150 Award Genres
Children
- Children - Action
- Children - Adventure
- Children - Animals
- Children - Audiobook
- Children - Christian
- Children - Coming of Age
- Children - Concept
- Children - Educational
- Children - Fable
- Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Children - General
- Children - Grade 4th-6th
- Children - Grade K-3rd
- Children - Mystery
- Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
- Children - Non-Fiction
- Children - Picture Book
- Children - Preschool
- Children - Preteen
- Children - Religious Theme
- Children - Social Issues
Christian
- Christian - Amish
- Christian - Biblical Counseling
- Christian - Devotion/Study
- Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Christian - Fiction
- Christian - General
- Christian - Historical Fiction
- Christian - Living
- Christian - Non-Fiction
- Christian - Romance - Contemporary
- Christian - Romance - General
- Christian - Romance - Historical
- Christian - Thriller
Fiction
- Fiction - Action
- Fiction - Adventure
- Fiction - Animals
- Fiction - Anthology
- Fiction - Audiobook
- Fiction - Chick Lit
- Fiction - Crime
- Fiction - Cultural
- Fiction - Drama
- Fiction - Dystopia
- Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
- Fiction - Fantasy - General
- Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
- Fiction - General
- Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
- Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
- Fiction - Historical - Personage
- Fiction - Holiday
- Fiction - Horror
- Fiction - Humor/Comedy
- Fiction - Inspirational
- Fiction - Intrigue
- Fiction - LGBTQ
- Fiction - Literary
- Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
- Fiction - Military
- Fiction - Mystery - General
- Fiction - Mystery - Historical
- Fiction - Mystery - Legal
- Fiction - Mystery - Murder
- Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
- Fiction - Mythology
- Fiction - New Adult
- Fiction - Paranormal
- Fiction - Realistic
- Fiction - Religious Theme
- Fiction - Science Fiction
- Fiction - Short Story/Novella
- Fiction - Social Issues
- Fiction - Southern
- Fiction - Sports
- Fiction - Supernatural
- Fiction - Suspense
- Fiction - Tall Tale
- Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
- Fiction - Thriller - Environmental
- Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
- Fiction - Thriller - General
- Fiction - Thriller - Legal
- Fiction - Thriller - Medical
- Fiction - Thriller - Political
- Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
- Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
- Fiction - Time Travel
- Fiction - Urban
- Fiction - Visionary
- Fiction - Western
- Fiction - Womens
Non-Fiction
- Non-Fiction - Adventure
- Non-Fiction - Animals
- Non-Fiction - Anthology
- Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
- Non-Fiction - Audiobook
- Non-Fiction - Autobiography
- Non-Fiction - Biography
- Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
- Non-Fiction - Cooking/Food
- Non-Fiction - Cultural
- Non-Fiction - Drama
- Non-Fiction - Education
- Non-Fiction - Environment
- Non-Fiction - Genealogy
- Non-Fiction - General
- Non-Fiction - Gov/Politics
- Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
- Non-Fiction - Health - Fitness
- Non-Fiction - Health - Medical
- Non-Fiction - Historical
- Non-Fiction - Hobby
- Non-Fiction - Home/Crafts
- Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
- Non-Fiction - Inspirational
- Non-Fiction - LGBTQ
- Non-Fiction - Marketing
- Non-Fiction - Memoir
- Non-Fiction - Military
- Non-Fiction - Motivational
- Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
- Non-Fiction - New Age
- Non-Fiction - Occupational
- Non-Fiction - Parenting
- Non-Fiction - Relationships
- Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
- Non-Fiction - Retirement
- Non-Fiction - Science/Technology
- Non-Fiction - Self Help
- Non-Fiction - Short Story/Novella
- Non-Fiction - Social Issues
- Non-Fiction - Spiritual/Supernatural
- Non-Fiction - Sports
- Non-Fiction - Travel
- Non-Fiction - True Crime
- Non-Fiction - Womens
- Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Poetry
Romance
Young Adult
- Young Adult - Action
- Young Adult - Adventure
- Young Adult - Coming of Age
- Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
- Young Adult - Fantasy - General
- Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
- Young Adult - General
- Young Adult - Horror
- Young Adult - Mystery
- Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
- Young Adult - Non-Fiction
- Young Adult - Paranormal
- Young Adult - Religious Theme
- Young Adult - Romance
- Young Adult - Sci-Fi
- Young Adult - Social Issues
- Young Adult - Thriller
Illustration Award
Recommend this book:
The Know It Owl and the Otter
Terri Sabol
2025 Bronze Medal
31 Pages
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Children - Animals

The Know It Owl and the Otter is part of a new series by children’s author Terri Sabol. The Know It Owl wants to educate everyone and dispel misconceptions about animals. Today, he’s visiting Otter. Otter is a North American river otter, and Owl is going to teach him everything he needs to know about himself, including banishing misconceptions and teaching the differences between the types of otters. Kids will learn amazing facts about these mammals through humorous dialogue between Owl and Otter, and they can even act out the two parts for themselves. Welcome to the wonderful world of otters, and learn all you need to know, thanks to the Know It Owl.
The Know It Owl and the Otter is a wonderful story by the very talented Terri Sabol, coupled with stunning illustrations by Paula Piechna. In this educational book, kids can follow the Know It Owl as he attempts to correct misconceptions about animals, in this case, the river otter from North America. It is informative—I learned a lot—and there are activities scattered throughout for kids to do to help cement their understanding and make learning fun. At the back of the book, kids will find a drawing exercise and learn where the river otter is on the list of endangered species. I hope that, like Terri’s other books, this will foster a sense of responsibility in younger readers to preserve what is left of our natural kingdom and help it thrive. This is the perfect book for caregivers to read to kids at any time of day, but it should also be included as part of the reading syllabus in every school.
Recommend this book:
The Little Adventures of Erig the Earwig
Andy Evans, Lucy Fleming
2025 Silver Medal
138 Pages
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Children - Animals

The Little Adventures of Erig the Earwig, written by Andy Evans and illustrated by Lucy Fleming, follows Erig, an earwig, on a series of adventures to learn about life and its challenges. After completing four training challenges set by his mother, Erig meets Bob, a copper beetle with a missing leg, and together they help a variety of other creatures. They assist Kiri and Kai, two stick insects, in gaining confidence, help Dot embrace transformation, and guide Wisbet, and her woodlouse family, to a new home. The duo also aids in spreading fungi spores, learns about nature’s interconnectedness, and helps the woodlice plan a picnic. As winter approaches, Erig and Bob consult with various insects about winter survival, eventually deciding to spend the season together under Erig’s log. Throughout their journey, they demonstrate kindness, teamwork, and problem-solving, forming lasting bonds with the creatures they encounter.
The Little Adventures of Erig the Earwig by Andy Evans is a delightful journey into the miniature world of insects, filled with heartwarming moments and endearing characters. The adventures of Erig and his friend Bob are perfect for younger readers, as well as those who are young at heart. I genuinely enjoyed sharing Erig's adventures with my youngest little human. We both decided that Dot, the daddy-long-legs struggling with transformation, and Little Ron, the playful woodlouse, were particularly memorable and definitely our favorites. The writing is pitch-perfect, with the natural world brought to life through their interactions, and also through the beautiful charcoal sketches by Lucy Fleming. The illustrations complement the storytelling and are of an exceptionally high quality. Overall, the book offers a truly special adventure that celebrates the wonders of nature and friendship. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Molly Mae's Milkshakes
Ajia Kirchgasser
2025 Silver Medal
40 Pages
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Children - Animals

Ajia Kirchgasser’s Molly Mae’s Milkshakes is an enchanting romp into finding your place in the world. Molly Mae happens to be born into a family of cows that produce award-winning milk. However, Molly Mae can’t make milk at all. Her friend C.K. Doodle encourages her to find her talent, and she tries many new things without much success. She begins to despair that she is talentless. Molly Mae’s Milkshakes teaches kids persistence and that everyone has value—sometimes it takes a while to find what you are good at doing. The pictures are delightful—I especially loved the explosion Daphne creates in the kitchen. Although the images are 3-D, they are clearly designed by an artist and are not computer-generated.
Molly Mae is a lovable cow that many kids will understand and relate to as she goes through trials in trying to find something she is good at doing. Ajia Kirchgasser’s Molly Mae’s Milkshakes will also appeal to kids who feel like the 'black sheep' of their family because siblings get better grades or are better at sports. The pacing is perfect, and children will laugh at the results of the things she does unsuccessfully. I also found it unique and true to life that Molly Mae initially has feelings of inadequacy, and then, after failing at many different things, she returns to that dark spot. Trying new things can be stressful, but the next new thing may be just the right thing for you. This is an important lesson to learn especially with kids today who are prone to give up at the first sign of difficulty.
Recommend this book:
Shadow
Mary L Schmidt, Michael Schmidt
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Animals

Mary L. Schmidt and Michael Schmidt help children overcome grief in Shadow. Shadow was a long-haired Dachshund greatly loved by ten-year-old Nanci, eight-year-old Tim, and their parents. The children loved spending time with Shadow and grew concerned when Shadow started slowing down. Shadow was old, and death was imminent. One day, Shadow did not wake up, and the children realized she would never wake up again. The parents helped their children understand the grieving process and provided loving support. When handled properly, the death of a pet can help prepare children for the inevitable death of other family members. I spent over forty years counseling and can honestly say this book will be a great help for any child whose pet dies. If I were still practicing, I would have a copy of this book in my waiting room.
For most children, the death of a beloved pet is the first experience of grief. Shadow by Mary L. Schmidt and Michael Schmidt gently and compassionately addresses grief and how to deal with it. The authors make many great suggestions for keeping the memory of the loved one in their hearts. It helps to look at pictures and talk about favorite times with their pet. Feeling accepted, loved, and supported during the grieving process is vital. This children’s picture book is beautifully illustrated. The young reader can feel the love that the Schmidts had for Shadow. As your child reads this book, they will identify with the pain and anger that grief brings. Grief brings up many emotions, and it is ok to feel each one. I highly recommend this book for all children.
Recommend this book:
Fish in the Desert
The Untold Story of the Death Valley Pupfish
Adalgisa and David Nico
2024 Finalist
31 Pages
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Children - Animals

Discover fascinating facts about the unique pupfish and other animals in the delightful children’s story, Fish in the Desert: The Untold Story of the Death Valley Pupfish by Adalgisa and David Nico. Though she is still recovering from a sports injury, Adele is excited to visit Death Valley with her family and see the amazing animals that live in this harsh habitat. The family first stops at the Badwater Basin, a huge salt flat that was once a lake. Adele is excited to discover fish living in the hot climate. Marjorie, who is Death Valley’s aquatic ecologist, explains where the Salt Creek pupfish and other species of pupfish live and how they survive as the seasons change. Adele is inspired by their resilience and captivated by other animals they encounter.
This is a wonderful story that overflows with educational detail and useful lessons that will empower young readers. Adele is an engaging main character who learns lessons about resilience and adapting that will resonate with young and adult readers. Having never heard of the pupfish species before, I was especially thrilled by the different types there are and loved learning about their various habitats. Young readers will enjoy the activities included that involve learning about the wildlife in the story. There are important discussions about how to help preserve pupfish and reduce climate change which are accompanied by practical suggestions about how children can get involved. The brilliant illustrations enliven the work and help portray the animals in the story. The glossary and the map of the areas visited were also helpful. Fish in the Desert by Adalgisa and David Nico is an outstanding children’s work with enthralling adventures and facts. It is an unforgettable read for young and adult readers and all nature lovers.
Recommend this book:
Lou the Big Horned Rhino
A Funny Rhyming Children's Book About Positive Self-Esteem
Papa Moose
2024 Honorable Mention
31 Pages
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Children - Animals

Lou the Big Horned Rhino: A Funny Rhyming Children's Book About Positive Self-Esteem by Papa Moose is a great book to teach children to appreciate and love themselves as they are. Lou is famous because of his big horn, which allows him to defeat all his opponents during The Rhino Games, but he feels insecure about the size of his horn. He feels it is too big and wants to have a smaller horn and be like all the other rhinos. One day, Lou sees a poster about a doctor who claims he can fix any imperfection and eagerly schedules an appointment with the doctor. However, Lou reconsiders his options when he meets a zebra who regrets his wish to become a horse.
I love how Lou the Big Horned Rhino teaches relevant life lessons in an engaging way with lovely illustrations by William Velasco. Through Lou, we learn that sometimes the things we’re ashamed of are what make us unique and are valuable to who we are. Lou also teaches that it’s good to stand up for friends when they are bullied by defending his zebra friend from lions. Children will also learn the importance of complimenting people, as it might just be what they need to stop feeling insecure. I also love the attention to detail in the illustrations. I felt this enhanced the storytelling, such as when Lou defeats Bruce, another rhino, during the games, and the look of astonishment on the face of Bruce’s supporter is evident. There is also a nice coloring activity at the end of the book. I recommend this book to preteen readers.
Recommend this book:
Adi's Animal Adventures
Julie Schanke Lyford, Mariia Luzina
2024 Bronze Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Animals

Adi's Animal Adventures by Julie Schanke Lyford and Mariia Luzina is a children's picture book about animals. Adi wants to introduce you to the animals at the Minnesota School. There is a checklist to complete, so join in as Adi and her Critter Crew show you how to care for different land and water animals, including tortoises, octopuses, chinchillas, and more. Adi also gets to go on a dive in the Minnesota SEA LIFE, so see what they discover in the depths of the water. What will you learn from Adi and the crew?
Adi's Animal Adventures by Julie Schanke Lyford and Mariia Luzina is a beautifully illustrated, fun but educational story, perfect for animal lovers, that teaches kids how to care for animals, including their food and environmental needs. This is a timely story, given the environmental crisis the world faces, and it's a great way to show kids that we need to focus on saving our animals, not destroying their homes and entire species. This is a light-hearted tale that kids will love and it is ideal for reading time in schools and at home. Readers are introduced to many different animals with lots of facts about their care and kids are encouraged to ask questions. It was nice to see a nonbinary character included where gender expression isn't the focus of the story. Kids also have the added fun of trying to find Reginald the Chameleon on pages throughout the book. Overall, a fun story highly recommended for kids everywhere.
Recommend this book:
The Fish and his Puffy Temper
Barbara Pinke
2024 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Animals

The Fish and His Puffy Temper is a children's picture book written by Barbara Pinke, with illustrations by Alvin Adhi. The story follows Puffy, an angry fish trying to make new friends. Unfortunately, the moment he arrives at the sea playground, he gets angry, puffs up, and scares away the other fish. Puffy soon realizes that it is no fun playing alone and becomes sad. Seassy, a seahorse, confronts him about his behavior and discovers why Puffy gets angry and that he is willing to make friends. The unlikely pair decides to find solutions to help Puffy control his anger. They visit different fish that face intense situations daily and learn from them how they stay calm and let go of their anger.
The Fish and His Puffy Temper is a heartwarming and relatable tale that teaches children the importance of self-control and empathy. Young readers will learn that making friends requires understanding and patience. The message is delivered gently and engagingly, making it an excellent read for children to learn about emotional intelligence and social skills. Barbara Pinke uses simple words and a calming tone to narrate the story, making it easy for readers to understand and fitting perfectly with the story's theme. The vibrant and colorful illustrations bring the sea world to life with intricate details that transport readers to an underwater world. The inclusion of small details like underwater plants, bubbles, and other subtle elements adds depth and texture to the art, making the story even more fun to read. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend sharing it with your children or students to teach them to control their emotions.
Recommend this book:
The Trouble with Children (According to Dog)
Katie Weaver
2024 Silver Medal
40 Pages
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Children - Animals

Have you ever wondered how your best furry friend really feels about you? Get ready to see the world through an adorable dog's eyes with Katie Weaver's The Trouble with Children (According to Dog). The story follows a family dog who is comfortable with most things in his life. He lives in a cozy house with regular meals and sleeps on a bed with back support. However, two little children live in the same house. Sometimes, they like to make a noise, other times, they squeeze him tight, leave their dirty toys in his bowl, or make him wear a dress, and even pull on his fur. But the dog realizes that the children do love him, and he enjoys their scratches, cuddles, and treats.
The Trouble with Children (According to Dog) is a hilarious picture book that aims to gently teach children about boundaries and general behavior with pets. Toward the end of the book, author Katie Weaver offers valuable tips on some important dos and don'ts concerning pets that pet owners and their children should find immensely helpful. Weaver's rhyming verses and Caner Soylu's colorful illustrations take readers on a fascinating journey following the everyday life of a lovable family dog who has a few choice complaints about the kids in his house. Funny, heartwarming, and informative, Weaver's storytelling is bound to keep young readers engaged and entertained. This book will help you understand and love your pet even more. I found myself smiling all the way through while reading and highly recommend it to children and their parents alike.
Recommend this book:
Stranded
Cetacea Chronicles Volume 1
Feather Chelle
2024 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Animals

Stranded: Cetacea Chronicles Volume 1 is a beautiful, fast-paced, fantastical adventure. Feather Chelle combines a unique story with interesting facts about some of the spectacular species in the ocean. It follows a team of dolphin riders who live on an ancient, secret island called the Isle of Cetacea. The members are very special children. They are immortal and have magnificent dolphins as companions. They have magical powers, like miraculous healing, teleporting anywhere in the world, speaking to all animals, freezing time, and more. The Dolphin Riders have a sacred duty to rescue those in need. Recently, they learned that the Great Sickness of Old has returned to the Atlantic Ocean, and many sea creatures have fallen ill and are in great danger. Now Cherish and her family of Pilot Whales need their help.
Stranded was a delightful surprise. I enjoyed learning about the magical Isle of Cetacea and its sacred oaths, the Dolphin Riders and their steeds, and the real marine life. This touching tale contains action, danger, and suspense, as well as valuable information about Bottlenose Dolphins, Great White Sharks, Killer Whales (Orcas), Leopard Sharks, Echolocation, Kelp Forests, the Morbillivirus, and many more. Feather Chelle has written a gripping story packed with amazing photos. Some unfamiliar words are in bold and defined in a glossary found toward the end of this book. Any young reader who loves dolphins or is a real marine life lover will cherish this book. You can now join a group of immortal children and their noble dolphin steeds on a quest to stop a horrible sickness from spreading.