Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award

2024 Winner

“Welcome to the Wonder House,” written by Rebecca Kai Dotlich and Georgia Heard, illustrated by Deborah Freedman, and published by Wordsong, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers.   

Judges' Comments

“‘Welcome to the Wonder House’ was a standout from the moment we read it,” said one judge. “The language and illustrations beautifully complement each other, which makes the book an absolute delight. The book of poetry divides the house into rooms that explore different STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) topics. The language of the book allowed me to visualize and reimagine my own house where different rooms became the staging area for astronomy, creativity, geology and so on.” 

Judges

2024 Honor Award

“My Head Has a Bellyache: And More Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-Ups,” written by Chris Harris, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi, and published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 

Judges' Comments

“Chris Harris is a brilliant combination of Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein with ‘My Head Has a Bellyache,’” said a judge. “Our world can use a bit of silliness, but these poems are a level above. They make you think a minute before you guffaw. They are meant to be shared with the cleverest of kids and adults.” 

2024 Honor Award

“The Museum on the Moon: The Curious Objects on the Lunar Surface,” written by Irene Latham, illustrated by Myriam Wares, and published by Moonshower, an imprint of Bushel & Peck Books

Judges' Comments

A judge said, “‘The Museum of the Moon’ by Irene Latham includes poems in a variety of styles that use words to express big ideas and inspire thinking about the science of the moon. A unique, wonderful approach to the continuous mystery of the moon for children.”