Wiscasset elementary students from kindergarten through fourth grade recently participated in voting for the Chickadee Award. This award is in its twelfth year, and is given annually to one of ten picture books nominated by a committee of teachers, librarians, and early literacy professionals, with the winner chosen by Maine school children. The purpose of this award is to encourage children to develop an appreciation for excellence in writing and illustration that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Tied for first place in the school election were, "Dragon’s Extraordinary Egg" by Debi Gliori and "Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla" by Katherine Applegate and Mr. G. Brian Karas. In second place was "A Boy and a Jaguar" by Alan Rabinowitz and Catia Chien. Tied for third place were "Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas," by Lynne Cox and Brian Floca and "Going Places," by Paul A. Reynolds and Peter H. Reynolds. State winners will be announced in the first week of April.

For more information, visit the chickadee website at www.chickadeeaward.org