Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award 2022 Winner & Nominees
2022 Winner & Nominees

Every Little Letter
Written by Deborah Underwood
Illustrated by Joy Hwang Ruiz
Publisher by Dial Books
Copyright 2020
ISBN: 978-0-52555-4028
A little letter, curious of what is beyond the walls of their own kind, sets out to show that even the smallest change can make a big difference.
The book's author, Deborah Underwood, will be the luncheon keynote at the Reading Recovery & Early Literacy Conference at Emporia State University, November 7, 2022.
2022 Nominees

Author: Derrick Barnes
Illustrator: Gordon C. James
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Copyright: 2020
ISBN: 978-0525518778
A confidence building book full of affirmations reminding children of their worth and strength.

Desert Girl, Monsoon Boy
Author: Tara Dairman
Illustrator: Archana Sreenivasan
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons for Young Readers
Copyright: 2020
ISBN: 978-0525518068
Severe weather experienced in the extremes shows how nature can bring two very different children together.

I Wonder
Author: K.A. Holt
Illustrator: Kenard Park
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Copyright: 2019
ISBN: 978-1524714222
What are the burning questions that run through children’s curious minds about the world?

The Whatifs
Author: Emily Kilgore
Illustrator: Zoe Persico
Publisher: little bee books
Copyright: 2020
ISBN: 78-1499810295
Experience the roller coaster of anxiety through Cora’s eyes leading up to and performing at her piano recital.

Speak Up, Molly Lou Melon
Author: Patty Lovell
Illustrator: David Catrow
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons for Young Readers
Copyright: 2020
ISBN: 78-0399260025
Molly Lou Melon shows the importance of speaking up for yourself and others through everything that comes her way.

In a Jar
Author: Deborah Marcero
Illustrator: Deborah Marcero
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons for Young Readers
Copyright: 2020
ISBN: 978-0525514596
Llewellyn and Evelyn create a beautiful friendship through their shared interest of collecting and find a way to continue their special friendship after Evelyn moves away.

Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots
Author: Michael Rex
Illustrator: Michael Rex
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Copyright: 2020
ISBN: 978-1984816269
Several robots explain the importance of knowing the difference between facts and opinions.

The Bear in My Family
Author: Maya Tatsukawa
Illustrator: Maya Tatsukawa
Publisher: Dial Books
Copyright: 2020
ISBN: 978-0525555827
It is not easy living with a bear, but all types of adventures can happen. However, could there be a positive ending?

Every Little Letter
Author: Deborah Underwood
Illustrator: Joy Hwang Ruiz
Publisher: Dial Books
Copyright: 2020
ISBN: 978-0525554028
A little letter, curious of what is beyond the walls of their own kind, sets out to show that even the smallest change can make a big difference.

I Am the Storm
Authors: Jane Yolen & Heidi E. Stemple
Illustrators: Kristen Howdeshell & Kevin Howdeshell
Publisher: Rise x Penguin Workshop
Copyright: 2020
ISBN: 978-0593222751
Storms and extreme weather can be scary but being resilient and finding comfort in the situation can remind us of our own strength.