Named for Gelett Burgess, an artist and writer famous for his humorous Goops series (1900-1950), this award recognizes outstanding books that inspire imagination and creativity, and helps support childhood literacy and lifelong reading.

[1] The resulting list of award-winning titles is promoted throughout the year with additional activity and lesson plan resources made available.

The Gelett Burgess Children's Book Award seal was designed by the artist himself as a child.

[2] He made an early mark on the world by carving his initials, in the form of a monogram based on the Phoenician alphabet, on nearly every church steeple in Boston.

(Author's full name is Frank Gelett Burgess) A number of international celebrities have received the Gelett Burgess Children's Book award, including figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, comedic actor Jim Carrey, and film director John Fusco.