Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award

The Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award is an initiative of the Indiana Center for the Book. This state award is administered by the Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Committee made up of professionals in Indiana including teachers, librarians, caregivers, and project coordinators; all of whom are involved in early childhood development. 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. Each year, Children ages 0-5 are encouraged to vote for one of five nominated titles.

Voting is now open for the 2024 Award Cycle.

Past Firefly Winners

Past Program Guides

Nominating Process

Indiana Librarians may nominate pictures book for the award from June through October 1 each year. Nominations will be accepted from youth librarians who work in Indiana schools or libraries. One librarian may submit multiple nominations.

Submit your nominations via email to Indiana Center for the Book at ICB@library.in.gov . Include in your email: Title, Author, Illustrator, and Publication Date.

Criteria for nominations are as follows:

Be in print
Be published, in its current edition, by June 30 of the current year and anytime during the previous year.
Possess strong child appeal
Support at least three of the Every Child Ready to Read® practices of Talking, Singing, Reading, Writing, or Playing<
Have artistic quality with text that supports the illustrations or a compelling narrative provided by illustrations

Voting Process

The nomination pool will be narrowed down to 5 titles by the Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Committee by February each year. Ballots will be released and votes will be accepted until early July 31st. More information on voting is available in the current Program guide each year.

Logos and Promotion

Feel free to use the following logos to promote this program at your library, daycare, preschool, or school. Print friendly logos are available by emailing the Indiana Center for the Book at ICB@library.in.gov . Feel free to use the following hashtag when discussing the Firefly Award in social media: #INfireflyaward.

PDO SW 3-22-2024

Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award