OLA Children’s Services Division 2024 Mock Geisel Award Workshop

December 13th, 12-2pm (PT)
Part One - Virtual
January 13th,  10am-3pm (PT)
Part Two - In Person & Virtual

The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award recognizes the author and illustrator of a book for beginning readers who, through their literary and artistic achievements, demonstrate creativity and imagination to engage children in reading.   

Dive into the world of beginning readers through the lens of the Geisel Award. 
Part One will begin with a crash course on the Geisel Award and introduction/explanation of the award’s specific, unique criteria. This will lay the foundation for a panel discussion with past Geisel Award committee members and chairs about the ways in which the criteria have shaped the way they look at Geisel contenders and beginning readers as a whole. Participants will leave with a strong understanding of the award criteria and excitement for applying them to evaluation and discussion. Part One will be virtual. 

Part Two will center around mock discussions about our shortlist of titles (see below), offering participants hands-on experience using the award criteria to evaluate books in moderated discussion with peers. There will also be snacks, door prizes, and time to connect with colleagues. There will be an hour break for participants to find lunch in the downtown Eugene Area. As a grand finale, vote for Oregon’s Mock Geisel Award and Honor Winners for 2024. We encourage participants to attend in person, however, there is also a virtual option. 

Register Here

2024 Mock Geisel Titles

Fox Has a Problem / Corey R. Tabor 

Worm and Caterpillar are Friends / Kaz Windness 

The Gold Bowl / Valerie Bolling, illus. Kai Robinson

Who Will Win? / Arihhonni David 

Gigi and Ojiji: What is in a Name / Melissa Iwai

Camp-Out / Kelly Starling Lyons, illus. Niña Mata

Nat the Cat Takes a Nap / Jarrett Lerner

Kitty Cam / Margie Palatini, illus. Dan Yaccarino

Bug Catchers / Megan Litwin, illus. Shauna Lynn Panczyszyn

It is Time: The Life of a Caterpillar / Lizzy Rockwell

Downloadable List

Please read as many of these titles as you can before you arrive at the program;
you will benefit from the workshop much more if you do! ​