Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award
Promoting an appreciation of quality literature in young children across Kansas
Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award
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
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Recommend a book
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Selection committee
View the selection committee for the Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award.
Bill Martin, Jr. Nominees + Winners
All previous winners
View all previous winners of the Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award.
2024 nominees
View the 2024 winner + nominees of the Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award.
2023 Winner + nominees
View the 2023 winner + nominees of the Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award.
2022 winner + nominees
View the 2022 winner + nominees of the Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award.
2021 winner + nominees
View the 2021 winner + nominees of the Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award.
2020 winner + nominees
View the 2020 winner + nominees for the Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award.
2019 winner + nominees
View the 2019 winner + nominees for the Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award.
2018 winner + nominees
View the 2018 winner + nominees for the Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award.