The CLEL Bell Picture Book Awards are an annual recognition of five high-quality picture books that provide excellent support of early literacy skills for young children in each of five categories: read, write, sing, talk, and play. Eligible books were published or distributed in the United States between November 16, 2020 and November 15, 2021. …
by Peter Brown (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) Published May 4, 2021 When Fred’s adults discover him dressed in his mother’s clothes, the whole family takes part in a dress-up session. This is a great example of adults following the child’s lead in play, as well as embracing nontraditional gender expression.
by Larissa Honsek (Familius) Published May 25, 2021 Follow along with the clay characters to move your body!
by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky) Published January 12, 2021 The parent motivates the child to take a bath by making it a time for pretend play.
by Joseph Kuefler (Balzer + Bray) Published June 8, 2021 Two friends spend their sleepover discovering all the things a pillow can do and be. They play until they can’t anymore and forge a bond stronger than a pillow fort.
by Helen Yoon (Candlewick Press) Published October 26, 2021 A child enters her father’s office to investigate and turns her curiosity into a full play session. When she realizes she should leave before it gets worse, she is in for a hilarious surprise.
by Debora Vogrig, illustrated by Pia Valentinis, translated by Debbie Bibo (Chronicle Books) Published May 11, 2021 Different types of lines, scribbles and drawings encourage the reader to use their imagination. This books is great for making the connection between drawing and writing
by Lori Mortensen, illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr. (Harry N. Abrams) Published May 4, 2021 The follows Arlo as he works through his frustration at not being able to draw an octopus. He discovers that even though his drawings don’t meet his expectations, they are enjoyed by others.
by Matt de la Pena, illustrated by Christian Robinson (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers) Published February 2, 2021 Milo draws stories based on the people he sees on his way through the city on a train.
by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, illustrated by Emma Morris (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company) Published March 30, 2021 A great book to introduce different ways to make the world a better place through recycling, making less waste and taking care of our Earth.
