INDIANA — Hoosier parents, caregivers, and young readers have until Friday, July 31, 2026, to cast their votes for the 2026 Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award.
Administered by the Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Committee under the Indiana Center for the Book—a program of the Indiana State Library and an affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress—the annual award aims to encourage adults and young children to share exceptional picture books during the foundational early years of childhood development.
2026 Firefly Nominees
This year’s selected picture books highlight engaging storytelling, vibrant illustrations, and interactive themes designed for early childhood literacy:
- Bear’s Lost Glasses by Leo Timmers
- Duck Goes Meow by Juliette MacIver
- Every Monday Mabel by Jashar Awan
- Let’s Be Bees by Shawn Harris
- Little Freddie Two Pants by Drew Daywalt
How to Vote
Voting is open exclusively to children who live in Indiana and are under six years old as of July 31, 2026.
Because of the young age of the voters, parents, caregivers, and local librarians are encouraged to assist. Children can vote using two methods:
- In Person at Participating Libraries: Children can select their favorite book by circling it on a paper ballot at local voting locations (such as public libraries) across Indiana. Local library staff will tally the paper ballots and email the totals to the Indiana Center for the Book.
- Online: Ballots can also be submitted directly through the official Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award website.
The Firefly website also features printable ballots, a complete program guide, book activity ideas, and downloadable social media materials for participating community organizations.
The winner will be announced on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
