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 - Science/Technology
- 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:
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.
Recommend this book:
Henri and the Magnificent Snort
A Children's Book about Bullying, Belonging, and Love
Samantha Childs

2024 Gold Medal
60 Pages
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Children - Animals

Henri and the Magnificent Snort: A Children's Book about Bullying, Belonging, and Love by Samantha Childs is an adorable children’s book that is inspired by her faithful canine companion, Henri Le Frenchie. Henri is an extraordinary dog, but one of the most unusual things about him is his cute little snort. Henri loved his life in New York, but when he had to move to San Diego, he had to learn to adapt and cope with new challenges. His first two days of doggy daycare went very well, and he made some interesting new friends. However, shortly after this, another dog named Russell unkindly points out that his special snort makes him sound like a pig, and all the other dogs turn against him, including his new furry friends. Will Henri be able to overcome these bullies and learn to love himself again?
Samantha Childs’ heart-warming story reminds readers about the importance of self-acceptance and the value of differences. She draws attention to the harmful nature of bullying and how it can destroy even the highest spirits. Anyone who has experienced criticism has been a victim of bullying, or has felt badly about themself because of someone else, will find this book relatable. I found the writing endearing and the language very clear. The rhyming is also most appropriate, as it mirrors Henri’s playful personality. The illustrations by Hannah Farr are also charming and depict the dog’s life vividly. Bullying is a prevalent issue in society that particularly affects children. I think Henri and the Magnificent Snort is a brilliant read, with a powerful message.
Recommend this book:
Ready... Set... Frog!
Katharine Mitropoulos

2023 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Children - Animals

Ready... Set... Frog! written by Katharine Mitropoulos and illustrated by Laura Watson is a modern-day fable about helping others while sticking up for yourself. When Frog learns about an upcoming obstacle race, he is eager to enter. However, it seems that every attempt he makes to practice is interrupted by a friend needing a favor. Mole wants an apple high up in a tree, Giraffe wants help adjusting her hat, and Kitten needs to be rescued from the other side of the pond. Once the race day arrives, Frog is disappointed that he has not been able to train the way he wanted. His mother helps him consider the ways that by helping his friends, Frog was still able to practice race skills such as leaping and climbing. However, she also teaches him that next time, he is allowed to say “no” to others to protect his time.
Katharine Mitropoulos and Laura Watson have created a colorful fable with a satisfying resolution! Ready... Set... Frog! features a menagerie of beautifully-illustrated and friendly characters, from the bespectacled frog family to a fashionable and finicky giraffe. This cast shows the importance of helping others while still taking care of yourself in a way that children will be able to comprehend. Frog is able to help his friends and see the cost it has on his goal, but he is also able to celebrate his important achievements and look forward to balancing time with others and himself in the future. This book is perfect for kids to enjoy during classroom story time or with a grown-up who wants to teach a little one in their life about balance.
Recommend this book:
Alastair McAllister Goes to School
Valerie Ramer

2023 Honorable Mention
31 Pages
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Children - Animals

The first day of school is full of excitement and fear. There are new things to learn, new buildings to explore, a new schedule, and hopefully, new friends. Unfortunately, these exciting things can also cause fear. Fears include what if I can’t learn fast enough, what if I get lost, and what if I mess my schedule up? However, the biggest fear is what if the other kittens don’t like me? Alastair faced all these things and more in Alastair McAllister Goes to School by Valerie Ramer. To make matters worse, Alastair was not like all the other kittens. Alastair learned that different is good. What was different actually turned out to save the day. Read this exciting book and understand how being different can be what attracts others to you. Great book to help your children know that the differently-abled are important.
What if you are different than all the other little kittens? How do you fit in? For example, Alastair is a long-haired cat who starts school with many short-haired kittens. The other kittens look at Alastair and make fun of his differences. Reading this book with your children will give you the opportunity to help your children see the sameness in others instead of the differences. Differently-abled children are the same as other children, but their abilities differ. Teach your children that different is good. The tables turn when Alastair uses one of his differences to protect the other kittens. At the end of the day, Alastair is excited because he was accepted as he is. The illustrations in Alastair McAllister Goes to School are eye-catching. Children will love this book.
Recommend this book:
Pistachio the Owl
Kristi Shimada

2023 Bronze Medal
35 Pages
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Children - Animals

Pistachio the Owl by Kristi Shimada is a sweet story about an owl family. Pistachio is the oldest of the siblings, his sister is Macadamia, and the youngest is Cashew. They are burrowing owls, so instead of living in trees, their homes are in the ground. The three siblings are full of questions and enjoy playing games and exploring. However, because they are still so young, they can only get around by walking. So one day, they decide to venture down to the water even though they've been warned to stay away. What will happen to the young owls? Will they learn a lesson? There are additional facts about burrowing owls at the end and some coloring pages.
Owls are fascinating birds, and kids will enjoy learning more about burrowing owls as they read Pistachio the Owl. I love the owls being named after nuts; what a fun twist. Kristi Shimada's rhyming verses add a nice flow to the story. The illustrations by Eko Setiawan are saturated with color and bring the story to life, especially with those big expressive eyes. The three owlets are subtly different, with a flower for Macadamia and a wayward cowlick for Cashew. Kristi Shimada has smoothly included a moral lesson about honesty in this charming tale. It would be fun to pair Pistachio the Owl with Martin Waddell's Owl Babies, another story about three owlets, for an owl storytime. Owl lovers will enjoy hooting along too.
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!
