Children's book award · 19982026

Charlotte Zolotow Award Books

By the Bookroo Editors

Browse children's books recognized by the Charlotte Zolotow Award, including winners and honored titles from 1998 through 2026.

Each Kindness
The most recent cycle

The 2026 Charlotte Zolotow Award

2026 Charlotte Zolotow Award Winner
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

Our Lake

By Angie Kang

Two brothers face the lake without their father. Can they dive into memories?

Caldecott Honor (2026)Charlotte Zolotow Award (2026)
40 pages· 350 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 638 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Two brothers return to a cherished lake, grappling with their father's absence. As they stand on the edge, the water below seems daunting. Will they find the courage to dive into the past and embrace their shared memories? This poignant tale explores love, loss, and the bonds that hold us together.
2026 Honor Books
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

To See an Owl

A girl searches for elusive owls, testing her patience and perseverance.

40 pages
4.4/5 Goodreads · 742 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Janie dreams of spotting an owl, a hidden creature of the night. Despite searching prairies, beaches, and woods, her quest remains unfulfilled. Guided by her teacher's wisdom, she learns patience. As snow falls, Janie ventures into the woods with her mother, hoping for a glimpse of magic high in the trees. Will her quiet perseverance finally reveal the elusive owl?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

Fireworks

By Matthew Burgess, Catia Chien (Illustrator)

Two siblings await a dazzling fireworks show on a steamy July day.

44 pages· 316 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,184 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: On a sweltering July day, two siblings eagerly await the night’s fireworks display. As the city buzzes with anticipation, the Fourth of July sky promises a breathtaking spectacle. Will the night deliver the magic they hope for? Experience the wonder as words and art ignite the sky, capturing the essence of summer's most vibrant celebration.
Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

Anything

By Rebecca Stead, Gracey Zhang (Illustrator)

A girl's wish to return home leads to a heartwarming discovery about where home truly lies.

56 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 508 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: A young girl, adjusting to a new apartment, is granted three wishes by her father. As she wishes for rainbows and giant pizza slices, her deepest wish remains unspoken: to return to their old home. When she finally shares this wish, her father guides her on a journey of understanding, revealing that home is not a place but the love they share. This tender tale explores the courage to voice our true desires and the magic of finding home in unexpected places.
Every year

Charlotte Zolotow Award Winners by Year

The honorees

Books Recognized by the Charlotte Zolotow Award

Each Kindness

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2012

A young girl struggles to connect with a new classmate who is shunned by their peers.

Sleep Like a Tiger

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

A restless child wonders if everything sleeps, finding comfort in a tiger's strength.

Me... Jane

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2011

A young girl dreams of living with animals, and her dream comes true.

Apple Pie ABC

Picture Book · Ages 2–6 · 2010

A pup's alphabet antics for a slice of pie.

Meet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2011

Four dogs navigate friendship and roles on a bustling farm.

Big Red Lollipop

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2010

A young girl navigates the challenges of having a little sister who always wants to tag along.

A Sick Day for Amos McGee

Board Book · Ages 2–6 · 2010

When Amos falls ill, his zoo friends bring the fun to him.

City Dog, Country Frog

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2010

A city dog and country frog form an evolving friendship through the seasons.

What Can You Do with a Paleta?

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2009

Discover the joy of paletas, the irresistible treat that brings children running.

Princess Hyacinth

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2009

A princess floats away, defying gravity and royal constraints. Can she find freedom or will she drift too far?

Birds

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2009

A girl dreams of flying as she observes birds from her window.

Pouch!

Board Book · Ages 0–3 · 2009

A baby kangaroo takes its first hops toward independence.

How to Heal a Broken Wing

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2008

A boy finds hope in healing an injured bird amidst a bustling city.

In a Blue Room

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2008

A restless night turns magical as moonlight transforms a room into a dreamscape.

Silent Music

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2008

In war-torn Baghdad, a boy finds solace in calligraphy, transforming chaos into silent music.

How I Learned Geography

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2008

A boy discovers a map's power to nourish his imagination beyond hunger.

A River of Words

Picture Book · Ages 7–18 · 2008

A doctor by day, a poet by heart. Can he balance both worlds?

Thank You Bear

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2007

A bear's mysterious box sparks doubt and delight among friends.

At Night

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2007

A sleepless girl escapes to a rooftop campout under the stars.

Moon Plane
Sale price
$1899

Moon Plane

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2006

A boy imagines flying to the moon in a plane. What wonders await?

Mrs. Crump's Cat

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2006

Discover the magic of unexpected friendships behind every door.

My Best Friend

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2005

Lily struggles to find a best friend at the community pool.

Zen Shorts

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2005

A panda's tales challenge three siblings' views on life and values.

Kitten's First Full Moon

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2004

A kitten mistakes the moon for milk. Will her quest succeed?

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