The Garden State Children's Book Awards were established in 1977 to honor books for younger readers. Yet it is at this age, more than any other, that the potential reader needs to be encouraged, stimulated and captivated by the printed work and good illustration. The winners are chosen by a committee of the Children's Services Section of the New Jersey Library Association on the basis of literary merit and popularity with readers. Because children vote for their favorite books, the committee works with titles published three years before the award. A volunteer committee of CSS members meets three times a year to draw up a ballot.
Eligible books are American hardcover titles.
Reprints, re-issues and newly illustrated versions of older titles are not considered. The ballot is examined for literary merit and appeal to readers. A list of 20 books in each category is selected and distributed to New Jersey school and public libraries for voting by children. The committee then meets to tabulate results and to write original citations for all winning authors and illustrators. The Garden State Children's Book Award Committee wishes to thank the children of New Jersey for their participation and to thank all those schools and public libraries across the state who with their support have made this award happen.