Review Criteria
Entries should be fiction or non-fiction books written in English for children. We are seeking illustrated books appropriate for children 9–11 years old, grades 3–5. Appropriate books include those that provide a realistic treatment of what animals do (i.e., how they interact with the environment and other animals) not simply descriptions of what the animal is or where it is found. Only those books published in the year prior to the award will be considered in a given award cycle. Books submitted for consideration will be reviewed according to excellence in the following categories: (A) Quality of presentation; (B) Coverage of animal behavior content that is factual and/or conceptual; and (C) Explanation of the process of the science of animal behavior. Books selected as finalists will all excel at category A, as well as category B and/or C.
See below for specifics.
| Quality of Presentation |
| Likely to
appeal to and inspire children |
| Novelty, originality,
and creative
merit |
| Clear, logical, and appealing
organization |
| Illustrations and/or photographs that
are accurate and aesthetically engaging |
| Coverage of Animal
Behavior |
| General educational value about animal behavior,
such as: |
| Accurate non-fictional descriptions about how animals behave and why |
| Compelling and accurate fictional depictions of animals that highlight how animals behave and why |
| Realistic depiction of how animal habitats and/or animal social structures affect behavior. |
| Explanation of the Process of the Science of Animal Behavior |
| Explanations of the process of generating and attempting to falsify hypotheses about animal behavior |
| Corrections of misconceptions and fallacies about animal behavior and related disciplines |
| Engaging coverage of scientists that study animal behavior. |
