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

2022 Winner & Nominees

Book cover: Every Little Letter

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

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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.


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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.


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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?


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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.


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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.

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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.


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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.


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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?


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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.


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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.