Geisel MedalStop That Mop!Jonathan Fenske, illustrated by Jonathan FenskeA mop has had enough of cleaning up everyone else’s slop and glop, so it runs away. Multiple characters race after the runaway mop, turning its escape into a fast-moving chase. Rhymes carry the action as the mop resists returning to its cleaning work. Cartoon-style illustrations accompany this comic pursuit of an object determined to avoid the messes it is expected to mop.All readersATOS Book Level 0.9AR Interest Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book detailsTheodor Seuss Geisel Award 2026
The 2026 Geisel Award recognizes Stop That Mop! as its Medal winner, alongside 3 Honor books. Presented by the Association for Library Service to Children, the award celebrates distinguished books for children beginning to read. These selections bring together writing and illustration designed to support a child's first experiences of reading independently.
2026 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award and Honor BooksSee the original list
Selections4
Published byAssociation for Library Service to Children (ALA)
SectionsAll readers
All readers
4 selections
Geisel MedalStop That Mop!Jonathan Fenske, illustrated by Jonathan FenskeA mop has had enough of cleaning up everyone else’s slop and glop, so it runs away. Multiple characters race after the runaway mop, turning its escape into a fast-moving chase. Rhymes carry the action as the mop resists returning to its cleaning work. Cartoon-style illustrations accompany this comic pursuit of an object determined to avoid the messes it is expected to mop.All readersATOS Book Level 0.9AR Interest Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Geisel Honor BookEarl and Worm: The Big Mess and Other StoriesGreg Pizzoli, illustrated by Greg PizzoliEarl E. Bird moves into the tree beside Worm, whose quiet routine is very different from his cheerful, early-morning ways. Earl plays saxophone for his plants, while Worm would rather read without noise. Although Worm dislikes new things, the neighbors share lemonade and begin to reveal what they have in common: neither wants to be alone. Their new friendship continues through three stories involving paint choices and poetry.All readersATOS Book Level 2.3AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
Geisel Honor BookI Like HoopsJuwanda G. Ford, illustrated by Jada Jeni BennettA basketball game is tied, leaving a group of young players eager to see whether they can pull out a win. The action follows a close contest played by first- and second-graders, where suspense builds with every moment on the court. As the game unfolds, the players rely on one another and show good sportsmanship while pursuing the final result.All readersATOS Book Level 0.8AR Interest Level LG K-3View book details
Geisel Honor BookThe Tunneler Tunnels in the TunnelMichael Rex, illustrated by Michael RexA mysterious tunneler digs through a tunnel, leaving readers to wonder why and where he is going. Other figures also perform actions that echo their own names, including a gardener who gardens in a garden. Repeated word forms and seek-and-find-style illustrations guide the story toward a surprise ending. The book playfully explores how related words can shift between people, places, and actions.All readersView book details