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/Novela
- 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 - Self Help
- Non-Fiction - Short Story/Novela
- 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:
PUD
The Wannabe Cat
Brian Murphy
2023 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Animals
Pud: The Wannabe Cat by Brian Murphy is the true story of a lost cat. Brian’s cat Pud used to enjoy spending time with his family, Sue, Ben, and his special playmate, Theo. When Pud accidentally fell asleep in the gardener’s trailer, he ended up lost in a strange neighborhood for two weeks. While trying to find his way home, Pud encountered a ferocious dog, a greedy fox, a frilly-necked lizard, an enormous eagle, and a friendly wombat. He also ended up getting soaking wet and ice cold. Pud was tired, hungry, and scared of all these new creatures he had never met before. Pud could only hope that he would finally get back to his loving family and warm home before using up his nine lives.
Pud: The Wannabe Cat is a delightful story from the imagination of author Brian Murphy. When Brian’s cat disappeared, the family was devastated and did everything they could to find out what happened to Pud. The cat did eventually return home, much to the delight of his owners, and Brian created this story as a tribute to Pud, imagining what the cat must have endured during his time away from home. I’m sure many readers have suffered a similar experience and can relate to Brian’s story. He has taken a traumatic event and used it to create this wonderful story including some hilarious cat humor. Pud: The Wannabe Cat is beautifully illustrated and includes a photo of the wannabe cat. Any child would love to read this charming story.
Recommend this book:
Baby Dragon's Big Sneeze
A Picture Book About Empathy and Trust for Children Age 3-7
Sheryl Bass
2023 Silver Medal
35 Pages
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Children - Animals
Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze is a children’s book by Sheryl Bass. The book follows a baby dragon as he flies over a town. He seems carefree until he catches a bad cold that makes him sneeze, causing him to breathe fire onto the town. Conscious of his actions, the baby dragon writes a note to the townspeople, promising them that he is a friend, and it was never his intention to cause destruction. Before he can deliver the note, though, a young girl from the village visits his cave, and he explains that he has a bad cold, and no one is around to care for him. The townspeople are called to action, preparing items that will help the baby dragon feel better.
Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze focuses on themes of friendship and compassion. The baby dragon needed attention to get over his cold, and even though they are angry with him for burning down their buildings, the townspeople show kindness to the dragon. In return, the dragon befriends the townspeople and forms a connection with them. Sheryl Bass has written a powerful story that shows how first impressions can be misleading, and readers will delight in the colorful pages as they read the well-timed rhyming text. This book would be a good addition to the shelves of a child’s bookcase, as well as a great story for a school or public library, as the characters show understanding, and it would be a good conversation-starter for children about empathy.
Recommend this book:
The Fish Who Wanted to Dance With the Stars
Barbara Pinke
2023 Gold Medal
39 Pages
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Children - Animals
“You become what you believe.” - Oprah Winfrey. The Fish Who Wanted to Dance With the Stars is a children’s picture book by Barbara Pinke. Pesho the Fish was fascinated with the twinkling stars at nighttime. He told his friends that he wanted to dance with the stars, but everyone except Seaya laughed at him. She encouraged him to believe in himself. Pesho went home even more determined to make his dream a reality. That night, Pesho left home and swam as close as he could get to the surface. A shooting star flew fast across the sky and Pesho wondered if it didn’t want to dance with him. He went home feeling sad and his mother offered advice that helped Pesho overcome the fear and negativity because others had mocked him.
“Nothing is impossible if you make up your mind to do something.” The Fish Who Wanted to Dance With the Stars is a motivational picture book about a fish who had big dreams to become friends with the stars and dance with them. Pesho’s friends laughed at his aspirations, saying it would never happen. Barbara Pinke’s cute story encourages children never to give up, even if others laugh at them. Maybe the ones who laugh also wish they could be as brave as Pesho for wanting to step out of his comfort zone, to explore and try something different. I adored the very bright illustrations and the colors used. I highly recommend this book for children, Never give up!
Recommend this book:
My Tiny Pet Elephant
Jessica Dailey
2023 Gold Medal
27 Pages
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Children - Animals
My Tiny Pet Elephant by Jessica Dailey is a children’s book about a little girl and her tiny elephant friend. The tale is a beautiful combination of the author’s narrative and Gabby Correia’s illustrations. Each page shows the adorable adventures that the tiny elephant and the little girl enjoy together. From elephant kisses that tickle, to messy and funny breakfast adventures where a cereal bowl can be easily transformed into a swimming pool, helping your best friend choose the best clothes to wear, playing all sorts of fun games like hiding and seek, and building castles, the book is full of delightful exploits.
I can't get over how well the story and illustrations merge in My Tiny Pet Elephant by Jessica Dailey. Each page spoke to me, and although there is only a brief text to accompany the images, the message they convey is better than a thousand words. The colors used for the illustrations are vibrant and cheerful, making them stand out. The way Dailey uses a colorful, oversized font to highlight the word "elephant" gives the impression that she is teaching the children to remember it. I found it pleasing that the book doesn’t only focus on the story but also interacts with the reader through the fun facts about elephants and the activities to be found at the end of the book.
Recommend this book:
Bee, Honey Bunny and Me
Yucky, Yummy Carrots
Lavelle Carlson
2022 Finalist
31 Pages
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Children - Animals
In Bee, Honey Bunny and Me: Yucky, Yummy Carrots by Lavelle Carlson, we are introduced to a little girl named Leni who hated carrots. No matter how hard her mother tried, she just didn’t want them at all. Leni was called ‘The Bunny Whisperer’ because even though she loved nature, her favorite animals were bunnies. To encourage the girl to eat her vegetables, we are told the story of a bunny rabbit that had a similar issue. Honey Bunny doesn’t want to eat her carrots either, despite Mommy Bunny telling her that they are good for her and will help her to grow strong. When Honey Bunny still refuses to eat her carrots, her mother begins to think of ways that she can get her baby to eat her food. While searching for tricks, she comes upon a group of bees making honey. They suggested that the mother take some of their honey and put it on the carrots. Surprisingly, this made them taste a lot better so Honey no longer thought they were yucky.
I thought Bee, Honey Bunny and Me: Yucky, Yummy Carrots by Lavelle Carlson was so cute and it deals with several issues. Many children are picky eaters so the parents reading this book more than likely know firsthand what the mother bunny was going through. It also creates awareness about bees and the many good things they do. With bees becoming endangered, it’s really important to educate yourself and your kids about that situation and others like it. The illustrations are also beautifully done and they fit perfectly with the storyline. I think Lavelle Carlson has done an amazing job and I can’t wait to read what she writes next!
Recommend this book:
Chuckie Says Goodbye
A Story About Pet Loss (Chuckie the Chocolate Lab Book 3)
Amy Jensen
2022 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Children - Animals
Chuckie Says Goodbye: A Story About Pet Loss (Chuckie the Chocolate Lab Book 3), by Amy Jensen, is a 38-page-long illustrated book for kids. It is more of a serious story about a dog named Chuckie, who must say goodbye to his sister, Neslee. This book is based on a true story and includes a list of tips at the end for those who have lost someone they loved.
Let’s face it: losing a beloved pet is like losing a relative, and it hurts. But I found this book to be a sensitive reflection (and from a dog’s point of view) of how much love went into a member of the family, much like the way we love our pets. No matter what mistakes are made along the way, or how much trouble they can cause, we still love them to pieces. And when their health declines we do everything in our power to help. The loss of a pet can be devastating for adults, and perhaps even more so for children who may find it difficult to process their emotions during this difficult time. But this book takes the reader gently by the hand and guides them through times like these. I found the nine tips for loss to be excellent advice as these aim to speed the healing process we all go through during times like those. The raw emotions we feel are pointed in a positive direction for comfort and healing. Chuckie Says Goodbye by Amy Jensen is an important addition to any home that has pets. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Lala. A Different Kind of Lizard
Lala. Una lagartija diferente
Susana Illera Martínez
2022 Bronze Medal
44 Pages
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Children - Animals
Susana Illera Martínez's new book, Lala: A Different Kind of Lizard/ Una Lagartija Diferente is a story that celebrates individuality. Lala's family consists of her mom, dad, and two sisters. Lala goes to school and plays at the pond, but Lala has an unusual friend, a spider named Ari. Her sisters tease her and tell her she shouldn't be friends with her food. Unlike the rest of her family, Lala doesn't eat insects but is a vegetarian instead. She's kept this hidden from her parents until one evening when the truth comes out. Lala runs away from home with her friend Ari, afraid that her parents won't accept her. She and Ari meet a surprising creature that shares some wisdom with them. What will happen to Lala and Ari?
Susana Illera Martínez's bilingual English and Spanish book will be a crowd pleaser. Lala is an engaging character with a sweet and gentle heart. The illustrations by Natalia Jiménez Osorio are bright and colorful. Lala has a jaunty lily pad-like hat and her friend Ari, the spider, is depicted with two large eyes, one small eye, and colorful, striped legs. Kids will identify with Lala's worries about being different and being accepted. The wisdom shared at the end is very powerful both for adults and kids to hear. Lala: A Different Kind of Lizard/ Una Lagartija Diferente will make a perfect read-aloud during storytime or in the classroom. Hopefully, there are more stories in the works about Lala and her best friend, Ari!
Recommend this book:
Over the Rainbow
Rebecca Yee
2022 Bronze Medal
37 Pages
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Children - Animals
Have you ever heard of the rainbow bridge? It’s a special bridge that takes beloved pets to their forever home beyond this world. A little girl grows up with her best friend, a lovely black dog. They were both young together. They shared a special bond that only strengthened over the years. So, when Mommy suggested that it was time to let her best friend cross over the rainbow bridge to a place where she could run, jump, and play with other four-legged besties forever, the girl was sad. She struggled to understand and accept. Mommy said: “All good dogs are needed there...with wings to show new pals the way.” Mommy also said: “She’ll never leave you,” and “Forever in your heart she’ll stay...Her love will always see you through...even on those darkest days.” No one wants to say goodbye to their BFF, their fur-ever bestie, but Rebecca Yee reminds us in Over the Rainbow that it’s good to know they’ll be waiting for us when our turn comes to join them.
Rebecca Yee’s picture book, Over the Rainbow, is a sweet, compassionate look at the special bond that exists between pets and their fur-ever family. Told in rhyming verse and with beautiful, colorful illustrations, this story leads the reader through the growing-up years, through the ties that strengthen over time to the inevitable and sad realization that it’s time to let go. It’s also okay to be sad, and the little girl in the story is very sad. The heart-breaking occurrence we never want to happen is only a temporary change of bonding, for we’ll see these friends again and they are always in our hearts. Children who have lost a beloved pet and those who are still learning and growing in that special link will warm to this story and they’ll shed some tears, too, I’m sure. At the end of the story, the author introduces the reader to her special friend and how her crossing over the rainbow bridge saddened her. There’s also a list of suggested activities to help heal the pain of loss. The best suggestion, of course, is the one the author used; writing a story or a poem. Told with love and heartwarming care, this book will help heal the wounds left behind.
Recommend this book:
Wild About the Alphabet!
And Other Tales
Mike Crowder
2022 Silver Medal
64 Pages
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Children - Animals
Mike Crowder’s Wild About the Alphabet! And Other Tales is a delightfully challenging and entertaining alphabet book for grown-ups. I found this book at times surprisingly educational and other times so funny I laughed out loud. This is the perfect book for someone ill or feeling low but only if they don’t mind those around them eyeballing them when they burst out laughing. And, not only does Mike Crowder stimulate our thinking by teaching us new animals and their names, but he also rewards us with his abstract depictions of the animals which are artistically expressive and well done.
I thoroughly enjoyed Mike Crowder’s unique collection of illustrations of animals, some of which I had never heard of before I read this book. Each letter captivated me and I soon found myself engrossed in the descriptions, illustrations, and the names of odd animals with even more unusual portraits. I found myself smiling, and yes sometimes I even laughed out loud as I read each page and examined each drawing. I like the unusual choice of animals to portray each letter of the alphabet as well as the unique artwork. I also like the animals given honorable mention and illustration, as well as the thoughtful guide to teach us how to pronounce the unusual names, found at the back of the book. Wild About the Alphabet! is amazingly informative and scholastically entertaining at the same time.
I can see Wild About the Alphabet! becoming a must-read among students of literature and art as well as those enduring a long flight or illness or any other stressful situation. My husband of 45 years died two months ago and I have had few instances of spontaneous laughter until I read Wild About the Alphabet! I highly recommend Mike Crowder’s book to those interested in literature, words, art, and, of course, animals.
Recommend this book:
Alpacas Don't Get Angry
Tammy Fortune
2022 Silver Medal
31 Pages
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Children - Animals
Tammy Fortune has authored an excellent children’s book about the hard-to-handle emotion of anger. In Alpacas Don’t Get Angry, Apollo the Alpaca feels he has been wronged and becomes angry. His friends all give him pat answers, but none of them takes time to listen to him vent his pain. Apollo feels no one cares or understands. The more his friends minimize his emotions, the angrier he becomes. As a parent/caregiver, you can help a young child learn how to handle anger constructively. The farmer comes by and listens to Apollo tell his story, validates his feelings, then advises deep breathing as a calming influence for rage. After one cools off, they need to express forgiveness. This excellent method is a traditional way to teach anyone who struggles with anger.
It is easy to see that Tammy Fortune understands emotions in her book Alpacas Don’t Get Angry. Children will love the animals in this book. Jarc Robinson does a fantastic job illustrating the various animals and depicting the emotions expressed by Apollo the Alpaca. First, Tammy shows that one has to admit their anger instead of pretending it does not exist. Second, it helps to have a compassionate person to listen to why you are angry. Third, learn controlled breathing. Last, forgive the offender. Tammy takes a psychological issue and translates it into an easy-to-understand and identify with children’s story. This book is an excellent jumping-off platform to teach children how to express their various emotions adequately. Tammy’s style of writing is entertaining and captivating.