The Alice Kitts Memorial Award
The annual $500 prize is sponsored by Alice’s six children: 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. Since this is a writing award, only the author must meet the New Brunswick residency requirement. However, we recognize an effective and engaging picture book is the result of the perfect collaboration of words and art. Therefore, the illustrator (if not the author), will share equally in the award regardless of residency. For more information, please contact info@wendykitts.ca 2022 Award Winner
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 Masen Grasse, Trucks - Monster House Publishing. 2021 Award Winner
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. 2019/20 Award Winner
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. | Judge2023: Deborah Kerbel
Deborah Kerbel is the author of over 30 books for young people including 23 picture books. Her work has garnered critical recognition from review journals and award nomination committees including the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award, and the CLA’s YA Book Award, among others. Her graphic novel, Fred and Marjorie; a Doctor, a Dog, and the Discovery of Insulin, is an ALA ‘Best Graphic Novel for Children’, a Bankstreet Books ‘Best of the Year’, a Forest of Reading Yellow Cedar Award winner and a Red Cedar Award winner. Born in London, England, Deborah lives in Thornhill, Ontario with her family. 2022: Alma Fullerton2021 - Kari-Lynn Winters2019/2020 - Frieda Wishinsky2018 - Sarah Yi-Mei Tsiang2017 - Sheree Fitch2016 - Helaine Becker |
Since 2016, the Alice Kitts Memorial Award for Excellence in Picture Books recognizes the year’s best picture book written by a New Brunswick author. Alice Kitts, a writer and artist born in Riverside, New Brunswick, 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.
Kelly Cooper (illustrated by Daniel Miyares) 
Riel Nason (illustrated by Nathasha Pilotte)
Marla LeSage - We Wear Masks - Orca Book Publishers
2018 Award Winner
Kelly Cooper (illustrated by Lucy Elridge)If a Horse Had Words Judge Sarah Yi-Mei Tsiang's citation: "In this charming and engaging story a young boy and his horse discover friendship together. After being separated the book explores how reunions can spell joy." Also on Shortlist Braelyn Cyr, Mahtoqehs Journey. Monster House Publishing. Joann Hamilton-Barry, There Be Pirates! Nimbus. |
2017 Award Winner
| Odette Barr, Colleen Landry, and Beth Weatherbee Judge Sheree Fitch's citation: "A picture book that combines wordplay, a rambunctious sense of humour, geography, and downright fun with joyful illustrations that underscore and enhance the text. Readers who find Camellia will love her and be waiting to see what's around the next bend."Also on Shortlist
Paul McAllister, New Song for Herman. Monster House Publishing. Alice Whitney, Henrietta's Nightlight. Chocolate River Publishing |
2016 Award Winner
| Jennifer McGrath (illustrated by Josée Bisaillon)The Snow Knows Judge Helaine Becker's citation: "Simply stunning. Spare, elegant, evocative text paired with the most gorgeous illustrations offer both a sophisticated seek-and-find puzzle and a sweet resolution. A book to be savoured and reread time and time again." Also on Shortlist Diane Carmel Leger, My Two Grandmothers. Nimbus. Heidi Jardine Stoddart, Sea Glass Summer. Nimbus. |
