Orbis Pictus Award facts for kids

The Orbis Pictus Award is a special prize given to amazing non-fiction books for kids. It celebrates books that share real information in a super engaging way. Each year, the National Council of Teachers of English picks one American book published the year before as the winner. Sometimes, up to five other books are also recognized as "Honor Books." This award started in 1990 and has been given out every year since! It's named after Orbis Pictus (which means The World in Pictures), a very old book from 1657 by John Amos Comenius that many consider the first picture book for children.

What Makes a Book an Orbis Pictus Winner?

To win this award, books must meet certain rules:

• The book must be non-fiction. This means it shares true facts and information.
• Books about real people's lives (called biographies) can win.
• However, the award is not for textbooks, made-up stories from history, old folk tales, or poems.
• The book must have been published in the United States during the year before the award is given.
• Judges look for books that are accurate, meaning all the facts are correct.
• The book also needs to be well-organized, look good, and be written in a clear, interesting style.
• The book should be helpful for teaching students in grades K-8.
• It should make kids want to think more and read more.
• It should show great writing and research skills.
• Finally, the book should cover interesting and current topics that appeal to many different ages.

Orbis Pictus Award Winners

Here is a list of some of the amazing books that have won the Orbis Pictus Award:

Writers with Multiple Awards

Two writers have won the Orbis Pictus Award more than once:

• Jim Murphy won in 1994, 1996, and 2004.
• Russell Freedman won in 1991 and 2006.