If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.

I don’t know about you but I’m tired of hearing myself whine. Every time there’s a cool sounding award for humor given out to an adult book you can count on hearing me pipe up. “Wah wah, no funny book awards for kids, wah wah, when’s that gonna change?”

But Betsy, you say wisely, aren’t you forgetting the Sid Fleischman Humor Award as given out by SCBWI?

Nope. I am well aware of that worthy award. But you are aware that it can only be given out to SCBWI members, yes?  What this country wants, nay, needs is not one but MANY humor awards for children’s books.  I’ve heard talk about starting them here or there but nothing ever seems to come of it. So I’m taking the bull by the horns . . . and then I’m passing the buck (and mixing a couple metaphors while I’m at it).

Someone put this woman on a medal. Stat!

Announcing the fully crowdsourced Danziger Awards for Hilarious Kids Books. Named after the great and very funny Paula Danziger, these awards break down into different categories per year.  They are:

– The Funniest Picture Book of 2017

– The Funniest Fiction for Older Children of 2017

– The Funniest Debut Author for Kids of 2017

– The Funniest Debut Illustrator for Kids of 2017

– The Memorial Dead Funny Person Award (2017)

You are charged to nominate books and people in each of these categories. But, as with most things in this world, there are rules. Here’s an FAQ:

What books can I nominate?

Any books for kids published in 2017. I’m not considering reprints right now, though that may change in the future.

What people can I nominate?

Funny ones. Make sure they actually make (or made) books for kids, though.

How many times can I nominate something?

Just once. You can be good.

Can I nominate my friend?

You can. If a bunch of you stack the deck in favor of someone I might not post the results, though. I want honest answers here, people. If possible, abstain from telling all your friends and family members to vote for you.

Can I nominate myself?

You can. I wouldn’t advise it, but you can.

Hey . . . wait a minute. You had a funny book out in 2017. Is this just self-promotion?

Knowing me, probably, but I’m recusing myself from the winners so don’t vote for FUNNY GIRL unless you want to waste a vote.

When will the voting close?

I’ll keep it up one month. So vote until November 13th.

Can I only nominate Americans?

Nope. Nominate whosoever you desire. Just make sure they had a book out in America in 2017.

Anything else?

Yeah. Polls like this can be pretty white when all is said and done. If you can inject some diversity into your nominees, please do so. Also, don’t just nominate dudes. Please.

Ready to go? Then fill out this survey and then wait to see what the results truly are.