The Cook Prize

Presented for the first time in 2012, the Cook Prize is named in memory of two ground breaking Bank Street educators – Don Cook of the Graduate School of Education, and Michael Cook (no relation) of the School for Children. In naming this award, Bank Street not only honors Michael and Don for their intangible contributions to the world of education, but encourages excellence in publishing informational books on STEM topics for elementary-aged children.

Our Mission

The Cook Prize honors the best science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) picture book for children aged eight to ten. It is the only national children’s choice award honoring a STEM book. The Cook Prize is administered with support from School Library Journal. The award is presented in May.

Design of the Cook Prize Seal

2024 Medalists

Gold Medal

Silver Medal

Silver Medal

Silver Medal

Gold Medalist

• The Book of Turtles by Sy Montgomery, illustrated by Matt Patterson (Clarion)
  Sy Montgomery & Matt Patterson Acceptance Video

Silver Medalists

• Great Carrier Reef by Jessica Stremer, illustrated by Gordy Wright (Holiday House)
  Jessica Stremer Acceptance Speech
• Santiago Saw Things Differently: Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Artist, Doctor, Father of Neuroscience by Christine Iverson, illustrated by Luciano Lozano (Mit Kids Press an imprint of Candlewick Press)
  Christine Iverson Acceptance Speech
  Luciano Lozano Acceptance Speech
• We Go Way Back by Idan Ben-Barak, illustrated by Philip Bunting (Roaring Brook)
  Idan Ben-Barak Acceptance Speech