The Alice Kitts Memorial Award for Excellence in Picture Book Writing recognizes the year’s best picture book (24-48 pages long, standard, 32 pages) written by a New Brunswick author. The award is named after Alice Kitts, who was a writer and artist born in Riverside, New Brunswick. She was the author and illustrator of Emily of the Bend, a historical picture book about a young girl who lived along the Petitcodiac River at the turn of the 20th century.

Since this is a writing award, only the author must meet the New Brunswick residency requirement. 

The annual $500 prize has been sponsored by Alice’s six children since 2016: Carolyn Wellwood, Burtts Corner, NB; Jim Kitts, Hillsborough, NB; Cynthia Cain, Riverview, NB; Wendy Kitts, San Diego, CA; Colleen Kitts-Goguen, Fredericton, NB; and Kim Kitts-Brawn, Summerside, PE.

Please note the submission guidelines: 

Picture books are a unique visual and literary art form where the illustrations and text are interdependent. Eligible pictures books will be 24-48 pages in length with a maximum word count of 1000 words. Both nonfiction and fiction picture books are eligible and the target audience must be three-to-six-year-olds.

Please note: We do not accept any AI-generated material, either in text and illustrations.

2025/26 Award Winner

Jennifer McGrath, The Pony and The Starling (Groundwood Books), Hillsborough; Illustrator: Kristina Jones

Judge Sarah Butland's citation for The Pony and The Starling:

“A gorgeously illustrated story told with vibrance, meaning and heart. McGrath leads the reader through the seasons of New Brunswick with splendour and zest, wordplay and colour.”

On the Shortlist:

Kimothy Stewart, Morgan Moose (Monster House) Maugerville,(Illustrator, Airen MacMaster)

Riel Nason, The Little Ghost Quilt’s Winter Surprise (Tundra) Quispamsis (Illustrator: Byron Eggenschwiler)

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(Category held over in 2025)

2024 Award Winner

Sara O’Leary, The Little Books of the Litte Brontës (Tundra), St. Martins; illustrated by Briony May Smith

Judge Deborah Kerbel's citation: 

A beautiful little book about the early life of the Brontes; Charlotte, Emily, Anne, and Branwell. Gentle writing and sweet illustrations invite the reader to peek through a parsonage window and join the famous siblings in their long-ago world of boundless imagination, lively play, wild moors, and teeny-tiny books. Young readers will feel transported by this brief but oh-so memorable journey to a pivotal time in literary history.

On the Shortlist:

Braelyn Cyr, Apli’kmuj’s Journey (Monster House Publishing) Also illustrated

Gail Francis, Moonbeam (Monster House Publishing), illustrated by Tara Audibert

2023 Award Winner

Kelly Cooper (illustrated by Daniel Miyares) 

Midnight & Moon - Tundra

Judge Alma Fullerton's citation: 

“Midnight and Moon: A beautifully written book about a friendship, and fitting in both in the animal world and the human one.”

Also on Shortlist:

Jennifer McGrath, Pugs Cause Traffic Jams. Kids Can Press
Illustrated by Kathryn Durst

Masen Grasse, Trucks - Monster House Publishing.

2022 Award Winner

Riel Nason (illustrated by Nathasha Pilotte)

Disaster at the Highland Games - Chocolate River Publishing

Judge Dr. Kari-Lynn Winters' citation: 

“Disaster at the Highland Games introduces us to a female protagonist named Kate. This young highland dancer is overly confident about her forthcoming win at the Highland games and decides that she doesn’t need to practice. However, Kate’s confidence diminishes when her lack of practice leads to a series of big disasters, reminding her that though practice may not make perfect, it can ensure better success. The colourful, poetic language and action-packed illustrations make this a book that young children will truly enjoy.”

Also on Shortlist

Jodie Callaghan, Ga’s The Train, published by Second Story Press, translated by Joe Wilmot, and illustrated by Georgia Lesley. 

Leo LaFleur, The Errand: The Queen. Published by Simply Read Books and illustrated by Adam Oehlers.

2020/21 Award Winner

Marla LeSage - We Wear Masks - Orca Book Publishers

Judge Frieda Wishinsky's citation: 

“This fun, fast-paced story introduces the timely theme of wearing a mask during the COVID pandemic. The author/illustrator cleverly notes that wearing a mask is necessary for many people like divers, pilots and scientists. The light-hearted illustrations help make this book a good addition to a home, school or public library."

Also on Shortlist

Kim Renton, Watcha Doin'?, published by Chocolate River Publishing, illustrated by Tamara Thibaux-Heikalo.

Shyla Augustine, Mi’kmaq Alphabet Book. Published by Monster House Publishing.