The Ladybug Picture Book Award is designed to promote early literacy and honor the best in recent children's picture books. Librarians from around the state select 9 picture book titles (as of 2024) each spring. Then, during November, New Hampshire children from preschoolers to those in third grade choose the award winner. The winning picture book is announced at the end of the year.

To be considered for nomination, a picture book must meet the following criteria (as of 2025):

• be published, in its current edition, within the last three years
• be in print
• possess strong child appeal
• have artistic quality with text that supports the illustrations
• not be a title previously nominated

-New Hampshire State Library