – 2024 PLAY – Quiet Time with My Seeya (PDF)
2023 Awards
View the honor books on the 2023 Shortlist.
2023 READ Winner
Bathe the Cat
by Alice B. McGinty, illustrated by David Roberts (Chronicle Books)
This playful story follows a frantic family as they work together to get their chores finished before Grandma arrives! To do anything to avoid getting a bath, cat scrambles the list of chores on the fridge and hilarity ensues. The refrigerator magnets in the illustrations reinforce the idea that letters combine to represent the words we say.
Bathe the Cat Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
2023 WRITE Winner
The Gift
by Alain Serge Dzotap, illustrated by Delphine Renon (Eedermans Books for Young Readers)
A young leopard named Leo gets a pen for a gift and must figure out what it does. Reading and writing skills develop together, and with help from Leo’s caregivers and friends, he discovers the joy of creating a story.
The Gift Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
2023 TALK Winner
How to Say Hello to a Worm
by Kari Percival (Rise x Penguin Workshop)
A group of curious children ask questions as they learn to plant and harvest a garden, with lots of play along the way! How to Say Hello to a Worm models the back-and-forth conversations that build vocabularies and comprehension skills
How to Say Hello to a Worm Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
2023 SING Winner
Still This Love Goes On
by Buffy Sainte-Marie, illustrated by Julie Flett (Greystone Kids)
Open your heart to singing throughout your life with this original song by Buffy Sainte-Marie, a Cree singer-songwriter. The beautiful illustrations and rhyming text celebrate the connection between people and the land. Singing is an important part of the oral language foundation upon which print literacies are built.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
2023 PLAY Winner
Baby’s Here!
by Jessica Young, illustrated by Genevieve Godbout (Clarion Books)
This sweet story walks the reader through different activities to do with baby and gives the reader the opportunity to do them with the book itself. Children learn about the world—including words and their meanings—through play, and
from waving hello to kissing goodnight, every page of this story is gentle and interactive.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
2022 Awards
View the honor books on the 2022 Shortlist.
READ
I’ll Build You a Bookcase
by Jean Ciborowski Fahey, illustrated by Simone Shin (Lee & Low Books)
Reading is a fun way to interact with your child no matter how old they are! This book encourages parents and caregivers to make a special time and place for reading. Includes bilingual text in Arabic, Spanish, Vietnamese and more.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
WRITE
Line and Scribble
by Debora Vogrig, illustrated by Pia Valentinis, translated by Debbie Bibo (Chronicle Books)
Line and Scribble are very different, but they’re still the best of friends. On their own, each are creative, but together they can make incredible works of art. Look through the eyes of both as they dash and squiggle through the book.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
TALK
It Was Supposed to Be Sunny
by Samantha Cotterill (Dial Books)
When things go wrong on her special day, Laila talks through her feelings with her mom. Together they create an alternative party plan that is still fun. There are helpful parenting tips to reduce anxiety and disappointment included.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
SING
Bear Wants to Sing
by Cary Fagan, illustrated by Dena Seiferling (Tundra Books)
After discovering, and licking, a musical instrument in the woods, Bear is excited to sing his song. Unfortunately, Crow, Snake and Tortoise come along and want to do the same thing. Readers will find joy in singing out each animal’s lyrics while also feeling empathy for the bear who feels ignored. Whimsical illustrations accompany text that encourages your child to find their own song.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
PLAY
Off-Limits
by Helena Yoon (Candlewick)
A slightly opened ‘off-limits’ room invites a curious young child in to explore its contents: office supplies. The playful and creative play that comes next acts as an inspiration for us all to seek out more fun in the everyday. Independent play supports language development, and the unstructured materials boost imaginative expression.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
2021 Awards
View the honor books on the 2021 Shortlist.
READ
Help Wanted Must Love Books
By Janet Sumner Johnson, lllustrated by Courtney Dawson (Capstone Editions)
Shailey loves bedtime stories. When her dad gets too busy with work to read to her every night, she fires him and attempts to hire a new reader. She interviews familiar fairy tale characters until she finds just the right person for the job. Reading with adults who give their undivided attention can build a lifelong love of books.
Help Wanted Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
TALK
The Paper Kingdom
By Helena Ku Rhee, Illustrated by Pascal Campion
(Random House Books for Young Readers)
A beautifully illustrated, own voices story about a young boy who accompanies his parents to their night job as office janitors. To keep the boy entertained, his parents tell him stories of an imaginary Paper Kingdom full of wonder and adventure. By telling our children stories, real or imaginary, we are building their language skills and vocabulary.
The Paper Kingdom Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
Watch a book talk (YouTube video)
WRITE
It’s Okay
By Shiow-Miin Tsai
(Reycraft Books)
Drawing is fun, but not when you make a mistake. Or is it? Join a child and his mother as they learn how to turn imperfections into art. Scribbles are the first step to a lifetime of drawing and writing!
It’s Okay Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
SING
Here We Go Digging for Dinosaur Bones
By Susan Lendroth, Illustrated by Bob Kolar
(Charlesbridge)
Dinosaur-obsessed little ones will love going through a paleontologist’s motions of digging, sifting and cleaning bones. Set to the familiar tune of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush,” this engaging book will have everyone singing all the way to the dinosaur factoids at the end! Singing helps children develop vocabulary and increases awareness of the smaller sounds in words.
Here We Go Digging Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
PLAY
My Rainy Day Rocket Ship
By Markette Sheppard, Illustrated by Charly Palmer
(Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
It’s too rainy outside, so it’s time for play inside! A young boy uses his creativity, imagination and help from his parents to make a super rocket ship out of everyday objects. Play encourages children to build their imaginations, learn empathy and navigate the ups and downs of friendship.
My Rainy Day Rocket Ship Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
2020 Awards
View the honor books on the 2020 Shortlist.
READ
The Book Hog by Greg Pizzoli
The Book Hog thinks he loves everything about books—the way they feel, the way they look—but when he discovers library storytime, he learns
there’s something else to love about them: the stories inside.
The Book Hog Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
WRITE
The Thank You Letter by Jane Cabrera
It’s Grace’s birthday and she is having a party! The next day she enthusiastically gets out
her pens and pencils to write thank you letters to all of her guests.
The Thank You Letter Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
TALK
Daniel’s Good Day by Micha Archer
While out on a walk, Daniel asks each of his neighbors to describe a good day, and hears a different answer from everyone.
Daniel’s Good Day Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
SING
Red House, Tree House, Itty Bitty Brown Mouse by Jane Godwin, illustrated by Blanca Gómez
Little Mouse sets off on an adventure around the world, inviting readers to find colorful objects: houses, underwater creatures, vehicles, and more.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
PLAY
Who Has Wiggle-Waggle Toes? by Vicky Shiefman, illustrated by Francesca Chessa
This book is an active romp showcasing the different parts of the body, including peekaboo
hands and out-there elbows.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
2019 Awards
View the honor books on the 2019 Shortlist.
Download the list of 2019 awards (pdf)
READ
Llama Llama Loves to Read by Anna Dewdney and Reed Duncan, illustrated by JT Morrow
While at school, Llama Llama begins to learn how letters make words, how words become sentences and finally how sentences become books. After a day of reading, writing, singing and even a trip to the library, Llama Llama shares his new reading skills with Mama as they walk home. Just like Llama Llama, children must master many individual skills to become good readers.
Llama Llama Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
WRITE
Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings
Arfy is a dog who lives in a box in an alley. As he explores his neighborhood looking for a new home, Arfy write letters to everyone he meets describing the ways he’d be a great pet. This story models many different styles of writing and how writing is used to communicate with others.
Can I Be Your Dog Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
TALK
Grandma’s Purse by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
When Grandma Mimi comes to visit her granddaughter, she always brings her magical purse! As they explore her purse together, the little girl learns about her grandma and what is important to her. Talking together with the adults in their lives helps children build vocabulary and think creatively as they start to understand the world around them.
Grandma’s Purse Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
SING
Kat Writes a Song by Greg Foley
Kat is feeling sad, so she decides to write a song to make herself feel better. When she sings it, the sun comes out and she wonders if her “Amazing Song to Make Things Better” will work for everyone. Singing is a great way to introduce children to sound recognition and listening skills.
Kat Writes a Song Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
PLAY
Crash! Boom! A Math Tale by Robie H. Harris, illustrated by Chris Chatterton
A little elephant uses blocks to make a tower as tall as he is. When his first attempt goes Crash! Boom! he starts to experiment with different strategies to achieve success. This book models a variety of ways that adults and children can play with blocks, building language skills as they create plans, make choices, and talk about cause and effect.
Crash! Boom! Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
2018 Awards
View the honor books on the 2018 Shortlist.
Download the list of 2018 awards (pdf)
READ
The Library Book by Tom Chapin and Michael Mark; illustrated by Chuck Goenink
A rainy day entices a girl to the library. Sitting in her favorite chair, she is soon surrounded by literary friends including Winnie the Pooh, Madeline, Pinnocchio, and more. After a fun visit to the library, she checks out her favorite book to take home and read. This book models a child’s love of reading and how it can be enhanced by a trip to the library.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
WRITE
Little Plane Learns to Write by Stephen Savage
Little Plane loves flight school where he and the other planes are learning to write in the sky. His arcs and dives are excellent, but he can’t seem to get the hang of loopity-loops. Finally, tracing the round shape of the moon inspires Little Plane to write the perfect loopity-loops. Drawing circles, arcs, and lines helps children learn to form letters, just like Little Plane.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
TALK
Say Zoop! by Herve Tullet
Say Zoop! encourages children and caregivers to interact with the pages of the book by inviting them to place their fingers on different colored dots and make the sounds that the book describes for each dot. Making noises helps children practice the different sounds in words which will help them in acquiring language.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
SING
Motor Goose by Rebecca Colby, illustrated by Jef Kaminsky
Motor Goose is a compilation of classic nursery rhymes that have been rewritten with a transportation theme. Each page is a song centered on a different vehicle and set to familiar tunes such as Mary Had a Little Lamb or Itsy-Bitsy Spider. This book supports singing with children, whether it be classic nursery rhymes or modern children’s classics.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
PLAY
Things to Do with Dad by Sam Zuppardi
A boy and his dad start the day making pancakes together, but dad’s looming to-do list puts a damper on their shared fun. The boy alters the list, inventing imaginative ways he and his dad can complete the chores together. This book models a variety of ways that adults and kids can playfully interact during their daily routine.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
2017 Awards
View the honor books on the 2017 Shortlist.
Download the list of 2017 awards (pdf)
READ
The Summer Nick Taught His Cats to Read by Curtis Manley; illustrated by Kate Berube
Nick loves spending time with his cats, except when he wants to read. His cats lay on the pages of the books and make nuisances of themselves. Nick decides to teach his cats to read, so they can all enjoy books together. Just like Nick’s cats, some children will be enthusiastic learners and others will struggle. Nick finds a wonderful variety of activities to support both cats on their learning journey. Acting out stories and drawing illustrations are an excellent way to engage young children in storytelling before they learn to read.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
WRITE
Alphonse, That is Not Ok to Do! by Daisy Hirst
Natalie loves to create art with her little brother, Alphonse. When she catches him eating her book, however, Natalie is mad and channels her anger into her art, drawing beasts and a tornado chasing Alphonse! Drawing and scribbling allows children to tell stories and express their feelings before they learn how to write words and sentences.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
TALK
Puddle by Hyewon Yum
Stuck inside on a rainy day, a mother coaxes her son to enjoy the day inside by drawing a picture of the rainy day together. After drawing and talking, they decide to go outside and splash in the puddles. The entire story is told through the conversation between mother and son and models how to engage children in rich conversation. By listening and adding details you build relationships and develop strong language skills.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
SING
Rock-A-Bye Romp by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Simona Mulazzani
This bedtime lullaby starts with the familiar lines of “Rock-a-Bye, Baby, in the treetop” only to veer off in an adventure, taking baby into a bird’s nest, through a farmyard, over a waterfall and onto the back of a flying hawk. All the lines of this bedtime romp can be sung to the tune of Rock-a-Bye Baby. Changing the words to a familiar song is a fun way introduce a child to new vocabulary and to make children laugh.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
PLAY
Box by Min Flyte
A box can contain a fun new toy, but even more fun is what you can do with the box after you open it! With lift the flaps and fold out pages this book is just as much fun to play with as it is to read. The dramatic play and imagination that an ordinary box inspires develops language, vocabulary, and narrative skills as children act out their own stories.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
2016 Awards
View the honor books on the 2016 Shortlist.
Download the list of 2016 awards (pdf)
READ
Sloth Slept On, by Frann Preston-Gannon
A group of children discover an animal sleeping in a tree. They set out to discover what the animal is and where it comes from by reading books, comparing it to other animals, looking at a globe, and telling their own stories about the creature. The various examples of print and reading in Sloth Slept On show the importance of reading not only books, but also signs, newspapers, and globes to discover new and important information.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
WRITE
Inside This Book: (are three books), by Barney Saltzberg
Three siblings create their own books from blank pages their mother stapled together. When the books are complete, they put them all together. Reading skills develop together with writing skills, and this story encourages children at all levels to explore reading, writing, drawing, rhyming, and storytelling.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
TALK
I Don’t Want to Be a Frog! by Dev Petty, illustrated by Mike Boldt
A curious frog tells his father that he doesn’t want to be a frog but would rather be the animals he observes and learns about in books. Talking with children helps them learn about the world, understand their experiences, and build comprehension skills. Responding to children’s questions in a patient and loving way creates opportunities for bonding and wires children’s brains for learning.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
SING
Hiccupotamus, by Steve Smallman, illustrated by Ada Grey
A small bird quickly learns that the jungle is a musical place. Hiccupotamus shows what wonderful songs can be created from everyday sounds with a little cooperation and imagination. Making music and singing songs together helps small children hear the different sounds that make up words and stimulates mathematical processes in their brains.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
PLAY
Tickle Monster, by Édouard Manceau
Page by page, children are invited to transform a monster by tickling it and turning each scary piece into everyday objects instead. Tickle Monster offers an irresistible opportunity for a positive reading experience by allowing children to engage directly with the actions of a story.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
2015 Awards
View the honor books on the 2015 Shortlist.
Download the list of 2015 awards (pdf)
READ
Books Always Everywhere, by Jane Blatt, illustrated by Sarah Massini
Follow along with a diverse cast of babies and toddlers as they fill their days with playing, sharing, and reading. Books Always Everywhere encourages families to see that books and reading can be a joyful part of their daily activities.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
WRITE
The Crayon: A Colorful Tale about Friendship
Two quirky characters take turns scribbling with crayons, mixing and naming colors as they go. For young children, the scribbles in the illustrations and the conversations in the text model age-appropriate written and oral language skills.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
TALK
Froodle, by Antoinette Portis
A bird leaves the usual chirps behind in a quest to find just the right new thing to say. Full of unexpected but fun made-up words, Froodle is a celebration of language and self-expression.
Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
SING
I Got the Rhythm, by Connie Schofield-Morrison; illustrated by Frank Morrison
From storefront to sidewalk to park, an exuberant girl rejoices in the sounds and music she hears during a busy city day. Her actions show children how to listen closely to the world around them. The story’s rhythmic language and rhyming words help build phonological awareness skills.
I Got the Rhythm Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
PLAY
Tea with Grandpa, by Barney Saltzberg
A young girl and her grandfather spend a delightful time together singing, having a tea party, and chatting. Tea with Grandpa stands as a wonderful model of child-directed, open-ended play and presents a positive example of how technology can help children maintain critical family relationships.
Tea with Grandpa Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
2014 Awards
View the honor books on the 2014 Shortlist.
Download the list of 2014 awards (pdf)
READ
Open This Little Book, by Jesse Klausmeier, illustrated by Suzy Lee
Readers open the cover to discover five characters, each with their own little book, all within the pages of the first. Open This Little Book celebrates the pleasures of reading, sharing stories, and having a book of your own.
Open This Little Book Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
WRITE
The Things I Can Do, by Jeff Mack
Hand-written text and exuberant collages illustrate this story of a boy who takes great pride in his accomplishments. Reading skills and writing skills develop together, and the format of The Things I Can Do invites children to see themselves as authors as well as readers.
The Things I Can Do Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
TALK
Moo! by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
A very vocal cow commandeers the farmer’s car and sets off on an adventure. The entire story is told with just two words: Moo! and Baa! The speech bubbles and the very limited vocabulary help children make the critical connection between the words we say and the print on the page.
Moo! Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
SING
Nighty-Night, Cooper, by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger
A small kangaroo requests song after song to help him fall asleep, and his mother obliges by making up her own words to familiar tunes. Singing songs together is a powerful way to build phonological awareness skills and vocabulary, and Nighty-Night, Cooper models how a parent can use songs to create a comforting bedtime routine with a child.
Nighty-Night Early Literacy Activity Sheet (PDF)
PLAY
Niño Wrestles the World, by Yuyi Morales
Niño takes on all the toys in his room with an amazing series of lucha libre wrestling moves. When his sisters wake up from their nap, they challenge him to a match, too! Who will be victorious? Niño Wrestles the World joyfully demonstrates the language-rich, open-ended play that contributes to a child’s narrative skills.
