The E.B. White Read Aloud Awards, established in 2004, honor books that reflect the universal read aloud standards that were created by the work of the author E.B. White in his classic books for children: Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan. In the first two years of the award, a single book was selected.
In 2006, in recognition of the fact that reading aloud is a pleasure at any age, the award was expanded into two categories: Picture Books, and Older Readers.
Books are nominated for their universal appeal as a “terrific” books to read aloud.
After a list of nominations is gathered from ABC booksellers, a shortlist of four books in each category is determined by a committee of booksellers chaired by an ABC Board member.
After a formal announcement of the shortlist in April, ABC & ABA booksellers vote online to determine the winners. The shortlisted books that remain receive an E.B. White Read Aloud Honor.
The awards are given away during the ABA’s Celebration of Bookselling luncheon at Book Expo America.
Read more about the criteria and selection process here.
Download a copy of the 2010 Shortlist
WINNER: The 2010 E.B. White Award for Picture Books
The Curious Garden
by Peter Brown
978-0316015479
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Price: $16.99 HC
Pub date: 4/09
While out exploring one day, a little boy named Liam discovers a struggling garden and decides to take care of it. As time passes, the garden spreads throughout the dark, gray city, transforming it into a lush, green world. One boy’s quest for a greener world… one garden at a time.
The committee said: “One of those books that shows what effect one person can have. The art and language works together beautifully; it’s inspiring, but not at all preachy. Bravo!”
The 2010 E.B. White Read-Aloud Award Honors for Picture Book
14 Cows for America
by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez
978-1561454907
Peachtree Publishers
Once Upon a Twice
by Denise Doyen, illustrated by Barry Moser
978-0375856129
Random House
Princess Hyacinth (the Surprising Tale of a Girl Who Floated)
by Florence Heide Parry, illustrated by Lane Smith
978-0375845017
Random House
WINNER: The 2010 E.B. White Read Aloud Award for Older Readers
The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z.
by Kate Messner
978-0802798428
Walker
Price: $16.99 HC
Pub date: 9/09
Gianna Z has less than one week to collect, identify, and creatively display 25 leaves for her science project—or else she won’t be able to compete in the upcoming cross-country race. As the deadline for her leaf project draws near, life keeps getting in the way. Some things are within Gee’s control, but others aren’t. If it weren’t for her best friend Zig, Gee wouldn’t have a chance at finishing. But when Nonna disappears one afternoon, things like leaves and cross-country meets suddenly seem less important.
The committee said: “Tender, honest. Adults & kids will both recognize themselves in the story. We loved the inter-generational elements, and the fresh, compelling voice.”
The 2010 E.B. White Read Aloud Honors for Older Readers
Leaving the Bellweathers
by Kristin Clark Venuti
978-1606840061
Egmont USA
Tumtum and Nutmeg: Adventures Beyond Nutmouse Hall
by Emily Bearn, illustrated by Nick Price
978-0316027038
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
by Grace Lin
978-0316114271
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
For media inquiries about the award, please contact Mark Nichols–mark *at* bookweb.org.
The ABC 