Children should be introduced to picture books in their first few years. This will help them become good readers in the future. The purpose of The Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award is to encourage parents, caregivers, and very young children to interact together with exceptional picture books.
Early childhood development professionals in Indiana such as teachers, librarians, caregivers, and project coordinators nominate five picture books. Each year, children ages 0-5 are encouraged to vote for one of the five nominated titles.
Nominated Titles for 2021
The Box Turtle By Vanessa Roeder
Terrance the turtle was born without a shell, so he uses a cardboard box instead. He loves his box. It keeps him dry on soggy days, safe from snooping strangers, and is big enough to cozy up with a friend. Then another turtle points out that Terrance’s shell is weird. So, Terrance begins to wonder whether there might be a better shell out there. Will he find the perfect shell for himself?
Brown Baby Lullaby By Tameka Fryer Brown
From sunset to bedtime, two parents lovingly care for their beautiful brown baby: first, they play outside, then it is time for dinner and a bath, and finally a warm snuggle before bed. This book features warm and cozy art by New York Times-bestselling and NAACP-Award-winning illustrator AG Ford.
How Do You Dance? By Thyra Heder
There are so many ways to dance! But, what’s the best way to dance? Exactly how you want to! In How Do You Dance?, award-winning author-illustrator Thyra Heder explores dance in all of its creativity, humor, and–most of all–joy, in a picture-book celebration of personal expression that will inspire young and old readers alike to get up and get moving.
Red House, Tree House, Little Bitty Brown Mouse By Jane Godwin
A little mouse makes her way around the world, and invites preschoolers along as she sets out. See the tiny mouse in her little brown house? With seamless, simple, and inspiring writing, this rhyming story abounds in concepts for the very young. While focusing on colors, and a delightful search-and-find element on every spread for the mouse herself!
Who Has Wiggle-Waggle Toes? By Vicky Shiefman
Who says you have to sit still at story time? This book encourages toddlers and preschoolers to shimmy, shake, and stomp along with a story that’s both fun and filled with layers of learning! Who has wiggle-waggle toes? I do. Who has flip-flop feet? I do! The adorable characters in this book knock their knockabout knees, stomp their flip-flop feet, shimmy their big bold bottoms, and more!
Come by one of the LPCPL branches to check out these books or watch the stories being read and vote online! You can vote anytime now through the end of July. All votes are due by July 30, 2021. If you can’t vote online, stop by any of the branches. Our staff will be happy to help you out.
