“The Theodor Seuss
Geisel Award recognizes the author(s) and illustrator(s) of a book for beginning
readers who, through their literary and artistic achievements, demonstrate
creativity and imagination to engage children in reading.”
Guessing Geisel was inspired by the experiences of the 2016
Geisel Award committee. At the conclusion of ALA Midwinter in Boston, committee members Amy,
Misti, and Amanda discovered a shared eagerness to discuss the contenders in the
upcoming year, no longer committed to secrecy on any potentially eligible
titles. They could review picture books again, and could post to Goodreads and
personal blogs. But even more than that, they wanted to spark conversations that
would expand understanding of the award criteria, provide assistance to those
planning Mock Geisels across the country, and celebrate good books for
beginning readers. Guessing Geisel ran from 2016 - 2021, going into hiatus indefinitely in 2022.
Guessing Geisel is an opportunity to explore award
criteria that is both more specific and less well known than the
Newbery or
Caldecott. It’s a place to celebrate more great books for beginning
readers
than any one committee is able to honor. It's an exploration into what
constitutes excellence for an audience at a critical stage where a child
is building the reading skills and relationship with the written word
that will serve them all their life.
It’s a resource for anyone who might
be interested in serving on the committee for this award, or interested in
holding a Mock Geisel in their community.
Guessing Geisel is in no way affiliated with nor reflective
of the views of this year’s Real Committee for the Theodor
Seuss Geisel Award, whose selections will be announced at the ALA Midwinter
Meeting Youth Media Awards. Opinions stated here do not reflect the
attitudes or opinions of ALSC, SLJ, Booklist, or any other institutions with
which the authors are affiliated. Our thoughts on eligibility or the strength
of a contender are entirely speculation.
