Batchelder Award

The Batchelder Award is given to the most outstanding children’s book originally published in a language other than English in a country other than the United States, and subsequently translated into English for publication in the United States.

Past Batchelder Winners

The complete list of winner and honor books from 1968 to present. The Batchelder Award is given to an American publisher for a children's book considered to be the most outstanding of those books originally published in a foreign language in a foreign country, and subsequently translated into English and published in the United States.

2026 Batchelder Winner

Croco

Originally published in Spanish as "Croco," the book was written and illustrated by Azul Lopez and translated by Kit Maude. Published by Tapioca Stories.

In a vibrant tropical jungle, Croco the Crocodile has fallen into a hole and can't climb out. Different animals come along to try to help him, but in the end, he must find his own way out.

2026 Batchelder Honor Book

The Adventures of Cipollino

Published by Enchanted Lion Books, written by Gianni Rodari, illustrated by Dasha Tolstikova, and translated by Antony Shugaar.

In this enchantingly whimsical, darkly comic tale from Gianni Rodari (Italy’s Roald Dahl), an unlikely hero—none other than a young onion!—takes up the fight against the tyrannical Prince Lemon, with wit and heart.

From Memen to Mori

Published by Yen Press, written and illustrated by Shinsuke Yoshitake, and translated by Ajani Oloye

Meet Memen, the calm and collected older sister, and Mori, the curious younger brother. When Mori asks big questions like, “What is the meaning of life?,” how does big sis Memen respond? Through humorous and tender moments, the two siblings teach that sometimes, the answer to life is less complex than we think.

Picking Tea with Baba

Published by Charlesbridge, written by Xu Bin, illustrated by Yu Yin, and translated by Shan Chen

Working in a Chinese tea garden is hard work, but it's rewarding when it’s done with family!

This day-in-the-life picture book for 5-9-year-olds engages the senses as it centers around family and working together while celebrating Chinese culture.

Pilgrim Codex

Published by Em Querido, an imprint of Levine querido, written by Vivian Mansour, illustrated by Emmanuel Valtierra, and translated by Carlos Rodriquez Cortez.

For fans of Duncan Tonatiuh and Yuyi Morales' Dreamers, a one-of-a-kind picture book about one immigrant family's journey north, illustrated in the vein of an ancient codex and drawing upon Mesoamerican mythology.

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