The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award · 2002

The 2002 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award

This Little Chick, Close Your Eyes, Hondo and Fabian, Dog Food, The First Thing My Mama Told Me, Stars in the Darkness, I Stink!, The Last Resort and Knick-Knack Paddywhack! won the 2002 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award.

2002 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
This Little Chick
Sale price
$1498
Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2002

This Little Chick

By John Lawrence

A little chick explores the farm, mimicking animal sounds.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2002)
32 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 730 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A curious chick leaves his nest to explore the farmyard, meeting new animal friends along the way. As he slides off pigs, hops with frogs, and skips with sheep, he discovers the joy of imitating their sounds. Will his noisy adventure lead him back home, or will he find a new place among his farmyard companions? This playful journey is filled with delightful sounds and lively encounters, promising smiles and laughter for young readers.
2002 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Close Your Eyes
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2002

Close Your Eyes

By Kate Banks, Georg Hallensleben (Illustrator)

A little tiger fears sleep's unknowns but discovers magical dreams await.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2002)
40 pages· 324 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 452 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: A little tiger, hesitant to sleep, fears the unknown dreams might bring. His mother gently assures him that magical adventures await in his dreams, and she'll be there when he wakes. As he drifts between reality and enchanting dreamscapes, the little tiger learns the wonders of imagination and the comfort of a mother's love. Will he embrace the journey that sleep offers?
2002 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Hondo and Fabian
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2002

Hondo and Fabian

By Peter McCarty

Dog's beach adventure vs. cat's home antics—who has more fun?

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2002)Caldecott Honor (2003)
40 pages· 146 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 2,141 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Hondo the dog embarks on a beach adventure with his friend Fred, leaving Fabian the cat at home to entertain a baby. As Hondo dives into seaside excitement, Fabian navigates the mischief of a day indoors. Will the beach or the home prove more thrilling? Discover the delightful contrast between Hondo's escapades and Fabian's domestic antics in this charming tale of two pets.
2002 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Dog Food
Sale price
$1248
Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 2002

Dog Food

By Joost Elffers, Saxton Freymann

Discover a world where fruits and veggies become playful pups.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2002)
32 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 306 ratings
$12.95Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Dive into a whimsical world where fruits and vegetables transform into playful pups, acting out familiar doggy phrases with a twist. From 'Bad dog' to 'Doggy bag,' these clever creations promise laughter and delight for dog lovers and humor enthusiasts alike. Will these pepper pooches and mango mutts win over even the most devoted cat fans? Explore the unexpected charm and humor in this delightful canine culinary adventure.
2002 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
The First Thing My Mama Told Me
Sale price
$1520
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2002

The First Thing My Mama Told Me

By Susan Marie Swanson, Christine Davenier (Illustrator)

A young girl discovers the magic and meaning behind her name.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2002)Charlotte Zolotow Honor (2003)
40 pages· 718 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
3.1/5 Goodreads · 62 ratings
$16.00Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Lucy cherishes her name, a gift from her parents, as she grows from scribbling it on floors to reaching new heights. At seven, her name is a constant companion, a symbol of love and identity. Join Lucy on a journey through cherished memories and the special bond with her family, as she learns what her name truly means to her.
2002 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Stars in the Darkness
Sale price
$1398
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2001

Stars in the Darkness

By Barbara M. Joosse, R Gregory Christie

A boy must save his brother from gang life and unite his community for peace.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2002)Golden Kite Honor (2003)
36 pages· 900 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.0/5 Goodreads · 36 ratings
$14.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a city where sirens howl like wolves, a young boy's world shatters when his brother joins a gang. With his mother's help, he devises a daring plan to rescue his brother and rally their neighbors for peace. Can his courage bridge the divide and bring hope to their streets?
2002 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
I Stink!
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2002

I Stink!

By Kate Mcmullan, Jim McMullan (Illustrator) · McMullan Picture series

A garbage truck describes its daily routine and the various items it collects.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2002)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2002)
40 pages· 296 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 5,304 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Meet the garbage truck with ten wide tires and an insatiable appetite for trash. As the city slumbers, he roams the streets, relishing every stinky morsel he consumes. But what else happens in the quiet of the night? Discover the secret life of this noisy, smelly hero who turns garbage into his nightly feast. Dive into a world where nighttime isn't just for sleeping, and find out what makes this truck's job so delightfully messy and fun. Will you ever look at trash the same way again?
2002 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
The Last Resort
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2374
Picture Book · Ages 10–13 · 2002

The Last Resort

By J. Patrick Lewis, Roberto Innocenti (Illustrator)

An artist's lost imagination leads him to a mysterious seaside hotel with intriguing guests.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2002)
48 pages· 2,560 words· Est. 27 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 325 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: An artist's imagination vanishes, prompting a journey to a secluded seaside hotel. There, he encounters extraordinary guests, each with their own secrets. Can he reclaim his lost creativity amidst these enigmatic strangers?
2002 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Knick-Knack Paddywhack!
Sale price
$1994
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2002

Knick-Knack Paddywhack!

By Paul O. Zelinsky

A boy's adventure reveals hidden old men playing Knick-Knack in a whimsical, interactive journey.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2002)
8 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 102 ratings
$20.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Join a young boy and his dog on a whimsical adventure where counting old men pop up to play Knick-Knack. With tabs to pull and flaps to lift, each page offers a delightful surprise. As the boy ventures outside, the interactive elements bring the classic song to life, inviting young readers to explore and sing along. What playful antics will the old men reveal next? This imaginative journey promises endless fun and discovery, captivating children with its engaging and inventive design.
← 20012003 →
Every year

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winners by Year

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Book Store

Schools

Book Platform

Authors & Illustrators

Follow Bookroo

© 2026 Bookroo
Terms of ServicePrivacy Policy