Center for Children’s Literature

The Cook Prize

Cook Prize Seal Presented for the first time in 2012, the Cook Prize is named in memory of two ground breaking Bank Street educators – Don Cook of the Graduate School of Education, and Michael Cook (no relation) of the School for Children. In naming this award, Bank Street not only honors Michael and Don for their intangible contributions to the world of education, but encourages excellence in publishing informational books on STEM topics for elementary-aged children.

Our Mission

The Cook Prize honors the best science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) picture book for children aged eight to ten. It is the only national children’s choice award honoring a STEM book. The Cook Prize is administered with support from School Library Journal. The award is presented in May.

Design of the Cook Prize Seal

2023 Cook Prize Contenders

The Mystery of the Monarchs

Infinity: Figuring Out Forever

Anglerfish: The Seadevil of the Deep

The Mystery of the Monarchs by Barb Rosenstock; illustrated by Erika Meza (Alfred A. Knopf)
Infinity: Figuring Out Forever by Sarah C. Campbell, photographed by Sarah C. Campell and Richard P. Campbell (Astra Young Readers)
Anglerfish: The Seadevil of the Deep by Elaine M. Alexander, illustrated by Fiona Fogg Candlewick

2022 Cook Prize Winner

Cougar Crossing: How Hollywood’s Celebrity Cougar Helped Build a Bridge for City Wildlife

by Meeg Pincus; illustrated by Alexander Vidal (Beach Lane Books)

Honor Books

Butterfly for a King by Susan Roth and Cindy Trumbore; illustrated by Susan L. Roth (Lee & Low Books)
The Great Stink: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London’s Poop Pollution Problem by Colleen Paeff; illustrated by Nancy Carpenter (Margaret K. McElderry/S & S)
Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small by Dr. Jess Wade, illustrated by Melissa Castrillón (Candlewick) by Jason Chin (Neal Porter Books/Holiday House)