The pursuit of excellence in children's literature cannot focus solely on the written word, as this wholly neglects the wonderous fields of picture books, illustrated story books and art inspired by illustrators, authors, characters, worlds and stories found in children's literature.

 

The art award prize was originally donated by Margaret Kates, a donor who firmly believes in supporting literacy and expression through the arts for children. In 2007 the conference's silent auction took on the role of funding the Margaret Kates Award and supporting the pursuit of imagination and story in art.