The Mitten Award recognizes and promotes quality literature for youth in picture book format. First given in 1999 by the Children’s Services Division of the Michigan Library Association, the award is given annually to one children’s book originally published in the United States during the calendar year that has captured the attention of youth librarians throughout the State of Michigan for its ability to communicate through literature to an intended audience. The award selection work group is comprised of Michigan librarians who consider hundreds of children’s books annually to determine a winner.
Download the Mitten Award seals to use at your library! Winner, Honor Book and Top Ten Title award seals are available for download here: (To download, right-click on the seal and save it as an image.)
2022 Mitten Award Winner
The winner of the 2022 Mitten Award is Milo Imagines the World written by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson, and published by Putnam Publishers.
Milo Imagines the World brings the reader on a gentle journey that examines the way we see the world, with illustrations that shift from broad views of scenes to what we might see through Milo’s eyes as he sketches imagined scenes in his journal. The story can hold appeal for various ages of children. The illustrations and text complement one another to allow for a broad range and depth of interpretation that ultimately invites the reader to consider their own notions about Milo and his destination. Things are not always as they seem, and our diverse world will benefit from this beautiful, contemplative story.
"The Mitten Award Committee engaged in rigorous and thoughtful conversation surrounding a broad range of picture books with fresh perspectives on our country and world, including many impressive works of fiction, biographies, and engaging styles of storytelling. Milo Imagines the World, which landed on our consideration list at the beginning of our service term, was a story that kept creeping back into our conversation throughout the year," said Adrienne Baker, 2022 Mitten Award Workgroup Chair.
“Its well-rounded and fresh take on one boy’s physical and mental journey placed it at the top of our lists time and time again and was even deemed, “perfect,” by many committee members. We are grateful to Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson for bringing this important tale to life in our libraries, bookshelves, and ultimately, the hands of our young Michiganders.”
MLA announced the winners and honor books of the 2022 Mitten, YouPer and Thumbs Up! Awards on Friday, May 27 at the MLA 2022 Youth Literary Awards. The awards selection group members worked throughout the year spending thousands of hours reading, reviewing and ranking hundreds of books to determine the top titles published in 2021. Watch the announcement below!
2022 Mitten Award Winner
Milo Imagines the World By Matt de la Pena, Illustrated by Christian Robinson
2022 Mitten Award Top Ten Titles
(Listed in random order)
Milo Imagines the World Author: Matt de la Peña Illustrator: Christian Robinson Publisher: Putnam Publishers
Out of Nowhere Author: Chris Naylor-Ballesteros Illustrator: Chris Naylor-Ballesteros Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Time for Bed, Old House Author: Janet Costa Bates Illustrator: A.G. Ford Publisher: Candlewick
We All Play Author: Julie Flett Illustrator: Julie Flett Publisher: Greystone Books
Best Day Ever! Author: Marilyn Singer Illustrator: Leah Nixon Publisher: Clarion
Dumplings for Lili Author: Melissa Iwai Illustrator: Melissa Iwai Publisher: Norton Young Readers
Looking for a Jumbie Author: Tracey Baptiste Illustrator: Amber Ren Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Areli is a Dreamer: A True Story by Areli Morales, a DACA Recipient Author: Areli Morales Illustrator: Luisa Uribe Publisher: Random House Studio
The Midnight Fair Author: Gideon Sterer Illustrator: Mariachiara Di Giorgio Publisher: Candlewick Press
Dad Bakes Author: Katie Yamasaki Illustrator: Katie Yamasaki Publisher: Norton Young Readers
