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SEATTLE– Author and illustrator Corey R. Tabor is the 2019 recipient of the Award for “Fox the Tiger,” published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. The award was announced today by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the 91��ý (91��ý), during the 91��ý Midwinter Meeting & Exhibition held January 25 - 29, in Seattle, Washington.

The Theodor Seuss 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. The award is named for the world-renowned children’s author, Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss. 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 Washington, D.C., during the 91��ý Annual Conference in June.

Tigers are the best, or so thinks Fox. With a big imagination (and a little bit of paint), he transforms into a growling, prowling tiger. Soon his friends Turtle and Rabbit are likewise inspired to embody their dreams as a zipping, zooming race car and a beeping, booping robot. Despite their rained-out celebration, Fox learns to appreciate that he, in his own special way, is also the best.

Corey R. Tabor is a resident of Seattle, Washington. He was a recipient of a Don Freeman Illustration grant, has authored three other books in the Fox series, and illustrated “A Dark, Dark, Cave” by Eric Hoffman.

Pencil, watercolor, and crayon illustrations capture the beguiling humor of this entertaining story. Tabor’s tale for emerging readers is easily navigable and just like Fox himself -- speedy and clever.

“Featuring Tabor’s hip art and quirky, surprising twists, ‘Fox the Tiger’ is an inviting tale of the power of transformation and friendship. Repetition, a predictable pattern, and short, simple sentences give readers ample chance to practice their beginning reading skills,” said Geisel Award Committee Chair Sarah Stippich.

Four Geisel Honor Books were named:

“The Adventures of Otto: See Pip Flap” written and illustrated by David Milgrim and published by Simon Spotlight, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.

Pip wants to fly! With ingenuity and robot know-how, Otto figures out a way to help his rodent friend achieve his airborne dream. In “See Pip Flap”, minimal vocabulary, inventive illustrations, and a funny premise support beginning readers’ explorations.

A Northampton, Massachusetts resident, Milgrim is the author and illustrator of over twenty-five books for children, including “Cows Can’t Fly”, “See Pip Point”, and “Go Otto Go”, a 2017 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book.

“Fox + Chick: The Party and Other Stories” written and illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier, and published by Chronicle Books LLC.

Wily Chick and patient pal Fox star in three charming vignettes in which they explore the fun and frustrations of friendship. The warm and humorous story of these unlikely friends combines the design of a graphic novel with the simple vocabulary and ease of a beginning reader.

Sergio Ruzzier lives in Brooklyn, NY. He received a Parents’ Choice Gold Award for “This Is Not a Picture Book”, and in 2011 was a recipient of the Sendak Fellowship.

“King & Kayla and the Case of the Lost Tooth” by Dori Hillestad Butler, illustrated by Nancy Meyers and published by Peachtree Publishers.

In five short chapters, Kayla and her clever dog King solve the case of a missing tooth. Narrated by the canine sleuth, this simple mystery features creative repetition, predictable action and supportive illustrations that reward children with a successful and satisfying reading experience.

Dori Hillestad Butler is the author of several children’s book series, including the Edgar Award winning Buddy Files. Nancy Meyers is a graphic designer in Minneapolis who has illustrated a variety of children’s books.



“Tiger vs. Nightmare” written and illustrated by Emily Tetri, and published by First Second, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing Holdings Limited Partnership

In a bold graphic novel, Tiger must summon her courage to face her fears. She battles her scariest nightmare, and thanks to her friend Monster, she doesn’t have to do it alone. A sometimes frightening, definitely charming, and always beautiful tale of beasts and bravery.

Emily Tetri is an illustrator and animator who has worked on television projects including “Legend of Korra” and “Dawn of the Croods”. Tetri grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and now lives in LA.

The members of the 2019 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Committee are Chair Sarah Stippich, The Miquon School, Conshohocken, Pa.; Ellysa Stern Cahoy, Pennsylvania State University Libraries, University Park, Pa.; Angela Frederick, Williamson County Schools, Nolensville, Tenn.;  Diana Garcia, Monterey Park (Calif.) Bruggemeyer Library; Alex Matheson, Vancouver Public Library, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Cathryn Mercier, Center for the Study of Children's Literature at Simmons University, Boston; and Toby D. Rajput, National Louis University, Skokie, Ill.

ALSC is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. With a network of more than 4,000 children’s and youth librarians, literature experts, publishers, and educational faculty, ALSC is committed to creating a better future for children through libraries. To learn more about ALSC, visit their website at.

For more information on the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award and other 91��ý Youth Media Awards, please visit.