The first prize for the very first story.

Picture books are often a child’s first experience with story, character, rhythm, emotion, and imagination. They help shape how children relate to language, art, and reading itself.

Great picture books are deceptively difficult to create. They require precision, restraint, visual awareness, and an understanding of how story functions at a very young age.

The First Stories Prize was created to recognize exceptional work in picture books through a focused, selective process led by judges with experience in children’s writing and illustration.

Every submission is evaluated by human judges. Decisions are based on the quality of the work itself — not publisher size, platform, or prior sales.