Center for Children’s Literature

The Cook Prize

Cook Prize SealPresented 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

2026 Cook Prize

Gold Medal
 Silver Medal Silver Medal Silver Medal

Gold Medal

  • Hurricane, written and illustrated by Jason Chin (Neal Porter/Holiday House)

Jason Chin: Cook Prize 2026, Gold Medal Acceptance Speech

Silver Medals

  • Plight of the Pelican: How Science Saved a Species by Jessica Stremer, illustrated by Gordy Wright (Holiday House)

Jessica Stremer and Gordy Wright: Cook Prize 2026, Silver Medal Acceptance Speech

  • Rewriting the Rules: How Dr. Kathleen Friel Created New Possibilities for Brain Research and Disability by Danna Zeiger, illustrated by Josée Bisaillon (Millbrook Press/Lerner)

Danna Zeiger: Cook Prize 2026, Silver Medal Acceptance Speech

  • We Carry the Sun by Tae Keller, illustrated by Rachel Wada (Norton)

Tae Keller: Cook Prize 2026, Silver Medal Acceptance Speech

Rachel Wada: Cook Prize 2026, Silver Medal Acceptance Speech

2026 Cook Prize Winner

Hurricane
Author & Illustrator: Jason Chin
Publisher: Neal Porter Books/Holiday House

Honor Books

  • Plight of the Pelican: How Science Saved a Species by Jessica Stremer, illustrated by Gordy Wright (Holiday House)
  • Rewriting the Rules: How Dr. Kathleen Friel Created New Possibilities for Brain Research and Disability by Danna Zeiger, illustrated by Josée Bisaillon (Millbrook Press/Lerner)
  • We Carry the Sun by Tae Keller, illustrated by Rachel Wada (Norton)