Review Criteria

Entries should be fiction or non-fiction books written in English for children. We are seeking illustrated books appropriate for children 9–11 years old, grades 3–5. Appropriate books include those that provide a realistic treatment of what animals do (i.e., how they interact with the environment and other animals) not simply descriptions of what the animal is or where it is found. Only those books published in the year prior to the award will be considered in a given award cycle. For example, for the 2010 award (submission deadline of February 2011), we will only consider books published in 2010. Books submitted for consideration will be reviewed according to excellence in the following categories: (A) Coverage of animal behavior content that is factual and/or conceptual; (B) Quality of presentation; and (C) Explanation of the process of the science of animal behavior. Books selected as finalists will all excel at category B, as well as category A and/or C. See below for specifics.

Coverage of Animal Behavior

General educational value about animal behavior, such as:

Accurate non-fictional descriptions about how animals behave and why

Compelling and accurate fictional depictions of animals that highlight how animals behave and why

Realistic depiction of how animal habitats and/or animal social structures affect behavior.