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 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
Kindle Edition
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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:
The Gritty Little Lamb
Dan Allbaugh

2021 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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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:
Mishka
Mike Maroney

2020 Silver Medal
291 Pages
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Children - Animals

Natasha’s father has to go away for several months to work. Since Natasha doesn’t have a mother, she has to stay with her grandfather, whom she calls Deda, in his small flat in the crime-infested town of Horridgrad. There’s a lovely playground on the grounds near Deda’s flat, but it’s controlled by a group of bullies. Natasha is scared to go out to play. That is until Deda agrees to get her a puppy, whom she names Mishka. Scruffy initially with a big appetite, Mishka grows quickly, almost too quickly, becoming too big to share Natasha’s bed. As Mishka grows, he learns to play, but since he’s so big sometimes his play is misinterpreted to be aggressive. This turns out to be a good thing as Mishka soon becomes the town hero, standing up to the criminals that everyone else is so afraid to confront. What started out being a lengthy visit with her grandfather turns into an adventure that has everyone chuckling as Mishka takes on one bad person after another – until, the evil mayor makes a new law to ban Mishka, putting the overgrown puppy’s life on the line.
Mike Maroney’s young people’s novel, Mishka, is a fun read. With a crime-fighting hero like Mishka, there are plenty of adventures: stopping a bank robbery, rescuing children who have fallen through the ice into the freezing water, and so much more. The plot develops with ease and excitement as Natasha and her friend, Max, and Mishka, of course, unknowingly help the frightened community of Horridgrad reclaim their rights and freedoms. It’s a classic battle of good against evil and with Mishka at their side, of course, the good must be victorious. There are plenty of humorous episodes as Mishka tackles the bad guys and this adds additional sparkle to the story. But the question remains: is Mishka really a puppy?
Recommend this book:
Eddie The World's Greatest Creature
Kayleigh Mackie

2020 Gold Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Animals

A colorful story with an important lesson, Eddie the World's Greatest Creature by Kayleigh Mackie follows the adventures of Eddie, a youngster who wants to be the greatest creature there is. With arms like those of a monkey, Eddie can swing from tree to tree. Swimming is also easy for him as he has the tail of a dolphin. As Eddie moves from one adventure to another, his abilities grow and he becomes a magnificent creature who can do many things he could not have done previously. But is this what Eddie wants? As Eddie begins to stumble and fall, sometimes even tripping over his wings, he begins to change how he sees himself and also changes his idea of being the most amazing creature. Along the way, he discovers a wonderful lesson.
In Kayleigh Mackie’s Eddie the World's Greatest Creature, beautiful illustrations of lush grass and trees, blue bright skies and an inviting sea fill the pages. Pictures of Eddie as the magnificent creature are equally captivating. The rhyming words that create the musicality in the book will facilitate young readers’ ability to remember the story and have fun reading the lines aloud. In the beginning, Eddie is set on being the greatest creature in the world. But with time, he realizes that even being the greatest comes with its challenges and he begins to understand that it is amazing to just be yourself. A beautiful, engaging story that carries an important lesson for both young and adult readers, Eddie the World's Greatest Creature will make a great story for parents reading with their children or for young readers who love stories that involve adventure.
Recommend this book:
Here Comes Ingo
Odeta Xheka

2020 Silver Medal
34 Pages
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Children - Animals

Here Comes Ingo by Odeta Xheka is a picture book for children about a beautiful scarlet macaw named Ingo, who is sitting on her eggs, dreaming of a more adventurous life. We live out the daydreams of Ingo as she flies around in a happy land of cupcakes, visits with frogs and other animal friends, and rediscovers the forest she calls home. After visiting all her friends and mentally enjoying her home of Brazil, she then greets her new babies as they hatch from their eggs. We are taken through Ingo's imagination by way of vivid, colorful pictures, depicting the longing of this beautiful bird for a life outside the nest.
Here Comes Ingo is beautiful with vivid colors and intriguing artwork that takes you on the dream journey of Ingo. Even without the author’s note to children that may choose this book, the illustrations tell the story perfectly. I could feel the want and need for a more adventurous life from this macaw sitting on her eggs, awaiting her babies. I enjoyed how the author included the note to young readers, providing educational information about macaws and their habitat. As well as telling the story of Ingo, it is the perfect prologue to the visual story to be discovered. Odeta Xheka captivates the young reader’s eye with stunning colors, abstract shapes, and visual storytelling. Here Comes Ingo is a great addition to every child's library to enhance their imaginations.
Recommend this book:
PINTO!
Based upon the true story of the only horse to complete a twenty thousand mile journey.
Margi (M.J.) Evans

2020 Bronze Medal
272 Pages
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Children - Animals

George, Slim, Fats, and Jay decide to ride to every state capital, get their picture with each governor and become rich and famous. The trip starts in 1912 and they aim to finish in 1915 at the Panama Pacific Expo in San Francisco, making 50 stops and traveling 1,127 days and 20,352 miles. Pinto starts out as the pack horse carrying as much gear as they can load on his back but soon George is riding him every day. Pinto’s thoughts are described in great detail, explaining the difficulties of crossing rivers, fighting their way through snowstorms, having to keep making new horse friends, meeting and greeting and having people take his picture with their children on his back, and so much more. It is impossible not to root for the little horse to reach San Francisco and be welcomed as a hero.
Pinto by Margi (M.J.) Evans is a true historical story, but it is told only by Pinto the horse, a Morab – half Morgan and half Arabian, who was there for the entire journey. It was really a very refreshing and different viewpoint of a very long and perilous ride. I enjoyed reading Pinto a lot. It was from such a different perspective than most historical fiction books I read. Margi (M.J.) Evans took a real event that few people have ever heard of and wove it into a very special story. I believe that Pinto is a book everyone can enjoy; horse lovers, history lovers, storytelling fans, and all readers in fact of all ages. It is a story of joy, tragedy, heartache, and dedication by a group of men and their horses and the people that they meet along the way. If you read Pinto, I know you will not be disappointed.
Recommend this book:
Meet Maya Cat
A story about acceptance
Lauren Beader

2020 Bronze Medal
30 Pages
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Children - Animals

Maya the cat does not look like other cats. She is different and she acts differently too. She needs a little bit of attention sometimes. She runs around like other cats and climbs on things. Maya likes to eat yummy treats and she likes to play with toys. She talks a lot and when she is tired of doing all that, she sleeps or cuddles with her family. Everyone thinks Maya is different but once you get to know her, she is really not different. She likes to be treated well and loved by everybody. Let's read the story to learn more about Maya the cat.
Meet Maya Cat: A story about acceptance by Lauren Beader is a delightful story about acceptance and will help readers accept everyone for what they are irrespective of their differences and abilities. Harrison Makofsky's illustrations are wonderful and they breathe life into the concept, Maya, and the story. Everyone wants inclusion, love, and acceptance in society and Maya's story will teach children to treat each other with love and kindness.
Meet Maya Cat is a good story for bedtime storytelling and read-aloud and storytelling sessions in classrooms and school libraries because it is the best way to show children how to treat others - the way they want to be treated. It is good for children to read stories like this to realize that sometimes people are different and it is important to give them the same love and respect that is given to others.
