The winners of the 2022 Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Awards were announced on June 22. Each of the winners received $6,000 for “artistic excellence in writing and illustration in English-language Canadian children’s literature.”

Two juries comprised of young readers from Faywood Arts-Based Curriculum School in North York, Ontario, selected the winners. Jury members read the shortlisted titles individually and then worked as a group to determine the winner.

The winner in the children’s picture book category was Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh / This Is How I Know by Brittany Luby and Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, ill.; Alvin Ted Corbiere and Alan Corbiere, trans. (Groundwood Books).

Written in both Anishinaabemowin and English the story-poem follows a child and grandmother as they enjoy the sights and sounds of each season. “We love the gentle story and the vibrant colours,” said the student jurors in the press release.

In the young adult/middle reader category the winner was Firefly by Philippa Dowding (DCB).

“Receiving this award will encourage the next generation of readers to discover the book, and hopefully build awareness and empathy around the issues explored in it, including mental health, substance use, homelessness, poverty, friendship, and family,” said Dowding in the press release.

The winners were chosen from shortlists announced earlier this year.

With the support of the Ontario Arts Council, the Ontario Arts Foundation administered the awards.