Emporia State University has announced the winner of its annual Bill Martin Jr Picture Book Award.
Mike Ciccotello wrote the winning book, “Beach Toys vs School Supplies,” about a meeting of two old rivals.
The award has been designed to help promote an understanding and appreciation of literature across the state. Booke are suggested by teachers, parents, communities and librarians, with a committee making nominations from the suggested list of books and nominations announced in the spring.
The award honors Martin, who graduated with a teaching certificate from ESU and worked on a number of world-renowned children’s books, including “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” and “Barn Dance.”
Monday’s announcement follows the official unveiling of the William Allen White Children’s Book Awards earlier this month:
*”Scritch Scratch,” the winner of the Grade 3-5 category, was written by Lindsay Currie and is a ghost story based on real Chicago history.
*”96 Miles,” the winner of the Grade 6-8 category, was written by JL Esplin and is about a self-reliant family who gets robbed of all their supplies and needs to walk almost 100 miles in desert conditions to find help.
The William Allen White Children’s Book Awards celebration will be Oct. 7 at Emporia State.
