Children's book award · 20062026

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Books

By the Bookroo Editors

The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award was named for Theodor Seuss Geisel — Dr. Seuss — who spent much of his career proving that a book written with a few hundred words could still be worth reading twice. It has been given annually since 2006 by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author and illustrator of the most distinguished American book for beginning readers.

Titles are judged on how well they serve a child who is just starting to read alone: words a new reader can actually decode, pictures that carry the meaning, and a story good enough to be worth the effort. It is a useful shelf to browse once phonics has started to click.

Information from the American Library Association.

Stop That Mop!
#2 in Series
The most recent cycle

The 2026 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award

2026 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Winner
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2025

Stop That Mop!

By Jonathan Fenske

A rebellious mop escapes its duties. Can it be caught?

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award (2026)
32 pages· 219 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 180 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a whimsical tale, a mop refuses to clean up the mess and makes a daring escape. As it dashes away, chaos ensues. Who will catch the runaway mop, and what adventures await? Dive into this rhyming escapade to find out!
2026 Honor Books
Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

The Big Mess and Other Stories

By Greg Pizzoli · Book #2 in the Earl & Worm series

Two friends tackle chaos and find unexpected surprises in their hilarious adventures.

72 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 187 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Earl and Worm are an unlikely pair, but their friendship is unbreakable. When Earl's mess spirals out of control, Worm steps in to help. A lucky penny turns sour, and rain-soaked Earl shows Worm the bright side. Their antics lead to unexpected outcomes, proving that even the biggest messes can bring laughter and surprises. Join them for three delightful tales of friendship and fun.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

I Like Hoops

A tied basketball game tests young players' sportsmanship and teamwork.

32 pages
3.4/5 Goodreads · 73 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a nail-biting basketball game, a diverse group of first and second graders face the ultimate challenge: can they win while showing true sportsmanship? As the clock ticks down, teamwork and joy take center stage. Will they triumph together, or will the pressure unravel their unity? This engaging story, perfect for young readers, combines suspense with valuable lessons in friendship and fair play.
Picture Book · Ages 4–6

The Tunneler Tunnels in the Tunnel

Why does the tunneler dig underground? Discover the mystery.

32 pages
3.5/5 Goodreads · 141 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Join a curious tunneler on an underground journey filled with mystery. As he digs deeper, questions arise: What drives him, and where will his path lead? Uncover the surprise ending!
Every year

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Winners by Year

The honorees

Books Recognized by the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award

Stop That Mop!

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2025

A rebellious mop escapes its duties. Can it be caught?

The Big Mess and Other Stories

Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

Two friends tackle chaos and find unexpected surprises in their hilarious adventures.

The Tunneler Tunnels in the Tunnel

Picture Book · Ages 4–6

Why does the tunneler dig underground? Discover the mystery.

I Like Hoops

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

A tied basketball game tests young players' sportsmanship and teamwork.

Vacation

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2024

Three friends struggle to agree on vacation plans, leading to mischief and unexpected solutions.

Fox Versus Fox

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2024

Fox meets his match. Will rivalry or friendship prevail?

Towed by Toad

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2024

When the helper's truck breaks down, who will come to the rescue?

Sale price
$1799

Fox Has a Problem

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

Fox's kite is stuck, and every solution creates chaos. Can teamwork save the day?

Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1799

Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends

Chapter Book · Ages 4–6 · 2023

Can friendship survive when one friend transforms completely?

Henry, Like Always

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2023

Henry faces a week of unexpected changes and challenges in his classroom.

I Did It!

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

A creature learns to ride a bike with friends' encouragement. Can they succeed?

Owl and Penguin

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Two friends navigate differences through creative play and humor.

A Seed Grows

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Witness a seed's journey to a towering sunflower.

Fish and Wave
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1699

Fish and Wave

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

A fish meets a wave and they become friends.

Sale price
$1799

Gigi and Ojiji

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Gigi's plans with her grandpa go awry. Can they connect despite differences?

Sale price
$1699

Fox at Night

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2021

A young fox goes on a journey to discover what is lurking in the night.

Unlikely Friends

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2021

A bird and an alligator become unlikely friends in the swamp.

I Hop

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

A boy's pogo stick adventure leads to unexpected discoveries around town.

Nothing Fits a Dinosaur
Sale price
$1799

Nothing Fits a Dinosaur

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2021

A young dinosaur struggles to get dressed for bed.

Sale price
$999

Three Stories About a Dog

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

A comical book about a dog navigating various scenarios as the book unfolds.

Where's Baby?

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2020

Papa Fox searches for Baby Fox, hidden in plain sight.

Sale price
$1699

Zip, Zoom!

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

A young boy learns to ride a scooter with the help of his family and a new friend.

What About Worms!?

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

A brave tiger's only fear: worms. Can he overcome it?

The Bear in My Family

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

A child discovers the surprising perks of having a bear-like sibling.

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