Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
The Orbis Pictus Award from NCTE honors outstanding nonfiction books that engage and inform children through exemplary writing and illustration.
Funder: National Council of Teachers of English
Due Dates: September 15, 2026 (Nomination deadline for 2027 award)
Funding Amounts: No cash prize; award consists of a plaque and recognition for the winner, certificates for Honor books, and acknowledgment for Recommended books.
Summary: Annual award recognizing excellence in nonfiction books written for children, highlighting outstanding writing and illustration.
Key Information: Only original nonfiction books for children published/distributed in the U.S. in the current year are eligible.
Description
The Orbis Pictus Award, presented by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), celebrates outstanding nonfiction books for children. Established in 1989, the award honors works that interpret factual material for young readers in engaging, accurate, and accessible ways. Each year, one book is selected as the award winner, up to five are designated as Honor books, and several more may be recognized as Recommended books. The award aims to promote high-quality nonfiction literature and its role in K-8 education.
