BC Achievement Foundation Award for Early Literacy Information

Winners to be announced on October 22, 2008

The BC Achievement Foundation's time to read is an important award for Canadian children's literature. It will recognize British Columbian and Canadian authors and illustrators of children's books for five-year-olds, and it will promote literacy and the joy of reading among BC's children.

The program is presented with the support of the British Columbia Ministry of Education.

The Prize

A total of $15,000 will be divided equally between the selected book's author and illustrator or presented entirely to the book's author if he or she is also the illustrator. The selected book will be presented to the BC Ministry of Education who, in turn, will arrange for printing and distribution to ensure that each kindergarten student in BC receives a copy of the book in Fall 2008.

The Jury

An independent jury panel consisting of individuals experienced in children's literature will select the book. The jury's decision as it pertains to eligibility, interpretation of the rules and chosen book is final.

Award Guidelines

1. The language and illustrations in this book must:

be written in English

appeal to both genders

contain small amounts of readable text

have optional rhythm or rhyme

have simple sentence structure promoting word recognition

provide opportunities to extend the story and illustrations with discussion, vocabulary, concepts, and knowledge

have predictable narrative development and outcomes for this age (i.e., a beginning, middle, and end)

support language development for five-year-olds (e.g., colour, alphabet, shape, comparisons, correct grammatical structure)

have visual appeal with engaging illustrations (i.e., colour, pictures, print, character portrayal)

be culturally non-specific

be non-specific with regard to holiday events

lack any reference to or implication of religion

be mindful of safety and health issues

appeal to both urban and rural children

for 2009 and 2010, please note the theme suggestions below

2. The author and illustrator must be Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. Preference may be given to a book submitted by an author and/or illustrator who are permanent residents of BC.

3. For 2008, books must be published in English by a Canadian publisher, with a copyright of 2001 or later (i.e., 2001-2007). Books submitted previously to this program as administered by the Ministry of Education will not be considered.

4. Only publishers may enter books for consideration. Self-published books are not eligible; nor are posthumously-published books.

5. Publishers must send four copies of each title they would like considered for the award.

6. It is the responsibility of the publisher to inform the author and illustrator of each book submitted and to acquire their consent to be considered for this award program.

7. Publishers of the selected book will be asked to provide biographies and photographs of the author and illustrator and 15 additional copies of the book for publicity purposes.

8. Publishers of the selected book will agree to acknowledge receipt of the time to read award in advertising and promotion of the book subsequent to the award.

9. A special edition of the winning book will be printed in partnership with the publisher and the BC Ministry of Education for distribution to kindergarten students in September 2008.

10. Books submitted will not be returned to the publisher.

Themes

2009
In anticipation of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, the time to read program will issue its fall 2008 call for submissions with a preferred theme of sport, the 2010 Olympics, and similar topics. Once more, we hope authors, illustrators, and publishers will plan ahead for this theme preference. Books published from 2002 to 2008 or manuscripts are eligible.

2010
For 2010 theme details, please check the BC Achievement Foundation website.

FAQs

Are self-published books eligible?
Self-published books are not eligible for submission. The guidelines for the award require that all nominations be submitted by a Canadian book publisher.

What is the definition of a Canadian book publisher?
The foundation considers that an organization is a Canadian book publisher if (a) it is registered in and carrying on business in Canada; (b) its primary business is the selection and development of manuscripts for publication, and the production of marketing of printed books; and (c) it establishes contractual agreements with authors or rights holders and assumes the financial risks associated with publication.

Where do I send my submission?

6209 Angus Drive
Vancouver, BC
V6M 3P2

Further Information
British Columbia Achievement Foundation
Toll free: 1.866.882.6088
Tel: 604.261.9777
Fax: 604.261.1964
w. www.bcachievement.com
e. info@bcachievement.com
t. 604-261-9777

Deadline for 2009 award submissions: March 12, 2009

Photos of presenting the 2007 Time to Read Award winning book Stanley's Party to the kindergarten class of Holly Elementary School

Award-Winning Author and Illustrator Biographies

2007 Award Recipients

BC Achievement Foundation Award for Early Literacy Information

DOWNLOAD

submission form (pdf, 160kB)