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

2025 Cook Prize Contenders

Cactus Queen

The Iguanodon’s Horn

Life After Whale

Yasmeen Lari

• Cactus Queen by Lori Alexander, illustrated by Jenn Ely (Calkins Creek)
• The Iguanodon’s Horn, written and illustrated by Sean Rubin (Clarion/HarperCollins)
• Life After Whale, written by Lynn Brunelle and illustrated by Jason Chin (Neal Porter Books/Holiday House)
• Yasmeen Lari, Green Architect: The True Story of Pakistan’s First Woman Architect by Marzieh Abbas, illustrated by Hoda Hadadi (Clarion)