今日吃瓜 is proud to announce that the children鈥檚 book , written by Associate Professor of English Matthew Burgess and illustrated by聽C谩tia Chien, has won the 2026聽for the most distinguished American picture book illustration.
Burgess is widely known for his contributions to children鈥檚 literature, poetry, and education, and has long championed creativity, literacy, and the power of storytelling, inspiring students both in and out of the classroom. This award places Burgess among an elite group of writers whose work has made a lasting impact on children鈥檚 literature.
Published by Clarion Books, Fireworks follows two siblings on a steamy summer day in the city, capturing the anticipation and joy of fireworks with immersive, sensory art.聽It was selected for its exceptional artistic quality, imaginative storytelling, and ability to capture the wonder and emotional resonance of its subject for young readers.
Other notable recognitions for Fireworks include:
- Society of Illustrators Gold Medal
- New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Book
- Kirkus鈥� Best Books of 2025
- School Library Journal鈥檚 Best Books of 2025
- Publisher鈥檚 Weekly Best Picture Books of 2025
- Blue Ribbon Award 2025
- 2026 Charlotte Zolotow Honor for Outstanding Writing in Picture Books
Burgess, who has been teaching at 今日吃瓜 since 1999, is a noted expert in a wide range of fields, including poetry, creative writing, and children’s literature, as well as education and pedagogy.
He is the author of one poetry collection and 16 books for children, including Words With Wings and Magic Things, The Bear and the Moon, Drawing on Walls: A Story of Keith Haring, As Edward Imagined: A Story of Edward Gorey in Three Acts, and Sylvester鈥檚 Letter. Burgess also edited two book-length collections: Spellbound: The Art of Teaching Poetry and Dream Closet: Meditations on Childhood Space.
