This award is named for the world-famous children's author Theodor Geisel, better known to fans as Dr. Seuss. The award was established by the American Library Association in 2004, and first presented in 2006. It is awarded annually to the author & illustrator of the most distinguished American book for beginning readers.
All Geisel Award winners and honor books are eligible for Gold Medal Books, as well as the complete works of select authors as listed below. These books are best suited to younger readers who are learning to read independently.
Click here for a list of award winners & honor books from 2006-2024.
Geisel Challenges
Top 10 Badge: Read 10 Medal Winner books
Zookeeper Badge: Read 10 books from the list that feature animals as the main characters
Elephant & Piggie Badge: Read 10 books by medal winner Mo Willems, including at least 2 of his books that appear on the list
Kevin Henkes Badge: Read 10 picture books or early readers by honor author Kevin Henkes, including Penny and Her Marble.
Nifty 50 Badge: Read 10 more books from the list that you haven't already read. (This is the final Geisel Challenge badge, which can be earned after completing the other 4 challenges)