Ezra Jack Keats Award Winning and Honored Books
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The Ezra Jack Keats Award was established in 1985 and the New Illustrator Award in 2001 to recognize and encourage emerging talent in the field of children’s books. Many past winners have gone on to distinguished careers, creating books beloved by parents, children, librarians, and teachers around the world.
The EJK Award is given annually to an outstanding new writer and new illustrator by the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. A distinguished selection committee reviews the entries, seeking books that portray the universal qualities of childhood, a strong and supportive family, and the multicultural nature of our world. Learn more about this award at Ezra Jack Keats Foundation.
Below are the Ezra Jack Keats Award Winning or Honored Books featuring Black Main Characters.
3 Books Received The Ezra Jack Keats Award or Honor in 2020
Layla’s Happiness
by Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie, Illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin
Winner Ezra Jack Keats Award for Illustration and 2020 Ezra Jack Keats Writer Honor Book for 2020!
Seven-year-old Layla loves life! So she keeps a happiness book. What is happiness for her? For you?
Spirited and observant, Layla s a child who s been given room to grow, making happiness both thoughtful and intimate. It s her dad talking about growing-up in South Carolina; her mom reading poetry; her best friend Juan, the community garden, and so much more. Written by poet Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie and illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin, this is a story of flourishing within family and community.
Rain!
by Linda Ashman
One rainy day in the city, an eager little boy exclaims, Rain! Across town, a grumpy man grumbles, Rain. In this endearing picture book, a rainy-day cityscape comes to life in vibrant, cut-paper-style artwork. The boy in his green frog hat splashes in puddles Hoppy, hoppy, hoppy! while the old man curses the dang puddles. Can the boy s natural exuberance (and perhaps a cookie) cheer up the grouchy gentleman and turn the day around?
Layla’s Happiness
by Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie, Illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin
Winner Ezra Jack Keats Award for Illustration and 2020 Ezra Jack Keats Writer Honor Book for 2020!
Seven-year-old Layla loves life! So she keeps a happiness book. What is happiness for her? For you?
Spirited and observant, Layla s a child who s been given room to grow, making happiness both thoughtful and intimate. It s her dad talking about growing-up in South Carolina; her mom reading poetry; her best friend Juan, the community garden, and so much more. Written by poet Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie and illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin, this is a story of flourishing within family and community.
