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:
Oliver and the Wishing Star
Jennifer Decker
2022 Gold Medal
42 Pages
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Children - Animals
Jennifer Decker’s Oliver and the Wishing Star is a story about a young boy named Oliver who made a life-changing wish on a wishing star. Oliver was upset and frustrated because he was not allowed to go to his friend’s house since he was not done with his homework. He couldn’t help but think that life was unfair and that being a dog seemed better than living his life as a human. As soon as he saw a shooting star, he immediately made his wish, and to his surprise, he became a dog! As Oliver excitedly ran around town freely, he learned that being a dog was not as great as he thought it would be. Will he ever be able to return to his family, or will he roam the streets forever as a dog?
Oliver and the Wishing Star is a fast-paced and well-written story that teaches young readers a valuable lesson. Through Oliver’s struggles, readers are taught to be more appreciative of what life has to offer. This is expressed by Jennifer Decker in the book: “The grass beneath your feet is greener than you think.” Parents and children alike will enjoy reading this extraordinary and fun tale. Aside from the inspiring and meaningful lessons expressed through such an interesting story, the simple and lovely illustrations on every page of the book were also captivating, making the story more magical. I understood and sympathized with Oliver’s troubles and learned a lot from the challenges he faced in the story. Overall, I found Oliver and the Wishing Star to be a truly inspirational and charming tale!
Recommend this book:
Elephant, Please!
Maureen Kauzlarich
2021 Finalist
24 Pages
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Children - Animals
In Elephant, Please! by Maureen Kauzlarich, when a little boy decides that the perfect pet for him would be an elephant, he thinks finding one will be easy. He dreams of all the exciting things he and his new elephant pet can do together. He imagines how much fun it would be to ride around on his elephant whenever he wants. The little boy visits the local pet shop and is disappointed to find that there are no elephants there. He discovers that all the elephants live in a place called Africa so he takes off on an adventure to find one he can bring home. However, when he arrives, the little boy realizes that an elephant would not really make a good pet and should be allowed to remain in their natural habitat surrounded by other elephants where they can live freely.
I love children's books that teach the young reader a powerful life lesson and Elephant, Please! by Maureen Kauzlarich is a perfect example of this. The colorful illustrations are exceptional and the expressions on the characters' faces display their personalities excellently. I thought the rhyming style of the book was ideal for children to remember the message and also to read along with an adult. The story has so many areas of additional discussion opportunities that an adult can share with a child. The importance of empathy towards nature and animals, why we should protect endangered species and preserve their natural habitat. In addition, children will also learn about the importance of conservation and why it is sometimes better to place others' needs above your own. A wonderful book which should be on every child's bookshelf.
Recommend this book:
The Adventures of Bentley Hippo
Inspiring Children to be Kind
Argyro Graphy
2021 Honorable Mention
32 Pages
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Children - Animals
“What happens when the bully becomes the victim?” The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to be Kind is an animal storybook for children by Argyro Graphy. Bentley Hippo and his friends are excited that they’re going on a school trip to the Annual Fair. Everyone enjoyed the bus driver’s singing, except Toby the Elephant. Bentley and Jaxon were upset to see his sad face when other kids, including Marty the lion, teased him about his large size. As soon as they arrived at the fair, a kid grabbed Toby’s glasses and ran away. Poor Toby couldn’t see clearly without his glasses. Bentley told their teacher who promised to do something about the bullying. He and Jaxon wanted Toby to be happy so they went on the fun rides. While walking, they heard someone calling for help and saw Marty hiding behind a tree while kids were bullying him. Jaxon and Bentley decided to come to his rescue, but Toby was still angry with Marty. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to help Marty at all.
The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to be Kind by Argyro Graphy is the second of five books in the Inspiring Children Collection. Bullying affects children in many ways and it’s certainly not an issue that should be treated lightly. This storybook addresses the topic very nicely with lovable characters and realistic scenarios. Children will learn about the signs and types of bullying. Knowing how to defend themselves by standing up to mean persons is very important too. The artwork in this animal storybook is appealing. There are many lessons about being kind to others. Other books in this lovely theme-based educational collection inspire children to share and never give up. Parents and teachers can add this collection to their children’s reading list.
Recommend this book:
The Tip of the Tale
Suzanne Alexander
2021 Honorable Mention
32 Pages
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Children - Animals
What do hungry foxes like? Chickens! In Suzanne Alexander’s book The Tip of the Tale, we meet a hungry fox who is searching for a delicious chicken meal. He spies a farm and heads there, only to see no chickens but a cat instead. When he asks that cat if there are any chickens, the cat says no and sends him on to the next farm. The story is repeated at each farm he visits until, finally giving up on finding chickens, he settles for some milk, only to have it splashed all over him. Even though the fox sees no chickens, eagle-eyed readers are sure to spot some chicks hiding in unusual places.
The Tip of the Tale has all the elements needed to make it a great book for sharing in storytime. The story is fun and has a repeating element that kids love. Ashley Teets's illustrations are expressive and full of humor. Kids will enjoy spotting the chickens that the fox doesn’t see, some hiding in plain sight. Many times after sharing a book about animals in storytime, I have had kids ask me for more information about those animals. I’m so glad that Alexander has included facts about red foxes at the end of her story. Suzanne Alexander clearly knows how to craft a story for young kids. The Tip of the Tale is simply a great story and one that will be asked for again and again.
Recommend this book:
Please Don't Tell Cooper He's A Dog
Michelle Lander Feinberg
2021 Bronze Medal
30 Pages
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Children - Animals
Please Don't Tell Cooper He's A Dog is a children’s animal picture book written by Michelle Lander Feinberg and illustrated by Anna Mosca. Cooper was definitely their dog; from the moment they set eyes upon him at the animal shelter, they knew he was going to be a part of their family. Or maybe he decided that they were his family? In any event, out the door the family flew, following their newest member. Cooper wasn’t big on doing doggie tricks, however, or being in any way a dog. He enjoyed sitting on the couch with his family and eating at the dinner table, just like any other member of the family. And he was as gentle, loving, and cheerful as anyone could ever ask for -- just don’t call him a dog.
Michelle Lander Feinberg’s Please Don't Tell Cooper He's A Dog eloquently states what I’ve long believed -- dogs are angelic companions who grace us with their presence, their unconditional love, and steadfast optimism. Calling them dogs somehow just doesn’t cover what having a canine companion in one’s family truly means. I was enchanted by this story of Cooper, whose lovely smile, kind eyes, and exuberance shine through on every page of this marvelous story. Anna Mosca’s amazing watercolors capture Cooper’s spirit in every panel, and each one made me smile.
I can’t think of a better book to share with children who have canine companions in their family or will be visiting a shelter in the near future to adopt a new family member. It captures the fact that each dog is unique and special, and not to be labeled or expected to perform in a set or predictable way, just like their human companions. A grand selection for storytime, Please Don't Tell Cooper He's A Dog is also written at a level that will enable young readers to enjoy reading it on their own. It’s most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Do Ants Wear Pants?
A Children's Rhyming Book
Gabrielle Grice
2021 Bronze Medal
48 Pages
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Children - Animals
In the adorable story Do Ants Wear Pants?, Gabrielle Grice talks about different animals by asking questions about them. “Do foxes sleep in boxes? Do goats ride in boats?” These are just two animals that the author writes about in this book! There isn’t much of a plotline, but it works in its own way, and I thought that it was great. Each page is just one question written with a corresponding illustration. They automatically draw the eye and make the story something special with the drawing style and bright colors. This is a cute book that easily brought a smile to my face.
Do Ants Wear Pants? was such a fun little book to read! The illustrations were captivating, and I loved seeing the myriad of animals depicted in the different pages. Gabrielle Grice crafted a sweet story that is both simple and fun. It was easy to read, and I think that this book could be a great tool to use when teaching young children how to read. The illustrations drove the story, and they connected well with the questions that were asked on each page. Everything tied together in a great way, and I honestly could have read another fifty pages of Grice talking about different animals. I think this is a book that all young children could fall in love with as they read it, and I would recommend that parents and kids read it together. This book gets a five-star rating from me!
Recommend this book:
Ack! The Nantucket Duckling
Alexa Kathrine Spurway
2021 Silver Medal
48 Pages
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Children - Animals
Everyone wants to fit in. We have the false impression that if we look like everyone else, we’ll be equal and be part of the ‘in’ crowd. Imagine being a duckling with a different – and I mean very different – beak. Ack wasn’t dubbed his name without a reason. He has a beak that looks like the bell of a trumpet and even sounds like one when he tries to quack with the others. As you can probably guess, Ack is teased mercilessly and he’s embarrassed by his looks and his quack. When he sees a young boy also crying because of something different in his appearance, Ack starts to believe that maybe he’s not the only one who feels left out. It takes more than a loving mother’s kind words to encourage Ack, and probably the boy, too. When the annual Nantucket Duckling Parade approaches, Ack hides behind a fire hydrant to avoid being noticed and, potentially, laughed at. What happens next makes him realize that it’s okay to be different and sometimes it can be beneficial, just as long as we believe in ourselves.
A.K. Spurway’s picture book story, Ack! The Nantucket Duckling, is a sweet, charming story, addressing the importance of accepting ourselves and others for all of our differences. After all, differences are a part of life, and we need to embrace what gifts we are given and use them to the best of our ability. The plot follows young Ack’s grief over being different, his embarrassment, and finally, his reconciliation with what he sees as a deformity. The story is told in simple language so a young reader can follow along, and the illustrations are bright and colorful and help carry the story forward. The story is based on an actual annual event on Nantucket Island and some of the histories behind this event and the author’s interest are included at the end. Beautifully told and illustrated.
Recommend this book:
52 - A Tale of Loneliness
Johnny DePalma
2021 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Animals
Whales are fascinating creatures and in 52: A Tale of Loneliness by Johnny DePalma we are introduced to an unusual one. Whales sing songs to communicate with other whales but 52 sings a song that cannot be heard by other whales. That means he has no other whales around him, which can be lonely at times, but he discovers there are so many other things to see in the ocean. He introduces us to the ocean’s wonders including seaweed, dolphins, and sharks. He imagines what it would be like if he could be like other whales but in the end, he is happy to be the whale he is.
Johnny DePalma has written a beautiful and fascinating story. The illustrations by Kyle Brown bring the ocean world to life. 52: A Tale of Loneliness is inspired by a real whale whose song is at 52 hertz, which is a much higher pitch than either blue or fin whales. Kids will be fascinated by this whale and probably want to find out more about him just like I did. DePalma’s tale flows effortlessly and will be a joy to read out loud. The lyrical verse echoes the swells of the ocean. DePalma’s story has a great message about self-acceptance, even though 52 realizes he is not like the other whales, he enjoys who he is and is happy. DePalma’s 52: A Tale of Loneliness needs to be shared with all kids who love the ocean and want to know more about the world around them. Beautiful and informative – a great book for all!
Recommend this book:
The Gritty Little Lamb
Dan Allbaugh
2021 Gold Medal
14 Pages
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Children - Animals
Little Lamb would play all day if he had his way, building towers, jumping, wagon rides, and playground slides. Little Lamb loved to win and he could beat every animal. Since he loved to win, the animals let him cheat. He played with his Dad one day and his Dad played it straight. Little Lamb was not happy. He threw a fit and said he was going to quit playing because it was not fair. His Dad advised him that it was the way he responded after a loss that mattered the most instead of the scoreboard's final score. Lambie knew he had to change his attitude and he decided to work harder. He practiced and practiced and his Mom's words kept him going as she told him he would never get there if he decided to quit. Will all the practice enable him to win the game?
The Gritty Little Lamb by Dan Allbaugh is an uplifting story that will encourage young readers to believe in themselves and not to quit. The story is all about determination, perseverance, practice, and having the right attitude. With the help of rhymes and lively illustrations, the author conveys this important message to readers. Anil Yap's illustrations are eye-catching and not only give the characters each a personality but also make the story appealing to youngsters. Lambie's character is real and relatable to many readers out there and is a good way to teach them not to quit. It is a perfect story for tutors and parents to use for storytelling and read-aloud sessions in classrooms and school libraries to encourage children to believe in themselves and pursue their passion.
Recommend this book:
Nesting Grounds
Sarah Jane Conklin
2020 Finalist
26 Pages
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Children - Animals
Birds of all sizes, shapes, and descriptions build unique nests in which to lay and nurture their eggs, from which will hatch the next generation. It’s a marvel to watch: creation in all its glory and all in a nest, big or small or built with spider silk and lined with moss, like the delicate ping-pong ball-sized hummingbird nest. Robins use a lot of mud and grasses to build their nests and Snow Buntings use moss, roots, grass, and feathers. Whether the nest is nestled in the tree branches or tucked under the eaves, or secure within a rocky crevice, each nest is unique to its own type of bird, made to nurture and protect, using what materials are most readily available.
Sarah Jane Conklin’s picture book story, Nesting Grounds, is a delightful way to teach young readers about the many types of birds and their nests. Using her own oil paintings to illustrate the various birds and nests, the author/artist has presented lyrical rhyming verse to describe the images of each bird and nest illustrated. But this book isn’t just for young readers. Its artistic charm will attract bird lovers of all ages to read and enjoy. The book begins with a short, rhyming poem to describe the basic nature of birds and their nests and why each type of nest is important to a specific bird. Each of the ten birds chosen for this book has a four-line stanza describing the nest and the interesting eggs laid within. A very enjoyable read: informative and illustrative.