Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award

Promoting an appreciation of quality literature in young children across Kansas

The Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award promotes an appreciation of quality literature in young children across Kansas. The award is named for Kansas native and ESU alumni Bill Martin Jr. the internationally renowned author best known for his classic text Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do you See?

The Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award was established in 1996 by the Kansas Reading Association. Since March 2018, the award became a state-wide award presented by Emporia State University. The award aims to promote an appreciation of quality literature in young children across Kansas. The award is named for Bill Martin Jr., American educator and author of more than 300 children's books.

Each year, the titles are suggested by teachers, parents, communities and librarians. A committee chooses nominations from the list of suggested titles.

Please contact Heather Caswell, BMJ award chairperson, with any questions.