The Alice Kitts Memorial Award
Since 2016, the Alice Kitts Memorial Award for Excellence in Children’s Writing recognizes the year’s best picture book written by a New Brunswick author. Alice Kitts, a writer and artist born in Riverside, New Brunswick, was the author and illustrator of Emily of the Bend, a historical picture book about a young girl who lived along the Petitcodiac River at the turn of the 20th century.
​
The annual $500 prize is sponsored by Alice’s six children: Carolyn Wellwood, Burtts Corner, NB; Jim Kitts, Hillsborough, NB; Cynthia Cain, Riverview, NB; Wendy Kitts, San Diego, CA; Colleen Kitts-Goguen, Fredericton, NB; and Kim Kitts-Brawn, Summerside, PE.
Since this is a writing award, only the author must meet the New Brunswick residency requirement. However, we recognize an effective and engaging picture book is the result of the perfect collaboration of words and art. Therefore, the illustrator (if not the author), will share equally in the award regardless of residency.
For more information, please contact Wendy Kitts.
Information about 2019 Books
We're sad to announce that due to the lack of picture book submissions for the 2019 Alice Kitts Memorial Award for Excellence in Children’s Writing, the award will not be presented this year. However, any books that were received will be judged in conjunction with the 2020 awards. Thank you to the New Brunswick Book Awards, the Writers Federation of New Brunswick, AKMA judge Frieda Wishinsky and especially to those talented NB authors who submitted this year. New Brunswick needs more authors like you!
—The Kitts Family
2018 Award Winner
Kelly Cooper (illustrated by Lucy Elridge)
If a Horse Had Words
Tundra/Penguin Random House
Judge Sarah Yi-Mei Tsiang's citation:
​
"In this charming and engaging story a young boy and his horse discover friendship together. After being separated the book explores how reunions can spell joy."
Also on Shortlist
Braelyn Cyr, Mahtoqehs Journey. Monster House Publishing.
Illustrated by Braelyn Cyr
Joann Hamilton-Barry, There Be Pirates! Nimbus.
2017 Award Winner
Odette Barr, Colleen Landry, and Beth Weatherbee
Take off to Tantramar
Chocolate River Publishing
Judge Sheree Fitch's citation:
​
"A picture book that combines wordplay, a rambunctious sense of humour, geography, and downright fun with joyful illustrations that underscore and enhance the text. Readers who find Camellia will love her and be waiting to see what's around the next bend."
Also on Shortlist
Paul McAllister, New Song for Herman. Monster House Publishing.
Illustrated by Emily Brown.
​
Alice Whitney, Henrietta's Nightlight. Chocolate River Publishing
Illustrated by Alice Whitney.
2016 Award Winner
Jennifer McGraw (illustrated by Josée Bisaillon)
The Snow Knows
Nimbus Publishing
Judge Helaine Becker's citation:
​
"Simply stunning. Spare, elegant, evocative text paired with the most gorgeous illustrations offer both a sophisticated seek-and-find puzzle and a sweet resolution. A book to be savoured and reread time and time again."
Also on Shortlist
Diane Carmel Leger, My Two Grandmothers. Nimbus.
illustrated by Jean-Luc Trudell.
​
Heidi Jardine Stoddart, Sea Glass Summer. Nimbus.
illustrated by Heidi Jardine Stoddart.
​