Children's book award · 19902024

Orbis Pictus Award Books

By the Bookroo Editors

Browse children's books recognized by the Orbis Pictus Award, including winners and honored titles from 1990 through 2024.

Mr. Ferris and His Wheel
The most recent cycle

The 2024 Orbis Pictus Award

2024 Honor Books
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 2023

Hidden Systems

By Dan Nott

Uncover the hidden stories behind water, electricity, and the internet's past and future.

Orbis Pictus Honor (2024)
272 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,397 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Dive into the unseen world of everyday utilities in this graphic novel. Explore the origins and future of water, electricity, and the internet. Discover the first internet message, daily water usage, and the invention of electric light. Unravel the hidden histories filled with intrigue and humor, and see how past decisions shape our present and future. With engaging art and insightful diagrams, this journey through science history challenges us to rethink and reshape the systems we rely on.
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2023

The Fire of Stars

Discover the universe's secrets through the eyes of a pioneering astronomer.

48 pages· 1,860 words· Est. 15 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 651 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Cecilia Payne, a curious girl with dreams of the stars, becomes a trailblazing astronomer who uncovers the fiery secrets of the universe. Her journey parallels the birth of a star, igniting wonder and inspiring future generations. As she challenges the norms of her time, Cecilia's story invites us to gaze at the night sky and ask, 'What else is out there?' This poetic biography celebrates her groundbreaking discoveries and serves as a beacon for aspiring scientists, especially young girls, to explore the cosmos and change history.
Every year

Orbis Pictus Award Winners by Year

The honorees

Books Recognized by the Orbis Pictus Award

Mr. Ferris and His Wheel

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2014

Discover how George Ferris defied odds to create the iconic Ferris wheel at the 1893 World's Fair.

Star Stuff

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2014

A boy's wonder at the stars leads him to explore the universe's mysteries.

Brave Girl

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2013

A young immigrant leads a historic strike, challenging injustice and fighting for equality.

The Boy Who Loved Math

Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 2013

A mathematician defies norms, traveling the world to collaborate on groundbreaking work.

Locomotive

Picture Book · Ages 4–10 · 2013

The story of the construction and journey of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States.

Electric Ben

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2012

Discover Benjamin Franklin's genius through vibrant illustrations and fascinating facts.

Balloons Over Broadway

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2011

Discover the story behind the iconic Macy's Parade balloons.

Pablo Neruda

Picture Book · 2011

A boy's love for words transforms him into a celebrated poet.

Candy Bomber

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2010

A pilot drops candy to lift spirits in blockaded Berlin.

The Secret World of Walter Anderson

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

A reclusive artist finds inspiration on a deserted island, creating hidden masterpieces.

When the Wolves Returned

Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2008

Can Yellowstone's balance be restored by the return of its missing wolves?

We Are the Ship

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2008

Discover the untold story of baseball's unsung heroes who defied segregation to play the game they loved.

Washington at Valley Forge

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2008

Survive a brutal winter at Valley Forge or face defeat in the Revolutionary War.

Quest for the Tree Kangaroo

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2006

Discover a mysterious tree-dwelling creature in Papua New Guinea's cloud forest.

Freedom Walkers

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2006

Discover the boycott that defied segregation and sparked a movement for equality in 1950s Alabama.

Gregor Mendel

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2006

Discover how a friar's pea experiments unlocked the secrets of heredity.

Hitler Youth
Sale price
$2299

Hitler Youth

Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 2005

Discover how Hitler captivated millions of young minds, shaping them into a formidable force.

Mosquito Bite
Sale price
$795

Mosquito Bite

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2005

A boy hides, a mosquito hunts. Whose search is more urgent?

The Voice That Challenged a Nation

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2004

A singer defies racial barriers, changing the course of history with her voice.

Actual Size

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2004

Discover the true size of animals in a visually stunning journey.

An American Plague

Chapter Book · Ages 11–13 · 2003

A deadly epidemic halts a city, sparking fear and chaos.

In Defense of Liberty
Sale price
$2495

In Defense of Liberty

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2003

Citizens confront government over constitutional rights.

When Marian Sang

Picture Book · Ages 7–10 · 2002

A singer's voice defies barriers at a historic concert.

The Emperor's Silent Army

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2002

Farmers unearth a vast, ancient terracotta army, revealing secrets of China's first emperor.

Bookroo

  • About Us
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Help Center
  • Contact Us
  • Affiliates

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo