For immediate release | January 27, 2025

2025 Batchelder Award honors Yonder for ‘John the Skeleton’

PHOENIX — Yonder, an imprint of Restless Books for Young Readers, is the winner of the 2025 Mildred L. Batchelder Award for “John the Skeleton.” The award was announced today by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), during the ALA’s LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience held January 24 – 27 in Phoenix.

The Batchelder Award is given to the most outstanding children’s book originating in a language other than English in a country other than the United States, and subsequently translated into English for publication in the United States.

Originally published in Estonian in 2020as “Luukere Juhani juhtumised,” the book was written by Triinu Laan, illustrated by Marja-Liisa Plats and translated by Adam Cullen. John the Skeleton accompanies Gram and Gramps to the grocery store, bathes and sleds with the grandchildren, and lives in the summer kitchen. Vignettes seamlessly present a window to Estonian culture, while saunas, pixies and linden-blossom tea (pähnähäitsmetsäi: pah-nah-hites-met-sigh-y) lend cultural authenticity to a child-friendly, medically accurate and humorous text.

“We loved this quirky, tender tale of an Estonian family and their skeleton, that explores life and death through humor, folk art and excellent translation,” said Batchelder Award Committee Chair Dr. Marianne Martens.

Four Batchelder Honor Books also were selected:

“Home,” published by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, an imprint of William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Originally published in French in 2022 as “Maison,” “Home” was written and illustrated by Isabelle Simler and translated by Vineet Lal.

“Johnny, the Sea, and Me,” published by Enchanted Lion Books. Originally published in Spanish in 2014 as “Johnny y el mar,” “Johnny, the Sea, and Me” was written by Melba Escobar, illustrated by Elizabeth Builes and translated by Sara Lissa Paulson.

“Mr. Lepron’s Mystery Soup,” published by Candlewick Studio, an imprint of Candlewick Press. Originally published in Italian in 2022 as “La zuppa Lepron,” “Mr. Lepron’s Mystery Soup” was written by Giovanna Zoboli, illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio and translated by Denise Muir.

“A Sleepless Night,” published by Transit Children’s Editions, an imprint of Transit Books. Originally published in Spanish in 2022 as “Una noche sin dormir,” “A Sleepless Night” was written by Micaela Chirif, illustrated by Joaquín Camp and translated by Jordan Landsman.

Members of the 2025 Batchelder Award Committee are Chair Dr. Marianne Martens, Kent State University; Evan Michael Bush, Georgia Public Library Service; Dr. Brenda Dales, Miami University (Ohio); Kate Elizabeth Davis, Prairie Lakes Library System, Waterford, Wisconsin; Alia R. Jones, University of Wisconsin- Madison; and Award Administrative Assistant Allison Staley, Lake Oswego Public Library, Oregon.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association (ALA) is the only non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated entirely to America's libraries and library professionals. For almost 150 years, ALA has provided resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. The ALA serves academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org

About the Association of Library Service to Children

ALSC, a division of the American Library Association, is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. With a network of more than 3,300 children’s and youth librarians, literature experts, publishers and educational faculty, ALSC is committed to creating a better future for all children through libraries. Visit www.ala.org/alsc. For information on the Mildred L. Batchelder Award and other ALA Youth Media Awards, please visit www.ala.org/yma.

-30-

Contact:

Communications, Marketing, & Media Relations Office

A

cmomedia@ala.org