The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation is accepting submissions from publishers for the twenty-seventh annual Ezra Jack Keats New Writer and New Illustrator Book Awards (known collectively as the Ezra Jack Keats Book Award).

The awards are designed to recognize and encourage authors and illustrators starting out in the field of children’s books who share Ezra Jack Keats’ commitment to children and diversity. The award is given annually to an outstanding new writer and new illustrator of picture books for children (9 years of age and under). Publishers are encouraged to submit works by new writers and illustrators who are committed to celebrating diversity through their writing and art.

To be eligible, writers and illustrators must have had no more than three books published.

A selection committee of early childhood education specialists, librarians, illustrators, and experts in children’s literature will review the entries, seeking books that portray the universal qualities of childhood, a strong and supportive family, and the multicultural nature of our world.

The award includes an honorarium of $1,000 for each winner.

See the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation website for complete program guidelines, entry procedures, and information on previous award winners.