Tips and Info from DPI's Jan16, 2025 Youth Services Newsletter

Jeni Schomber's DPI Youth Services Weekly Reminders and Resources is chockfull of great resources. If you are a WI youth library staffer and you don't receive this weekly missive in your email inbox, please contact Jeni (jennifer.schomber@dpi.wi.gov) to be placed on the list! 

Here are some highlights from the January 16, 2025 edition:

TeachingBooks Webinar

TeachingBooks is presenting a webinar on Wednesday, January 29, at 12:00 p.m. on using TeachingBooks at the Public Library.  Register at TeachingBooks.net/TBPLWebinar

Calling All Young Authors and Illustrators!

Kate Klise (author) and M. Sarah Klise (illustrator) were thrilled to receive an Outstanding Achievement in Children’s Literature Award from the Wisconsin Library Association for their picture book, How Mr. Silver Stole the Show. To celebrate, the Klise sisters are offering free, 60-minute creative writing and drawing Zoom workshops to Wisconsin public libraries in March for children ages 7 and older. During each workshop, Kate and Sarah will tell the tale of how they discovered the true story of a stray kitten who wandered into a fancy St. Louis hotel in 1947, two days before a pedigreed cat show, and then walked away a winner. Kate will also share her top tips for creative writing while Sarah demonstrates her favorite drawing techniques. Participants will then have a chance to write and illustrate their own story with the Klise sisters’ guidance and encouragement.

Kate Klise (right) and her sister Sarah Klise (left) began
making books together as children. No wonder they
love sharing their best writing
 and drawing tips with creative kids today. 

The free Zoom workshops will be offered on: 

     Workshop A: 

     Saturday, March 1         11 am- noon 

     

     Workshop B: 

      Saturday, March 8t       3 - 4:00 pm

The workshops are free, but space is limited. To register or to learn more about Kate and Sarah Klise’s summer online classes, contact kateklise@gmail.com

CSLP Summer Reading Champion Announcement

• We are thrilled to announce that Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medalist and #1 New York Times-bestselling author, is our 2025 Summer Reading Champion!

• Register for the 2025 Summer Reading Kickoff featuring Katherine Applegate on Wednesday March 5 at 1 p.m.

• Register here to attend live (limit 3,000 participants). If you cannot attend live and would like to receive a link to the recording, complete this form.

Grant Opportunity Talk Story: Sharing Stories, Sharing Culture

• This family literacy initiative connects Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI), and American Indigenous or Alaskan Native (AIAN) communities across generations. The Talk Story micro-grant celebrates and explores AANHPI and AIAN stories through books, oral traditions, and cultural arts to provide interactive and enriching experiences for all ages. This grant provides financial support to libraries and community organizations who are motivated to promote intergenerational literacy through programming, services, and collections. 
• The Grant Information and Application fields can be accessed on the APALA website: apalaweb.org/talkstorytogether/grant/  and the AILA website: ailanet.org.
• To submit your proposal, please use the online form (CORRECTED LINK): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_qMvwxUX3LLWhCMPGY3jG1_SWNsrnfo2ZFKOWg8vCx_uTfw/viewform 
• Deadline March 15, 2025
• Grant Amount: $500

Have a great weekend!

Children's & Teen Awards/Best Books Lists Roundup

Annually, YALSA's blogging team recommends a list of great graphic novels and illustrated nonfiction for those ages 12-18. Their list of ten titles includes annotations, review, suggested cataloging, ISBN and age range.

Stop here to see the complete list.

A tip of the hat to the WVLS Youth Services Information Exchange Facebook page for these two recent list tips.

Rise: A Feminist Book Project Top Ten List
The Feminist Task Force of the Social Responsibilities Round Table of the American Library Association.creates an annual book list of the best feminist books for young readers from birth through age 18. 

• 2024 Top Ten List
•  Past Top Ten Lists

EJK Illustrator Award

Ezra Jack Keats Award

EJK Award is given annually to an outstanding new writer and new illustrator by the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation in partnership with the de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM).

The Ezra Jack Keats Award was created to nurture illustrators and writers, early in their careers, who create extraordinary books that reflect our diverse population, the universal experience of childhood and the strength of family and community. 

EJK Author Award

2024 winners and honors

LIVESTREAM the EJK Award Ceremony, April 11, 1:00pm ET (details coming soon)

About the EJK Award • All Winners & Honors • Mock EJK Award Toolkits • FAQ • EJK Award Book Discussion Guides

WLA Announces 2023 Children's Book Award Recipients

 Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award  -  Icebreaker by A.L. Graziadei

Named for notable Wisconsin librarian Elizabeth Burr (1908-1996) and made possible by Worzalla, a Wisconsin-based publisher, this annual award is bestowed upon the most distinguished work in children’s and young adult literature written and/or illustrated by a Wisconsin book creator.

Seventeen-year-old Mickey James III is part of a family hockey empire. His grandfather and father played for the NFL, so as a college freshman, he’s feeling the pressure to make it. With five older sisters, continuing his family’s hockey legacy is on his shoulders. Mickey has led a privileged life, and expectations are high to earn the number one draft pick. Unbeknownst to his family, however, Mickey is struggling with depression and his family’s expectations. In the midst of his mental struggles, a rival hockey player joins his college team. Jaysen Caufield, an African American teen, is giving Mickey some real competition for the number one draft pick. He also doesn’t like all the attention and handouts Mickey gets. As their rivalry intensifies, their relationship gets more complicated as they realize their mutual attraction to each other. From debut author A.L. Graziadei comes this fresh new take on the complexity of young adulthood, through a stunning combination of romance, mental health, and the sport of hockey. About the Author: Debut author A.L. Graziadei was born and raised in Buffalo, New York on Buffalo Sabres hockey and video games. Now living in Wisconsin, A.L. uses these interests as inspiration for their writing. Icebreaker is their first book and was named a 2023 Printz Honor Book.   The Wisconsin Notable Author annual award honors Wisconsin authors,  past and present, for their literary contributions. Charly “Carlos” Palmer was born in 1960 in Fayette, Alabama. When he was four years old, his family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During his formative years, Palmer focused his attention on art and attended the Magnet Program at the Art Museum taught by Carolyn White Travanti. Travanti recognized Palmer’s talent and potential and ultimately encouraged his art journey.  After graduating from Custer High School, Palmer enrolled in the School of the Art Institute in Chicago. He initially struggled during this time with undiagnosed ADHD. Today, he states this is his superpower that allows his “mind to be everywhere always.” He eventually transferred to the American Academy of Art where he earned his bachelor’s degree.  Palmer has received numerous commissions, including the 1996 Olympics and the Atlantic Convention and Visitor's Bureau. His artwork can be found in esteemed institutions such as the McDonald's Corporation, Miller Brewing Company, Coco-Cola Company, and in various private and public collections. His piece, In Her Eyes, was on the July 6, 2020, cover of TIME and his art piece, His Story, belonged to the Maya Angelou estate until auctioned in 2015. He also designed the cover of John Legend’s Bigger Love and has paintings in Lambeau Field Stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin. In addition, he has lectured at several American colleges and universities, including Spelman, Morehouse, Brown, UCLA, and most recently Fisk. The objective of Palmer’s work is to uplift Black individuals by celebrating and embracing their uniqueness, strength, and contributions to the world outside of the mainstream gaze.  As an illustrator, Palmer has made an impact in the children’s literature world. He received the 2018 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award for his illustrative work, Mama Africa! His goal is to create literature and illustrations where children of color can see themselves in everyday situations, allowing them to see themselves in relatable narratives. His debut as a children's author, The Legend of Gravity: A Tall Basketball Tale, which he also illustrated, addresses the stories of unsung basketball players whose skills were so magnificent only tall tales could adequately capture their greatness. When asked if he has been successful in his life and career, he stated, “Success is a journey, it’s not a destination. So for me it’s never been ‘I’ve gotten there.’ It’s like I’m trying to get there, and I will be trying to get there for the rest of my life.” Palmer currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife, Dr. Karida Brown, and two pugs named, Blu and Pugsley. He will be a theater speaker at ALA’s LibLearnX in Baltimore, Maryland in 2024. In addition, ten noteworthy honor titles written and/or illustrated by Wisconsin book creators were selected for Outstanding Achievement Award in children’s literature: Rhino & Dino in: Lemonade by Erin Kant Barnard Meet Me Halfway by Anika Fajardo The Star That Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson Something Beautiful by Lita Judge A Friend for Ghost by Suzanne Kaufman Inaugural Ballers: The True story of the First US Women’s Olympic Basketball Team by Andrew Maraniss Torch by Lyn Miller-Lachmann Vermilion Emporium by Jamie Pacton The Legend of Gravity: A Tall Basketball Tale by Charly Palmer Lolo’s Light by Liz Garton Scanlon COMMITTEE MEMBERS | 2023 Briony Zlomke, Chair Hanna Collins Murray Johnson Amy Commers Lizzy Lowrey Dawn Tevis Katrina Wulff Please visit the Children's Book Awards website for more information on the awards as well as past winners.

Claire's Corner - August 2022 YSS Board Updates

Today's August YSS board meeting update is from Claire Parrish, YSS 2022 Chair and Public Services Director at Rice Lake Public Library.

I’m back! This summer looked way different for me as I was out of the library on maternity leave. It was a little strange to not be a part of all our amazing programming, but a huge shout-out of thanks to my amazing team who all stepped up and made it a fantastic summer at the library. I hope that you all are taking a deep breath as your programs are wrapping up or have wrapped up. Summer is both a wonderful and incredibly draining time, and it’s completely okay to take a little time off from programming to bounce back. Cheers to all library staff serving youth for another summer done.

YSS also takes the summer off, but I’m happy to say that the Board has jumped right back into things. This is the time of year that we are looking for a few folks to join us on the Board or volunteer for a role on the Children’s Book Award Committee. Curious about what those positions entail? Keep reading to find out!

The Burr/Worzalla Children’s Book Award Committee has several openings for the next year, with duties starting in January 2023. The full list of committee duties can be found HERE, but involves a few virtual meetings and reading lots of books written by authors with ties to Wisconsin. If you’re interested in joining the committee, please fill out the application and return it to me at claireparrish@ricelakegov.org.

Another leadership opportunity available is to serve on the YSS Board. We are looking for a Chair-Elect (3 year commitment) and two folks for Director-at-Large (2 year commitment) for our fall 2022 ballot, with the term starting in January 2023. This volunteer board opportunity offers so many benefits. You will:

●     Network with peer youth library staffers from around the state.

●     Help create continuing education opportunities for library staff serving youth.

●     Enjoy the camaraderie of a wonderful group of like-minded professionals.

●     Build leadership, planning, and networking skills.

●     Rub elbows with fantastic authors, illustrators, and smart people.

Typically the board meets via Zoom monthly during the school year, making it a very easy commitment to keep. Between times, tasks are divided among the board members and everyone pitches in a bit to help make the fun happen! Please contact Jenny Wegener to volunteer for the one of these YSS board positions: jenny.r.wegener@gmail.com

I personally started as a Director-at-Large, which was a great way to get a feel for the group and the workload. I then came back to run for the Chair-Elect position because I felt so strongly about the work that YSS does and the awesome opportunities provided by being a part of this section. Please take a moment to consider joining us!

The Children's Book Award Committee wants YOU!

Hello YSS members!

Are you an adult who loves reading children's and teen books? Would you like to critically discuss excellent youth books with your peers? If so, please consider applying for WLA's Children's Book Award Committee (CBAC)! The CBAC annually bestows the Burr/Worzalla Award and Notable Children's Author/Illustrator Award upon Wisconsin's best and brightest book creators.  https://www.wisconsinlibraries.org/childrens-book-awards-committee

The CBAC is looking to fill 1 vacant committee seat starting in 2022. The committee will meet (likely virtually) three times during the Spring of 2022 to deliberate and decide. If you are interested, please review the committee duties and submit the following via email to CBAC Chair Julia Lee (jlee@manitowoc.org):

•    Name, Job Title, Library, and City

•    Are you a current member of WLA and YSS?

•    Please describe your professional library work experience, including any reviewing experience and/or WLA committee work.

•    Please detail your reading preferences, including any areas of special interest.

•    Why should we consider you for a position on this committee?

Applications are due by 11:59pm on Friday, December 3rd. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact Julia via email.

The CBAC is a great way to meet new friends, read new books, and be a part of the one of the coolest committees on the planet!

  

Thank you for your consideration!

 

REMINDER: WI Children's Book Award Committee wants YOU!

Hello YSS members!

Are you an adult who loves reading children's and teen books?  Would you like to critically discuss excellent youth books with your peers?  If so, please consider applying for WLA's Children's Book Award Committee (CBAC)!  The CBAC, as a long-standing sub-committee of YSS, annually bestows the Burr/Worzalla Award and Notable Children's Author/Illustrator Award upon Wisconsin's best and brightest book creators.

The CBAC is looking to fill 2 vacant committee seats starting in 2020.  We are seeking a diverse group hailing from all areas of our delightful state.  The committee will meet three times, in person, during the Spring of 2020 to deliberate and decide.  If you are interested, please review the committee duties and submit the following via email to CBAC Chair Aimee Schreiber (a.schreiber@wrlsweb.org):

1. Name, Job Title, Library, and City
2. Are you a current member of WLA and YSS?
3. Please describe your professional library work experience, including any reviewing experience and/or WLA committee work.
4. Please detail your reading preferences, including any areas of special interest.
5. Why should we consider you for a position on this committee?

Applications are due by end of day, Sunday, December 8.  If you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to contact Aimee via email.

Get to Know Your YSS Webpage - Part 5

This is one in a series of Monday posts to familiarize you with the Youth Services Section's (YSS) webpage. Hosted as part of the Wisconsin Library Association website, the webpage has a host of helpful resources free to anyone (although if you aren't a member we hope you'll join to help us continue our work!). And now we present....

Bravo - Children's Book Award Committee/Burr Worzalla Award
The Children's Book Award Committee is part of YSS. The YSS chair annually appoints members to the committee (members serve alternating 2 year terms). They award the prestigious Burr Worzalla Award annually - announced in summer and presented at the WLA fall conference. They also select up to ten outstanding books for the year published by Wisconsin authors.

To find out all about the committee and their work, click here.

To explore more about the awards, you can find information about Elizabeth Burr, for whom the award is named; the annual list of notable authors  as well as the annual list of Outstanding Book Awards.

Click these links to find more YSS resource blog posts (as they are published weekly)
Part 1 - Free CE- Archived YSS Webinars
Part 2 - Teen Power - 52 Weeks of YA Programming
Part 3 - In a Minute! YSS Board Meeting Notes
Part 4 - Coding Power - 12 Months of Coding Resources
Part 6 - Follow the Leaders - The YSS Board
Part 7 - Knock-Knock - The YSS Homepage Address

And don't forget to visit the main WLA website for news and updates of conferences and other opportunities.

YSS Seeking Children's Book Award Committee Members: Application Deadline Dec. 16

Submitted by Abby Bussen, Muskego Public Library, Children's Book Award Committee Chair 2019

Are you an adult who loves reading kid and teen books? Do you like to critically discuss those excellent books with your peers? If so, not only do you have great taste, you might also make a fine addition to one of WLA's coolest and best committees, the Children's Book Award Committee (CBAC)! The CBAC annually bestows the Burr/Worzalla Award and Notable Children's Author/Illustrator upon Wisconsin's best and brightest talents.

The CBAC is seeking applicants to fill three vacant committee positions starting in 2019. We are seeking a diverse group hailing from all areas of our strangely shaped state. Interested persons should review the committee duties and submit a completed application by the end of the day on Sunday, December 16. 

Applications may be submitted to Chairperson Abby Bussen (abbybussen@gmail.com). Interested persons with questions about committee member responsibilities are also welcome to contact Abby via email.

Thanks for considering and may the odds be *ever* in your favor!

Wisconsin Award Winners, 2018 Webinar

Tuesday, November 6
1:00 p.m. Central Time

The Award Winners were honored last week at the Wisconsin Library Association conference in La Crosse. Here's your chance to learn more about the winners.

The Award Winners were honored last week at the Wisconsin Library Association conference in La Crosse. Here's your chance to learn more about the winners.
Each year the WLA Literary Awards and the Children's Book Award Committees read and evaluate many books by Wisconsin authors. New this year, the Wisconsin Author Project from the WPLC is highlighting self-published adult and young adult fiction. Join this year's committee chairs and hear all about this year's winners.

The webinar will be recorded if you're not able to join us live. Register HERE.

Creating a Legacy - An Award Name Changes

The Association for Library Service to Children board voted to change the name of the Wilder Award to the Children's Literature Legacy Award on Saturday June 23. This action was taken after a year of asking for feedback, surveys, conversations, and reflection.

This award honors an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a significant and lasting contribution to children's literature.

While Wilder books are well-loved and read, they also contain hurtful stereotypes for people of color.  After our fall pre-conference last year where we looked at classics that contained stereotypes, it really opened my eyes to what many people in marginalized communities see in literature that I had never considered. I learned to do better.

Please take some time to read Leah Langby's blog about the name change. 

Also here is the ALSC/ALA press release with the reasoning and process behind this exciting change.

I also invite you to bookmark this blog post at American Indians in Children's Literature to understand a native American's perspective as well as updated articles and blogposts pertaining to the name change.

Let's support our colleagues and look for ways, as Leah encourages us, to make our tent bigger and invite everyone in

Marge Loch-Wouters
WLA President

Burr Worzalla Children's Award Winners and Honors!

Children’s beginning chapter book, The Year of Billy Miller, written by Wisconsin native Kevin Henkes and published by Greenwillow Books, has won the 2014 Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award. He will present at the WLA conference in the Dells on Thursday Nov 6 at 2:45 pm. The Children’s Book Award Committee of the Wisconsin Library Association’s Youth Services Section annually awards the Burr/Worzalla to the most distinguished work in literature for children written and/or illustrated by a Wisconsin book creator. 

In The Year of Billy Miller, Billy is entering second grade and he is a bit anxious about what that year may bring. His dad reassures Billy that this is his year. We follow Billy’s relationships from his teacher, to his father, sister and ending with his mother, and as we watch their interactions we see Billy’s character grow. Kevin Henkes does a fabulous job of portraying the life of a second grader, and all the concerns, thoughts and feelings that come with it. A funny and enjoyable read for beginning chapter book readers, reluctant readers and a great family read-aloud. 

The Children’s Book Award Committee also named Avi, Notable Wisconsin Author/Illustrator for his remarkable contribution to the world of children’s literature. Avi is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Avi will be a luncheon speaker at WLA in the Dells on November 6 at noon (yet another reason to be at the fall WLA conference!)

Six noteworthy titles have also been selected for Outstanding Achievement in Children’s Literature, written and/or illustrated by Wisconsin book creators:
The Sin-Eater’s Confession by Ilsa J. BickI’m With Stupid by Geoff HerbachExclamation Mark illustrated by Tom LichtenheldSophie’s Squash by Pat Zietlow MillerOne Came Home by Amy TimberlakePoison by Bridget Zinn

The Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award is made possible by the Worzalla Publishing Company, Stevens Point, through a grant to the WLA Foundation.

The 2014 Children’s Book Award Committee members consist of Jeni Schomber, Chair, Beloit Public Library; Jennifer Bahnaman, McMillan Memorial Library (Wis. Rapids);  Jean Elvekrog, Waunakee Public Library; Karli Pederson, Milwaukee Public Library; Julie Harrison, Verona Public Library; Krissy Wick, Madison Public Library; Rachel Cornelius, Sparta Free Library.

The Winnah!

Zayde Comes to Live written by Sheri Sinykin and illustrated by Kristina Swarner wins 2013 Burr/Worzalla Award

Children’s picture book Zayde Comes to Live written by Sheri Sinykin, formally of Madison, Wisconsin, illustrated by Kristina Swarner and published by Peachtree Publishers, has won the 2013 Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award. The Children’s Book Award Committee of the Wisconsin Library Association’s Youth Services Section annually awards the Burr/Worzalla to the most distinguished work in literature and/or illustrated by a Wisconsin book creator.

In Zayde Comes to Live, Rachel’s beloved grandfather, Zayde, comes to spend his last days with her family. Rachel worries what will happen when he dies, especially after her friends tell her the Christian and Muslim beliefs about the afterlife.

The Children’s Book Award Committee also named Peter and Connie Roop Notable Wisconsin Authors/Illustrators for their contribution to the world of children’s literature.

Seven noteworthy titles have also been selected for Outstanding Achievement in Children’s Literature, written and/or illustrated by Wisconsin book creators:

Little Dog Lost by Marion Dane Bauer

Marching to the Mountaintop by Ann Bausum

The Raft by S.A. Bodeen

The Obsidian Blade by Pete Hautman

Penny and Her Song by Kevin Henkes

Sleep Like a Tiger by Mary Logue

Rabbit’s Snow Dance by Jeff Newman

The Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award is made possible by the Worzalla Publishing Company, Stevens Point, through a grant to the WLA Foundation.

The 2012 Book Award Committee members consist of Ruhama Kordatzky Bahr, Chair, Burlington; Jennifer Bahnaman, McMillian Memorial Library; Jean Elvekrog, retired, Madison; Karli Pederson, Milwaukee Public Library; Jeni Schomber, Beloit Public Library; Dawn Wacek, Rice Lake Public Library; Arin Wilken, Mondovi Public Library.

ALA Youth Media Award Winners Announced

Here is your list of winners and honorees. Read it and leap! 

Congratulations to all the honored books and media - and to all the hard working committee members who include Wisconsinites Sharon Grover, Amber Creger, Anne Callaghan (and perhaps others but I can't get into the YALSA committee members list as a non-member - comment and let us know who you are!)

Calling All Lit Lovers!

Want to take part in making Wisconsin literary history? 

The Youth Service Section of the Wisconsin Library Association is looking for a person to serve a two-year term on the 2013 Children’s Book Award Committee.   If selected, you will be one of seven individuals who read and discuss books written for children and teens by authors and illustrators with a Wisconsin connection. 

This notable committee chooses the recipient of the Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award and annually selects up to ten books to receive Outstanding Achievement recognition.  To find out more about this committee, visit the WLA Children's Book Award website.

Requirements for the committee work:

·         Participate in book discussions

·         Be familiar with recent youth literature

·         Be a member of WLA/YSS

·         Work cooperatively, listen well and express opinions

·         Attend committee meetings 

Please note that WLA does not reimburse mileage any longer and the three meetings must be held in person in Madison.

To submit your name, please copy the form into a Word document, fill it out and submit it to Linda, this year's YSS Chair. Your application will be kept on file if you aren't contacted about joining this year.

If you have filled out an informal application in the past, that paperwork is currently on file. The YSS Chair and the Burr/Worzalla Chair will make the decision by the end of the calendar year.

Book Explosion!!!

It's a great time to live in Wisconsin and love children's and teen books. This fall is full of book celebrations and authors to celebrate. Check these out!

The first ever South Asia Book Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature (SABA) Award Ceremony on Saturday Oct 13,  

6-8:30 pm at the Overture Center in Madison. Please RSVP by October 5, 2012 if you would like to attend the event. Email your name and affiliation to: saba@southasiabookaward.org

 

The Waupaca Book Festival - October 11-13

 

The Sheboygan Children's Book Festival - October 12-14

 

Chippewa Valley Book Festival - October 15-21

 

Wisconsin Book Festival, Madison - November 7-11

And the winner is...

YA Novel Bluefish by Pat Schmatz Wins 2012 Burr/Worzalla Award

Young Adult novel, Bluefish, written by Wisconsin native Pat Schmatz and published by Candlewick Press, has won the 2012 Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award. The Children’s Book Award Committee of the Wisconsin Library Association’s Youth Services Section annually awards the Burr/Worzalla to the most distinguished work in literature for children written and/or illustrated by a Wisconsin book creator.

In Bluefish we meet Travis, a middle school student dealing with relocating to a new town, his alcoholic grandfather at home, and being an outsider at school. Travis befriends Velveeta, an outsider herself who has her own secrets. Travis finds guidance and direction through his friendship with Velveeta and through the kindness of his teacher Mr. McQueen who teaches Travis how to read. Pat Schmatz weaves a wonderfully written story, full of charming characters and a strong theme of friendship.

The Children’s Book Award Committee also named Tom Lichtenheld Notable Wisconsin Author/Illustrator for his contribution to the world of children’s literature. 

Seven noteworthy titles have also been selected for Outstanding Achievement in Children’s Literature, written and/or illustrated by Wisconsin book creators:

Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick
Ten Little Caterpillars illustrated by Lois Ehlert
Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach
Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
Big Turtle by David McLimans
The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True by Gerald Morris
The Mangrove Tree: Planting Trees to Feed Families by Susan L. Roth

The Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award is made possible by the Worzalla Publishing Company, Stevens Point, through a grant to the WLA Foundation.

The 2011 Children’s Book Award Committee members consist of Ruhama Kordatzky Bahr, Chair; Barbara Huntington, retired, DPI-DLTCL; Jennifer McNaughton, Greendale Public Library; Jeni Schomber, Beloit Public Library; Elizabeth Timmins, Muehl Public Library; Dawn Wacek, Rice Lake Public Library; Arin Wilken, Mondovi Public Library.

Wisconsin Children's Book Award Committee Starts Work

This year's Wisconsin Children's Book Award Committee has started work at selecting the most distinguished book for youth, written or illustrated by an author with significant Wisconsin connections. This book will receive the Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award in June. The committee will also select several outstanding titles to honor.

I talked with Ruhama Kordatzky, this year's committee chair, about the process, which seems sort of mysterious if you aren't in on it.

First, the Chair compiles a list of all the books published by authors or illustrators with significant Wisconsin ties and sends it off to committee members. The committee reads like crazy, and then meets in March, April and May. The Cooperative Children's Book Center helps us out by pulling the titles on the list for us to examine at the first two meetings--it helps to be able to look at the books as we discuss them! At the first two meetings, we discuss each book and decide if it is the best of its type, as we read the gamut, from picture books to teen fiction to juvenile nonfiction! If a book doesn't seem it will be the best on this year's list, we cross it off. The last meeting is when the voting happens: we go through what's left on the list one last time, then do a vote to decide who our winner is for that year. After that, we decide on the honor books. We also pick a notable author or illustrator, based on that artist's body of work. He or she must also have significant ties to Wisconsin.

How many books were on your initial list? How many are on it now?

We started with 61 titles, and our new list for round two has 40.

Can you give me a title or two you have been really excited about? Or is that too confidential?

Well, it wouldn't be fair to say too much, but the list has a lot of great authors and illustrators on it, and we're looking forward to hashing out which one we think is best! The CCBC always has the list we start from, if you want to take a peek at what they've compiled.

Anything else you want to mention?

One thing that is sometimes hard to do is to set aside personal feelings about a book. It's nice that each book gets a chance to be defended at our meetings, thanks to such a diverse committee. Speaking of, our committee this year consists of me, as Chair, Elizabeth Timmins, Barbara Huntington, Jeni Schomber, Jennifer McNaughton, Dawn Wacek and Arin Wilken. If someone's interested in being on this committee, they need to send a note to the YSS Chair (this year, that's Sue Abrahamson), who will then give more instructions about joining.

See past winners here.

See titles selected as outstanding titles here.

And the Wisconsin Winner Is...

Want to take part in making Wisconsin literary history? 

The Youth Service Section of the Wisconsin Library Association is looking for a person to serve a two-year term on the 2012 Children’s Book Award Committee.   If selected, you will be one of seven individuals who read and discuss books written for children and teens by authors and illustrators with a Wisconsin connection. 

This notable committee chooses the recipient of the Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award and annually selects up to ten books to receive Outstanding Achievement recognition.  To find out more about this committee, visit the WLA Children's Book Award website.

To be considered for this position, please send a brief essay to YSS Chair, Sue Abrahamson, by January 16, 2012.  Essays should identify applicant’s abilities and desire to:

·         Participate in book discussions

·         Be familiar with recent youth literature

·         Be a member of WLA/YSS

·         Work cooperatively, listen well and express opinions

·         Attend committee meetings when necessary

Email your essay to sabraham@mail.owls.lib.wi.us.  Please list “Children’s Book Award” in the subject line.  Unless specified otherwise, your application will be kept on file to create a pool of interested librarians for future opportunities.