Selection & Criteria

The Children’s Book Committee recognizes the importance of high-quality reading materials for Spanish language, bilingual, and transitional elementary school programs. The Best Spanish Language Picture Book Award is meant to encourage publishers to create high-quality materials in Spanish for children in bilingual and transitional programs, as a guide for parents.

This award is given to a children’s picture book displaying:

• Accurate portrayal of the experience of a segment of the Spanish-speaking world
• Sufficient detail giving the reader a greater insight into Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, or Latinx culture in the United States
• Culturally authentic text and artwork
• Engaging style and rich language
• Appealing illustration which enhances text
• Invites interaction and stimulates conversation
• All genres considered: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, folklore
• If non-fiction, sourcing should be age-appropriate and follow  Children’s Book Committee guidelines