At the ALA (American Library Association) Conference in New Orleans on January 30, the Theodor Seuss Geisel Awards were announced, and Gigi and Ojiji was named a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book!!!
The Geisel Award is given to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished American book for beginning readers published in English in the United States during the preceding year. Award winners are recognized for their literary and artistic achievements that demonstrate creativity and imagination to engage children in reading. Award and honor book recipients will receive their awards in Chicago during the ALA Annual Conference in June.
I grew up reading Dr. Seuss books — I literally learned how to read with Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Hop On Pop, and so many more!! So it is such an honor to receive this award. I was actually in shock when the awards committee called me on the day before to let me know that Gigi and Ojiji was one of the Honor Books chosen. I never expected anything like this!
I’m just so happy that it means that with the attention the award will bring, Gigi and Ojiji has a chance to be read by more kids. My heart is full of gratitude. It was my first time writing and illustrating something that is so personal and inspired by my own childhood, so it is extra special to me.
Thank you to the Geisel Award committee members for recognizing Gigi and Ojiji!