Ezra Jack Keats Award · 2018

The 2018 Ezra Jack Keats Award

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut and Muddy won the 2018 Ezra Jack Keats Award. Browse them alongside all 6 honor books, with ages and reading levels for each.

2018 Ezra Jack Keats Award Winner · Writer
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 2017

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

By Derrick Barnes, Gordon C. James (Illustrator)

A barber shop is a place of transformation where people go to feel seen and valued.

Ezra Jack Keats Award (2018)Coretta Scott King Honor (2018)Caldecott Honor (2018)Newbery Honor (2018)
32 pages· 688 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 4,965 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In the barbershop, boys enter as clay and emerge as royalty, crowned with confidence. Each fresh cut sharpens their presence, turning heads and lifting spirits. This rhythmic tale celebrates the transformative power of a haircut, where self-esteem and swagger soar. Witness the magic as boys embrace their reflections, stepping boldly into the world with newfound pride. Discover how a simple trim can change everything, making grades rise, hearts flutter, and hugs tighter. 'Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut' is a vibrant tribute to the beauty and humanity of black boys, celebrating their brilliance and worth.
2018 Ezra Jack Keats Award Winner · Illustrator
Muddy
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

Muddy

By Michael Mahin, Evan Turk (Illustrator)

A defiant musician's journey from Mississippi fields to Chicago fame reshapes music history.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2017)Ezra Jack Keats Award (2018)
48 pages· 1,451 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 632 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Muddy Waters defies expectations, leaving Mississippi's fields for Chicago's vibrant music scene. Despite doubts from family and producers, his relentless spirit and unique blues sound transform the music world. Will his determination and talent overcome the odds and change the course of music history? Discover the inspiring journey of a man who refused to be silenced, paving the way for rock and roll.
2018 Honor Books
Things to Do
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2017

Things to Do

Discover the hidden wonders in a child's everyday world.

Ezra Jack Keats Honor (2018)
32 pages
4.0/5 Goodreads · 377 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Explore a child's day filled with hidden wonders and secret joys. From blooming flowers to buzzing bees, each moment holds a delightful surprise. Through playful poems and vivid illustrations, uncover the magic in the ordinary and see the world anew. What marvels will you find in the simple moments of life?
A Different Pond
Sale price
$2342
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

A Different Pond

By Bao Phi, Thi Bui (Illustrator)

A young boy goes fishing with his father before dawn on a Saturday morning, learning about his father's past and their cultural heritage along the way.

Caldecott Honor (2018)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2018)Ezra Jack Keats Honor (2018)Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (2018)Charlotte Zolotow Award (2018)
32 pages· 952 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
5.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 5,974 ratings
$24.65Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Young Bao rises early to fish with his father in Minneapolis, not for sport, but to feed their family. As they cast their lines, stories of a distant pond in Vietnam unfold, weaving a tapestry of survival, heritage, and hope. What secrets does the past hold, and how will they shape Bao's understanding of his father's sacrifices? This poignant tale explores the bonds between father and son, and the cultural threads that connect them across oceans and generations.
City Moon
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2017

City Moon

By Rachael Cole, Blanca Gomez (Illustrator)

A boy and his mother search for the elusive moon on a nighttime walk.

Ezra Jack Keats Honor (2018)
32 pages
3.9/5 Goodreads · 540 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Join a little boy and his mother on a magical nighttime adventure as they wander their neighborhood in search of the elusive moon. As the moon plays hide-and-seek behind clouds and buildings, the boy's curiosity leads to simple yet profound questions, which his mother answers with patience and love. Their journey is filled with wonder and discovery, culminating in a serene moment when the moon finally reveals itself, glowing brightly. As the night deepens, the boy's eyes grow heavy, and his mother gently carries him home, whispering that it's time for bed. Will the moon return tomorrow?
Windows
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2017

Windows

By Julia Denos, E. B. Goodale (Illustrator), E. B. Goodale (Illustrator)

A person takes a walk through their neighborhood at dusk and observes the lives of those around them through their windows.

Ezra Jack Keats Honor (2018)
32 pages· 189 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,791 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: As dusk falls, a boy and his dog wander through their neighborhood, witnessing the quiet magic of evening. Each lit window offers a glimpse into the lives of those around him, like a series of glowing paper lanterns. Cats, friends, and even raccoons cross his path, weaving a tapestry of community and belonging. What stories unfold behind each illuminated pane? Discover the warmth and wonder of a world settling in for the night, where every child finds a sense of home and safety.
The One Day House
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2017

The One Day House

By Julia Durango, Bianca Diaz (Illustrator)

A community unites to transform a friend's home, discovering the power of togetherness.

Ezra Jack Keats Honor (2018)
32 pages· 331 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 688 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Wilson envisions a better home for his friend Gigi, dreaming of warmth and comfort. When neighbors rally to bring his plans to life, they embark on a journey of transformation. As they work together to make Gigi's house safe and beautiful, they uncover the true spirit of community. Can their collective effort create more than just a home? This heartwarming tale explores how helping others enriches our own lives, inviting readers to witness the magic of unity and volunteerism.
Laundry Day
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2017

Laundry Day

By Jessixa Bagley

Two bored badgers tackle laundry. What could go wrong?

Ezra Jack Keats Honor (2018)
24 pages· 455 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
3.8/5 Goodreads · 560 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Tic and Tac, two restless badgers, have exhausted all their fun options. When their mom suggests helping with the laundry, they dive in with enthusiasm. But will their eagerness lead to chaos or a clean success? Discover the delightful misadventures that unfold in this charming tale of curiosity and creativity.
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