Geisel Award Winners

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.

2014 Honor

Willems, M. (2013). A big guy took my ball! New York, NY: Hyperion Books.

Piggie is upset because a big guy takes a ball that she finds.  The elephant, Gerald, goes to get the ball back, but finding a big whale has it, changes his mind.  Gerald and Piggie find a way for everyone to play with the ball.

Follow-up:  Here are some books with the similar theme of bullying to complement the reading:

Dudley, B. R. (2013). Siggy and the bullies. Indianapolis, IN: Dog Ear Publishing.

Siggy and the Bullies is a charming adventure with an important message about bullying for younger readers. Beautifully illustrated, the book tells the story of Siggy, a lovable one-winged mockingbird who is bullied by two larger birds. Siggy's quick thinking and talent help him escape a high-speed chase, turn the table on the bullies, and win the admiration of his friends and adopted family. Siggy's story, complete with discussion questions, can be a useful tool in helping parents, teachers- and anyone who loves a child-teach kids how to stay safe, if being bulled. Siggy's tale is also unique in its approach to fostering simple communication about diversity, tolerance, and overcoming physical challenges.

Fox, D. (2009). Good-bye bully machine. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Pub.

The unique format helps kids understand the definition and impact of bullying by comparing it to a mean machine—the Bully Machine. Kids can see how bullying makes the machine grow more imposing, while kind behaviors dismantle it.  Through the machine, kids gain awareness of their role in bullying, whether they are targets, bullies, bystanders—or all three. The role of the bystander is especially important. Good-Bye Bully Machine helps kids see the power of the bystander to become an ally, which means learning to show empathy, engage in kind acts, and take a stand against bullying. It's a perfect way to engage reluctant readers and hard-to-reach kids.

Kaufman, G. (1999). Stick up for yourself. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Pub.

Newly revised and updated, it’s the ultimate resource for any kid who’s ever been picked on at school, bossed around, blamed for things he or she didn’t do, or treated unfairly—and for any kid who sometimes feels frustrated, angry, powerless, or scared. Simple words and real-life examples show how children can stick up for themselves with other kids (including bullies and teasers), big sisters and brothers, even grown-ups. Kids learn how to build relationships, become responsible, manage their anger, grow a “feelings vocabulary,” make good choices, solve problems, set goals, and “store” happiness and pride. Questions from real kids are paired with answers about how to handle specific situations calmly, confidently, and effectively. A special note to parents and teachers explores the “self-esteem backlash” and explains what self-esteem really is—and why kids today need it more than ever.

2013 Honor

Willems, M. (2012). Let’s go for a drive! New York, NY: Hyperion Books.

Gerald, the elephant, and Piggie want to go for a drive.  Gerald keeps thinking of things they need for the drive, while Piggie rushes around gathering up the needed items.  After collecting a map, sunglasses, umbrellas, and suitcases, they realize that they are missing the most important item of all.  Piggie thinks of a way to have fun anyway.

Follow-up:

Here is a video performed in a school library by two teachers that should be viewed after the reading.
The link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLIWd-0tFAw

You can use Elephant and Piggie animals with props when telling the story.  Here is a picture of me during a storytelling session this past May.