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Frances and Wesley Bock Book Award for Children's Literature
The Library and the Neumann Institute for Franciscan Studies sponsor the Frances and Wesley Bock Book Award for Children's Literature. The award ceremony takes place on or close to October 4 (St. Francis Day) every year and includes educational activities related to the winning story for young guests to the campus. Submissions are accepted between January and April 30 of each calendar year and winners are selected by committee each August.
To submit a book for consideration, publishers should send one copy of the title to:
Frances and Wesley Bock Book Award
Neumann University Library
One Neumann Drive
Aston, PA 19014
Bock Family
Wesley Bock was co-owner of Kilner's, a store in north central Philadelphia that provided equipment, clothing, and supplies to religious institutions. As sales representative to the Sisters of St. Francis, he grew to be quite fond of the Sisters and began making contributions to the order.
When Wesley passed away, his wife Frances continued the contributions. When she passed away, the estate passed to their nephew, who, in consultation with the Library, established the Bock Book Award in their memory.
The award acknowledges Franciscan values in children's books and gives each year's winner a prize of $750 for the author, $750 for the illustrator, a plaque, and a gold emblazoned emblem for the book.
This Years Winner:
2024
Flooded
written and illustrated
by Mariajo Ilustrajo
PAST WINNERS:
2023
Love Grows Everywhere
written by Barry Timms
illustrated by Tisha Lee
2022
I Can Help
written by Reem Faruqi
illustrated by Mikela Prevost
2021
You Matter
written and illustrated by Christian Robinson
2019
Super Manny Cleans Up!
written by Kelly DiPucchio
illustrated by Stephanie Graegin
2018
Shelter
written by Céline Claire
illustrated by Qin Leng
2017
Please Please the Bees
written and illustrated
by Gerald Kelley
2016
Maya's Blanket
La Manta de Maya
written by Monica Brown
illustrated by David Diaz
2015
Winter Is Coming
written by Tony Johnston
illustrated by Jim LaMarche
2014
The Cat With Seven Names
written by Tony Johnston
illustrated by Christine Davenier
2013
The Sandal Artist
written by Kathleen T. Pelley
illustrated by Lois Rosio Sprague
2012
The Ocean Story
written by John Seven
illustrated by Jana Christy
2011
Mama Miti
written by Donna Jo Napoli
illustrated by Kadir Nelson
2010
Felina’s New Home
written by Loran Wlodarski
illustrated by Lew Clayton
2009
Zen Ties
written and illustrated by
Jon Muth
2008
We Are One
written by Dr. Ysaye M. Barnwell
illustrated by Brian Pinkney
2007
Brother Juniper
written by Diane Gibfried
illustrated by Meilo So
2006
Daniel and His Walking Stick
written by Wendy McCormick
illustrated Constance R. Bergum
2005
Boxes for Katje
written by Candace Fleming
illustrated by
Stacey Dresser-McQueen
2004
The Boy with a Wish
written by Harry B. Knights
2003
In the Blink of an Eye
written by Dieter Wiesmüller
2002
Where Does God Live?
written by Holly Bea
illustrated by Kim Howard
2001
Each Living Thing
written by Joanne Ryder
illustrated by Ashley Wolff
2000
Saint Francis and the Christmas Donkey
written by Robert Byrd
