All genres of books (i.e., picture books, fiction, non-fiction and poetry), written for young people up to age 12, are eligible for consideration. Teen/young adult books are not eligible for submission.

Books must be published between January 1 and December 31 of the prize year.

Both the author and illustrator (if applicable) must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada (who have lived in Canada for at least two years).

Only books published in Canada are eligible for submission. Copyright page/CIP data must reflect this.

Self-published books are eligible for submission provided they are published in Canada, by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada (who has lived in Canada for at least two years), and have a valid ISBN