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 2018 Cook Prize Winner
We are thrilled to announce the winner of the 2018 Cook Prize!

  • Beauty and the Beak: How Science,Technology and a 3D-Printed Beak Rescued a Bald Eagle by Deborah Lee Rose & Jane Veltkamp (Persnickety Press)

The 2018 Cook Prize Semi-finalists

  • Grand Canyon by Jason Chin (Roaring Brook Press)
  • The Hidden Life of a Toad by Doug Wechsler (Charlesbridge)
  • Karl, Get Out of the Garden!: Carolus Linnaeus and the Naming of Everything by Anita Sanchez, illustrated by Catherine Stock (Charlesbridge)

2019 Cook Prize

Voting is closed for this year. Please register for 2019.

Cook Prize Ceremonies

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.