The Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award promotes an appreciation of quality literature in young children across Kansas. The award is named for Kansas native and ESU alumni Bill Martin Jr. the internationally renowned author best known for his classic text Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do you See?

The Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award was established in 1996 by the Kansas Reading Association. Since March 2018, the award became a state-wide award presented by Emporia State University. The award aims to promote an appreciation of quality literature in young children across Kansas. The award is named for Bill Martin Jr., American educator and author of more than 300 children's books.

Each year, the titles are suggested by teachers, parents, communities and librarians. A committee chooses nominations from the list of suggested titles.

Please contact Heather Caswell, BMJ award chairperson, with any questions.

For more information please see the BMJ flyer.pdf.

2024 Winner

The 2024 Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award winner is Knight Owl by Christopher Denise.

A message from Christopher Denise.

2025 nominees

View the 2025 nominees.

Bookmarks

Print out the 2025 Bill Martin Jr. Picture Books Award bookmarks front.pdf.

Print out the 2025 Bill Martin Jr. Picture Books Award bookmarks back.pdf.

Distribution list

Join the distribution list for updates and notifications about the Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award.

Recommend a book

Recommend a book for the nomination committee to consider.

Activity Guides

Augusta Middle School students created activity guides for the 2024 nominees.

Guides

Press release

Emporia Gazette article

Social media

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