What's Happening?
The Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy (CLEL) has announced the winners of the 2026 CLEL Bell Awards, which honor five children's books that excel in supporting early literacy development for children aged 0-5. The awards are given in five categories:
Read, Write, Sing, Talk, and Play, with both English and Spanish titles considered. The winning books are selected from a shortlist of 25, chosen by CLEL committees. This year's winners include 'Let’s Be Bees' by Shawn Harris for the Read category and 'Don’t Draw In This Book' by Bill Cotter for the Write category, among others. The awards highlight the role of picture books in fostering early literacy skills through engaging storytelling and interactive elements.
Why It's Important?
The CLEL Bell Awards underscore the critical role of picture books in early childhood education, emphasizing their ability to enhance literacy skills through interactive and engaging content. By recognizing books that encourage reading, writing, singing, talking, and playing, the awards promote a holistic approach to literacy that can significantly impact a child's development. This initiative not only supports authors and illustrators who create impactful educational content but also provides parents and educators with valuable resources to aid in children's literacy development. The awards serve as a reminder of the importance of early literacy in shaping future educational success.
What's Next?
The CLEL Bell Awards Committee is accepting nominations for next year's awards until November 15. Librarians and educators are encouraged to submit books that exemplify the five early literacy practices. This ongoing process ensures that a diverse range of high-quality books continues to be recognized and utilized in early childhood education. The availability of activity sheets for the winning titles on the CLEL website also provides additional resources for caregivers and educators to extend the learning experience beyond the books themselves.
