The Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award aims to promote 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 purpose of the award is 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.

2023 Winner

The 2023 Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award winner is Beach Toys vs. School Supplies written and illustrated by Mike Ciccotello. Read about it here: 2023 winner.pdf.

Bookmarks

Print out the 2024 Bill Martin Jr. Picture Books Award bookmarks.pdf.

Distribution list

Join the distribution list to get updates and notifications about the Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award.

Recommend a book

Recommend a book for the nomination committee to consider.

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