Center for Children’s Literature
The Cook Prize
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.
The Cook Prized Voting Form
If you have already registered to be a Cook Prize participant, please submit your votes by April 19, 2019. We hope you and your students are enjoying the books. Thanks so much again for your participation. Remember, if one of your students makes an interesting comment or observation during the deliberations, please share it with us by April 30th. We may end up reading it during the award ceremony which will take place this year on May 16, 2019 at approximately 10:45 a.m. Please check back later for the link to the livestream. Contact cweill@bankstreet.edu to send anecdotes and for questions.
For your planning, please know that the event will be live streamed. You will be able to watch with your students on line. You will be able to access the program afterwards as well in case you want to share it with your class at a later date.
2019 Cook Prize Semi Finalists
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 Semi Finalist |
 Semi Finalist |
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Cook Prize Semi Finalists
- Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker; illustrated by Dow Phumiruk (Christy Ottaviano Books, Henry Holt and Company)
- Fossil by Fossil: Comparing Dinosaur Bones by Sara Levine, illustrated by T.S. Spookytooth (Millbrook Press/Lerner)
- If Polar Bears Disappeared by Lily Williams (Roaring Brook Press)
- Nothing Stopped Sophie: The Story of Unshakable Mathematician Sophie German by Cheryl Bardoe; illustrated by Barbara McClintock (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
2018 Cook Prize Winner & Honor Books
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Cook Prize Ceremonies
- Livestream of 2018 Ceremony (begins at 1:06:30)
- Livestream of 2017 Ceremony
The Cook Prize Seal Design
This short YouTube video from The Cook Prize 2012 presentation features author/illustrator Brian Floca describe the process of designing the seal.