February 17, 2020
Kids: Help your favorite book win a prize!
The ballot for 2020 Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award is live. Your little one can start reading and voting now.
Attention little Hoosier readers: the ballot for the 2020 Indiana Firefly Award is live! Children 0-5 can now visit participating local library branches, read the 2020 Firefly Award-nominated books and cast their votes for their favorite. Community votes, from groups of families and child care programs, count too.
This is the 6th year Indiana celebrates the Firefly Award, which gives children a chance to get involved with their local libraries. The award also gives families an opportunity to learn about the democratic process by voting for their favorite reads.
Inspiring Activism with Indiana Humanities
What Is the Firefly Award?
Each year, a committee of Hoosier librarians, caregivers and project coordinators nominates five books. Then, Hoosier kids ages 0-5 vote for their favorite book at their local library or participating child care program. Of course, the little book critics get a bit of voting help from grown-ups. The award is named after Indiana’s official state insect.
Read about the 2019 Firefly Award winner here.
Who Can Vote?
Children living in Indiana who are under age six as of May 1, 2020 may vote for the 2020 Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award. Parents, caregivers and librarians can assist little learners in casting their votes. To vote, children should circle their favorite Firefly nominee on their ballot and turn it into their local voting location. Children may also vote as a group by raising hands or pointing to their favorite. If you are not sure you’ll be able to find these books at your local library, contact your local library and ask about the books and how to vote!
If your library is not participating, email your child’s choice to icb@library.in.gov. Make sure to include your child’s name, their age and what county you live in.
Who Are the Nominees?
- B is for Baby by Atinuke
- Don’t Blink! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
- Firefly Home by Jane Clarke
- Pirate Jack Gets Dressed by Nancy Raines Day
- The Rabbit Listened by Cory Doerrfeld
When Will the Winner Be Announced?
The award will be announced on May 22, 2020, so make sure to cast your vote before May!
Are you a librarian or child care program provider? Check out these resources.
About the 2020 Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award
The Firefly Award is an initiative of the Indiana Center for the Book. This state award is administered by the Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Committee. Picture books serve an important role in the first years of the life of a child. The purpose of this award is to encourage parents, caregivers and very young children to interact together with exceptional picture books.
2020 Early Literacy Firefly Committee:
Jeanne Baldwin – MSD Wayne Township Schools
Kirsten Eamon-Shine – Early Learning Indiana
Tina Ervin – Goshen Public Library
Melissa Freed – Tippecanoe County Public Library
Mary Graber – Peabody Public Library
Ashley McNally – Hancock County Public Library
Sarah Morbitzer – North Manchester Public Library
Heather Morlan – Poseyville Public Library
Kara Motsinger – Jefferson County Public Library
Teresa Moulton – New Albany-Floyd County Public Library
Shirley Mullin – Kids Ink
Lola Snyder – Jackson County Public Library
Dawn Stoops – Allen County Public Library
Heather Sullivan – Anderson Public Library
Suzanne Walker – Indiana Center for the Book
Karen Webb – Vigo County School Corporation
Beth Yates – Indiana State Library
