Τhe world of children’s literature contains a variety of genres, all of which have appeal to the diverse interests of children, as well as potential for classroom teaching. In recent years, nonfiction or informational books have emerged as a very attractive, exciting, and popular genre. The NCTE Orbis Pictus Award Committee established the award in 1990 for promoting and recognizing excellence in the writing of nonfiction for children. The name Orbis Pictus commemorates the work of Johannes Amos Comenius, Orbis Pictus—The World in Pictures (1657), considered to be the first book actually planned for children.