Theodor Seuss Geisel Award

About the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award
The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, established in 2004, is given annually (beginning in 2006) to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished contribution to the body of American children’s literature known as beginning reader books published in the United States during the preceding year.

Administered by:

Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) logo

2006 Winner(s)

Henry and Mudge and the Great Grandpas

Written by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Suçie Stevenson (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)

In four simple and joyful chapters, Henry and his sweet-natured dog enjoy a memorable visit with great-grandpa Bill and his buddies at the "grandpa house."  The full and happy day is highlighted by a frolic in the pond, with grandpas in their "skivvies," topped off by a spaghetti dinner.


Stevenson's distinctive line and watercolor drawings provide an effective and gentle counterpoint to the comprehensive text.  The simple sentence structure, along with a design that advances this well-told story, provides a satisfying celebration of family and friendship.


2006 Honor(s)

Amanda Pig and the Really Hot Day

Written by Jean Van Leeuwen and illustrated by Ann Schweninger (Dial Books for Young Readers, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group)

It's too darn hot.  Hot as a fried egg.  Hot as toast.  Hot as oatmeal.  In four simple linked tales, Amanda Pig and the Really Hot Day chronicles such kid-friendly strategies as a sprinkle with a hose and lots of lemonade.  Schweninger's cartoony pencil drawings, heightened with fruit-toned watercolors, combine for an accessible treat that is refreshing as a cool breeze.


Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa

Written by Erica Silverman and illustrated by Betsy Lewin (Harcourt, Inc.)

Plucky Kate and her beloved horse have a day of adventures, including surprises, counting crows, and bedding down in the barn.  Along the trail, the humorous repartee and fluid watercolor paintings set the tone and mood to engage new readers.


Hi! Fly Guy

By Tedd Arnold (Cartwheel Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.)

In Hi! Fly Guy, a beautiful friendship begins when Buzz the boy, proves that a fly can be one smart pet.  This slim, reader-friendly tale has a robust humor and wacky cartoon art featuring an eye-popping cover.


A Splendid Friend, Indeed

By Suzanne Bloom (Boyds Mills Press)

In a picture-book format perfect for emergent readers, a persistent goose wins the affection and friendship of a preoccupied polar bear.  The expressive pastel paintings and playful text of the book mirror the exuberance for reading and writing.