May 15, 2026 — The Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries (CBHL) announced the recipients of its 27th Annual Literature Awards during its 58th Annual Meeting on May 15, 2026. Established to recognize excellence in botanical and horticultural literature, this year’s awards honored ten exceptional works spanning a range of categories and audiences.
The 2026 CBHL Annual Literature Award, the organization’s highest honor, has been awarded to Aroids: Plants of the Arum Family, Third Edition by Deni Bown, published by Kew Publishing. Representing the culmination of the author’s career-long dedication, this authoritative volume offers a comprehensive exploration of the diversity, taxonomy, and cultivation of the aroid family. Blending rigorous scientific insight with accessible guidance, the work serves as an essential resource for both researchers and plant enthusiasts.
The Award of Excellence in Botany was awarded to Ferns: Lessons in Survival from Earth’s Most Adaptable Plants by Fay-Wei Li and Jacob S. Suissa, illustrated by Laura Silburn and published by Hardie Grant Books. The book examines the evolutionary resilience of ferns, highlighting how these ancient plants have adapted to changing environments over millions of years.
In the category of Botanical Illustration, the Award of Excellence went to Flora Indica: Recovering Lost Stories from Kew’s Indian Drawings by H. J. Noltie, also published by Kew Publishing. Drawing on historical artworks, the volume uncovers the cultural and scientific narratives behind botanical illustrations produced in colonial India.
The Award of Excellence for Exhibition Catalogues was presented to Hilma af Klint: What Stands Behind the Flowers by Jodi Hauptman, published by The Museum of Modern Art. This catalogue explores the botanical inspirations and symbolic language in Hilma af Klint’s work, connecting art, science, and spirituality.
Citrus: A World History by David J. Mabberley and published by Thames & Hudson was honored with the Award of Excellence in History. Blending botanical science, cultural history, and rich illustrations, this book explores how citrus fruits shaped trade, cuisine, medicine, art, and agriculture across centuries and continents.
The Award of Excellence in Ethnobotany was awarded to The Encyclopedia of Rootical Folklore: Plant Tales from Africa and the Diaspora by Natty Mark Samuels, published by Scorched Earth Press. Blending folklore, history, and plant science, the book documents traditional knowledge and stories surrounding plants across African and diasporic cultures.
The Award of Excellence for Young Adults was presented to The Hidden Life of Trees: A Graphic Adaptation by Frédéric Bernard, illustrated by Benjamin Flao and published by Greystone Books. Adapted from the original work by Peter Wohlleben, this visually engaging volume introduces younger readers to the complex ecological relationships and communication systems within forests through a compelling graphic format.
The Award of Excellence in Literature for Educators was presented to The Observologist: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions by Giselle Clarkson, published by Gecko Press. Designed to inspire curiosity, the book encourages careful observation of the natural world through hands-on, small-scale scientific exploration.
Two titles received Awards of Excellence in Literature for Children: Mighty: The Story of an Oak Tree Ecosystem by Henry Cole, published by Peachtree. This richly illustrated work depicts the interconnected web of life supported by a single oak tree over time.
Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault by Megan Clendenan, illustrated by Brittany Cicchese and published by Charlesbridge highlights global efforts to preserve crop diversity through the safeguarding of seeds in the Arctic.
The Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries supports a global network of professionals by addressing emerging issues, fostering collaboration, and providing expertise to its member institutions. For more information, visit www.cbhl.net.
For more information: Contact Rita M. Hassert, 630-719-2430, [email protected]
Dear Members,
CBHL will be offering three Founders Fund Awards this year to encourage participation and connection among CBHL members.
· You must be a current member during the award year.
· You must not have received the award in the last 10 years.
· Members are only eligible to receive one award per year.
· Does not apply to commercial members
· Current CBHL Board members are ineligible to apply.
CBHL offers three awards to CBHL members each year: the Conference Collaboration Award, The Founder’s Fund Award, and the EBHL Travel Award. This year, CBHL will be offering three Founders Fund Awards of $1000 each to encourage participation and connection among CBHL members. CBHL will not be offering the Conference Collaboration Award or the EBHL Travel Award this year.
The number of CBHL awards is based on availability of funds in a given fiscal year. The grantee(s) will be selected by blind lottery if there are multiple applicants or if there are more applicants than awards. Applications are due by February 27, 2026 and applicants will be notified by March 6, 2026. Grantees will need to submit qualifying receipts to the CBHL Treasurer after the conference to receive award funds. For additional details about the award and how to apply, please see below.
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The purpose of the Founders’ Fund Travel Fellowship Award is to provide limited financial support to assist applicant (s) in attending the CBHL annual meeting. Established in 1991, the Founders’ Fund Travel Fellowship is a memorial to deceased CBHL members.
The amount of the 2026 award may be applied to meeting registration fee(s), lodging, and transportation to and from the conference only, up to $1000. Recipients will be expected to submit a report to the CBHL Newsletter highlighting a specific aspect of the conference that will be informative for CBHL members.
To Apply: The application form is password protected. The password has been sent to membership through the e-list.