Children's science books exploring sibling relationships in the animal world, global climate change, and neuroscience earned top honors in the 2008 AAAS/Subaru Science Books & Film (SB&F) competition, sponsored by Subaru of America Inc.

The 2009 prizes, intended to promote science literacy by drawing attention to the importance of good science writing and illustration, honored 10 authors, one illustrator, and a total of seven books. AAAS and Subaru co-sponsor the prizes to recognize recently published works that are scientifically sound and foster an understanding and appreciation of science in readers of all ages.

"These prizes encourage science literacy in children and young adults by recognizing authors who convey the excitement of science in ways that engage young minds," said Alan I. Leshner, chief executive officer of AAAS and executive publisher of its journal, Science.

The prizes this year recognized efforts across four categories: Children's Science Picture Books, Middle Grades Science Books, Hands-on Science/Activity Books, and Young Adult Science Books. Topics highlighted by this year's winners included a list of 100 steps that children can take to help "save the planet," plus a creative exploration of how the human brain works.

The winning books typically wind up in libraries, said Heather Malcomson, AAAS senior project associate who administers the AAAS/Subaru award. Podcast interviews with the winning authors and lesson plans based on the books are other ways that the award fosters scientific literacy, Malcomson added.

Winners will receive their awards--$1,500 and a plaque--during the 2009 AAAS Annual Meeting. The awards ceremony and reception will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday 13 February at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago.

"Subaru of America would like to congratulate the award winners for their outstanding contribution to science writing and illustration," said Tim Mahoney, chief marketing officer of  Subaru of America Inc. "This type of contribution is one that can be appreciated for generations to come."

The 2009 recipients are:

Children's Science Picture Books

Sisters & Brothers: Sibling Relationships in the Animal World
Author: Steve Jenkins
Illustrator: Robin Page
Houghton Mifflin

Why are nine-banded armadillos always born as identical quadruplets? What motivates hyena cubs to fight to the death, while falcons play hunting games in the air? Jenkins and Page created the ultimate book for animal lovers.

Middle Grades Science Book

How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate: Scientist and Kids Explore Global Warming
Authors: Lynne Cherry and Gary Braasch
Dawn

To explain how scientists know that the Earth's climate is changing, authors Cherry and Braasch take young readers behind the science headlines to examine evidence from the natural world. The underlying message is that children can help make a positive difference.

Hands-on Science/Activity Book

True Green Kids: 100 Things You Can Do to Save the Planet
Author: Kim McKay and Jenny Bonnin
National Geographic Society

This activity book encourages families to take part in fun eco-adventures in the home and outdoors. Bright color illustrations and engaging text promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts.

Young Adult Science Books

Welcome to Your Brain: Why You Lose Your Car Keys But Never Forget How to Drive and Other Puzzles of Everyday Life
Author: Sandra Aamodt and Sam Wang
Bloomsbury

Authors Aamodt and Wang take readers on an investigation of how the human brain processes sensory and cognitive information, regulates emotional life, and forms memories. They also explore how human brains differ from those of other mammals, and reveal the mechanisms of dreaming.