TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award

On October 28, 2004 the Canadian Children’s Book Centre and the TD Bank Group announced the establishment of a brand-new annual children’s book award, the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. The award recognizes excellence in Canadian children’s literature by awarding two cash prizes of $50,000 each to an English-language book and a French-language book which are deemed to have made a significant contribution to excellence in Canadian children’s literature. The celebration of diversity is an equally significant element in achieving excellence. A work of excellence in Canadian children’s literature should also be successful in making people feel a sense of belonging in their communities.

In addition to the winning prize, $10,000 will be divided among the honour book authors/illustrators. If the winning book or honour book(s) is a picture book or graphic novel, the prize is divided equally between the author and the illustrator. The publisher of the winning book receives $2,500 for promotion and publicity purposes.

Jury Details and Selection Process

The TD Canadian Children's Literature Award is administered by the Canadian Children's Book Centre. The jury selection and the process of selecting the shortlisted titles is independent of TD Bank Group.

The award-winning books are selected by an uneven number of judges, either three or five. The jury will include individuals from underrepresented backgrounds (e.g., Black, Indigenous and People of Colour; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and Agender, Two-Spirited plus other identities; and those with different abilities). The lived experiences of the jurors will ensure that authenticity and balance will be achieved.