Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award
The Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award is an initiative of the Indiana Center for the Book. This state award is administered by the Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Committee made up of professionals in Indiana including teachers, librarians, caregivers, and project coordinators; all of whom are involved in early childhood development. Picture books serve an important role in the first years of the life of a child. The purpose of this award is to encourage parents, caregivers, and very young children to interact together with exceptional picture books. Each year, Children ages 0-5 are encouraged to vote for one of five nominated titles.
Voting is now closed for the 2024 Award Cycle.
- 2024 Indiana Firefly Announcement
- 2024 Firefly Program Guide
- Firefly Activity Sheet
- Circle Labels for Nominees
- Circle Labels for Winners
Past Firefly Winners
- 2023 Indiana Firefly Announcement
- 2022 Indiana Firefly Announcement
- 2021 Indiana Firefly Announcement
- 2020 Indiana Firefly Announcement
- 2019 Indiana Firefly Announcement
- 2018 Indiana Firefly Announcement
- 2017 Indiana Firefly Announcement
- 2016 Indiana Firefly Announcement
- 2015 Indiana Firefly Announcement
- Top Ten Short Lists for All Years
Past Program Guides
- 2023 Firefly Program Guide
- 2022 Firefly Program Guide
- 2021 Firefly Program Guide
- 2020 Firefly Program Guide
- 2019 Firefly Program Guide
- 2018 Firefly Program Guide
Nominating Process
Indiana Librarians may nominate pictures book for the award from June through October 1 each year. Nominations will be accepted from youth librarians who work in Indiana schools or libraries. One librarian may submit multiple nominations.
Submit your nominations via email to Indiana Center for the Book at ICB@library.in.gov . Include in your email: Title, Author, Illustrator, and Publication Date.
Criteria for nominations are as follows:
- Demonstrate three or more of the five practices of Every Child Ready to Read®: reading, writing, talking, singing, and playing.
- Have artistic quality with text that supports the illustrations, or a compelling narrative provided by the illustrations.
- Be published by June 30th of the current year or at any time in the previous year and still be in print.
- Possess strong child appeal.
- Make a strong effort to encourage diversity and inclusion.
- Make an effort to include Indiana authors or illustrators.
Voting Process
The nomination pool will be narrowed down to 5 titles by the Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Committee by February each year. Ballots will be released and votes will be accepted until early July 31st. More information on voting is available in the current Program guide each year.
Logos and Promotion
Feel free to use the following logos to promote this program at your library, daycare, preschool, or school. Print friendly logos are available by emailing the Indiana Center for the Book at ICB@library.in.gov . Feel free to use the following hashtag when discussing the Firefly Award in social media: #INfireflyaward.
PDO SW 8-6-2024