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:
How I Wonder Where You Are
Anna Maria DiDio

2023 Finalist
37 Pages
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Children - Concept

It's natural for all humans to think about where we come from. Especially for adopted children, it can be pretty difficult to come to terms with their own identity, making them wonder who they are. How I Wonder Where You Are is a moving picture book for kids by Anna Maria DiDio that celebrates the distinct heritage of children raised by adoptive parents. Carla is a curious child with two loving parents and a sister named Sarah. However, despite her otherwise happy life, she can't help but wonder about her birth mother and feel a connection to her Colombian heritage. After an assignment from the school regarding her family tree, she becomes a bit sad thinking about where she came from. But her caring mother understands her situation and prepares a pleasant surprise to make her feel close to who she is.
A heart-warming children's book filled with the themes of empathy and understanding, How I Wonder Where You Are is a story about the search for one's identity. Parental love can come in many forms, and Anna Maria DiDio demonstrates that in spades through this book. Illustrator Tatiana Lobanova brings the characters to life by splashing the pages with colors and some beautifully drawn artwork, making the tale all the more immersive. Carla is an adorable child who has to overcome the challenges of adapting to a different country and culture, and many kids will find that relatable. Overall, a beautiful story for children and parents alike.
Recommend this book:
Snoodles in Space
A Snoodle, the Zoodle Kidoodles, and One Happy Schmoodle
Steven Joseph

2023 Honorable Mention
59 Pages
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Children - Concept

Snoodles in Space: A Snoodle, the Zoodle Kidoodles, and One Happy Schmoodle by Steven Joseph is a humorous book in the sci-fi genre for children from 6 to 10 years of age. Set in the future, a great scientific breakthrough awaits humanity. Herbie Snoodleman will introduce the Snoodlemobile as a replacement for the Krautmobile, the creation of his now estranged brother Sour Croodleman and fueled by sauerkraut. The Snoodlemobile uses noodles to run, making everybody happy, thanks to the popularity of this product and its appealing smell. Herbie and Sour have a third brother. Norman Noodle is married to Sally Stroodle, with two talented kids, Briana Brainy Broodle and Ricky Rockadoodle. Herbie and Sour dream about space travel, but their animosity prevents them from working together on a magnificent spaceship named Snoodle Zoomadoodle. When Norman and Sally are abducted by an extraterrestrial force, Herbie and Sour had to find common ground to save their family.
Snoodles in Space is a wonderful introduction for young readers to the thrilling genre of science fiction. Steven Joseph's humorous writing style borders on goofiness. Andy Case has created amazing illustrations with a vintage style, reminding us of the classic picture books of our childhood. The imagery is unusual and will stimulate creative thinking. The adventure aspect is impressive, and the plotline provides many unexpected twists. Joseph touches on important topics such as family values, mutual understanding, and willingness to help despite disagreements, leading his young readers in a positive direction. I highly recommend this second book in the series to those readers who love humorous prose with an adventurous element and lovable characters.
Recommend this book:
The Circle of Hugs
Heather Cosimo

2023 Bronze Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Concept

The Circle of Hugs is a children’s picture book by Heather Cosimo with illustrations by Hiruni Kariyawasam. The book explores the power of giving and receiving a hug. A little girl reflects on the hugs and memories she shared with her family. Whenever she felt scared, anxious, or alone, she always wished for a hug. Even in good times, she wanted to be hugged. Every special moment requires a hug that will make them memorable. The little girl realizes that spreading the power of hugs is vital to showing love and support, and she shares her various experiences when she offers a hug.
The Circle of Hugs is a heartwarming book with a lovely message. Heather Cosimo has taken a simple concept and built a powerful lesson around it. Hugs from loved ones are something that we take for granted, but when they are gone, we realize their significance and value. A hug will always brighten your day, whether sad or happy. Every child deserves a hug because of the feelings these bring. Hugs will make them feel loved and safe, which is good for their mental health. It also teaches them about caring for others and being kind. The book also contains beautiful illustrations that depict adorable characters. They tell the story perfectly, are bright and colorful, and are ideal for grabbing children’s attention. I recommend parents and guardians read this book with their children and teach them about the power of hugs.
Recommend this book:
Edgar Allan Know and his Big Busy Brain
Rahni Varieur-Davies

2023 Bronze Medal
39 Pages
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Children - Concept

Edgar Allan Know knows many interesting things. His brain is always busy gathering and processing information. His rooms are full of books on a variety of subjects. You could ask him anything from a mathematical concept to a fun fact. He will give you the correct answer every time. However, there is one thing that Edgar cannot seem to manage. He can tell you the dictionary definition of a bicycle or the stages of its evolution, yet his buzzing brain will not allow him to keep his balance whenever he tries to ride one. Will Edgar ever learn cycling? Find out in Edgar Allan Know and his Big Busy Brain, a children’s picture book by Rahni Varieur-Davies, illustrated by Barbara Owczarek.
Despite being a short and easy-to-read book geared toward children, this book had a lasting impact on me. Rahni Varieur-Davies sketched Edgar’s character distinctively. We can marvel at his brilliance yet feel sorry when he tries to fit in with his friends. I loved everything from the allusion to a famed author to the clever illustrations featuring ravens. Each page included intriguing facts that would enrich the knowledge of the reader. The way Varieur-Davies gently guides the young audience to practice mindfulness was admirable. I could also vouch for the book’s usefulness from first-hand experience. I started reading this book to distract myself on a day my brain had been in overdrive. Simply reading it helped me to calm down. With the fun activities and mindfulness audio at the end, Edgar Allan Know and his Big Busy Brain is a complete package.
Recommend this book:
Gomer the Gassy Goat
Hayley Rose

2023 Silver Medal
28 Pages
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Children - Concept

Help your child develop language skills in a fun way through Hayley Rose's Gomer the Gassy Goat. In this amusing children's picture book, we meet Gomer, a happy and friendly goat. He likes trying new things, making new friends, and having lots of fun. However, he has one problem. He is a very gassy goat. Whether in the fields grazing or while practicing goat yoga, Gomer always passes gas. Nevertheless, he always apologizes for his toots and makes funny and silly faces that'll have you laughing out loud.
Most children are fascinated by animals and love it even more when the animals are as cute and funny as Gomer. Even more exciting is that as readers get deeper into the tale, they find more animals that live nearby Gomer in the book's vibrant illustrations. From the colorful birds flying above a meadow to the little yellow chicks playing beside the goat, the animals featured are adorable. Young readers aged five and older will have no difficulty reading this book independently due to the author's simple and clear writing style. Children may even role-play different parts to enhance their enjoyment. The book's captivating imagery and tongue-twister storytelling style will hold their attention. If you are looking for an entertaining read for your child, Gomer the Gassy Goat by Hayley Rose is just the perfect book. I read it to my five-year-old brother, and he kept laughing every time he saw Gomer's funny face.
Recommend this book:
Later, Said Gator
I Like Me & What I Can Be Collection
Carli Valentine

2023 Gold Medal
43 Pages
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Children - Concept

Later, Said Gator, the first book in the I Like Me & What I Can Be Collection by Carli Valentine, is an incredible children’s book that teaches a valuable lesson while keeping children engaged. Milo is an intelligent 7-year-old gator who loves being creative and active. With his pet fish Chad to keep him company, Milo spends his days playing with his rocks, painting, and letting his creativity flow. In between it all, he forgets to clean up after himself, even when his mother reminds him to do so. Believing he will do it later, Milo creates a mess he cannot escape. Having fun is great, but cleaning up the mess is very important too. Milo will learn this valuable lesson and share it with us.
Carli Valentine did a fantastic job in writing and illustrating this storybook. The illustrations are fun and add character to her wonderfully written prose. The lyrical quality of the narrative is engaging and entertaining. I can imagine reading this story to a child and seeing them fully engrossed. The lesson is excellent, especially for children who run away from responsibility or don’t understand the importance of doing things on time. The Milo’s Mighty Cleanup Tips section in the end will be a great help for children to find a rhythm in their routines and make a cleanup much more manageable. I highly recommend this encouraging and educating story to parents who want to instill responsibility and independence in their preschoolers.
Recommend this book:
It's Not That 'Big a Deal'
A Simple & Funny Reminder About What Matters Most
Ron Keres

2022 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Children - Concept

We live in a time where often both parents have to juggle a career and raise their kids, leading to much stress. Due to this, they often tend to overreact to children's minor mishaps. In It's Not That 'Big A Deal,' Ron Keres reminds parents that minor accidents like spilling milk, taking too long to get ready in the morning, tracking dirt into the car, etc., are not such a big deal. Instead, he highlights that despite these incidents and parents' reactions to them, they still love their children and can't imagine life without them. But it will also help children realize that the small things they get right will make life easier for their parents.
I love the colorful illustrations, which show the typical effects and reactions to everyday mishaps parents and little ones know so well. I like that Ron Keres gives space for kids to write about one of their own mishaps and draw a picture about it. It's Not That 'Big A Deal' aims to help parents see the humor in these situations and realize that often these incidents make the fondest memories. And it will inspire little ones to try to avoid these things, making life easier for their parents. It teaches children values like tidiness, promptness, consideration for others, etc. Young children will love this delightful story because they are so familiar with so many incidents. It gives them and their parents a chance to see the funny side and even leads to discussions about how many of them can be prevented.
Recommend this book:
My Dad and the Dragon
Montserrat Coughlin Kim

2022 Honorable Mention
44 Pages
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Children - Concept

My Dad and the Dragon, written by Montserrat Coughlin Kim and illustrated by Rebekah S Cheresnick, is a children's picture book revolving around a boy called Cameron and his family in the aftermath of a cancer diagnosis. The dragon is the cancer and the family refers to it as what the father is fighting, and what they all must live with. Readers are shown all of the ways the cancer dragon can impact daily life, including loss of appetite and taste, loss of hair, and even the dad's occasional loss of temper. Cameron says he is afraid and his mother assures him that she is too. Each page of the book is fully illustrated in vibrant jewel tones and original artwork.
My wife lost her mother to cancer at a very young age and was fortunate that the family was completely transparent about what was happening. My Dad and the Dragon has this transparency as well and Montserrat Coughlin Kim gives children something they can understand and attach the cancer to without sugar-coating it and giving promises about everything being okay. Because sadly, often it is not okay. I got choked up when one of the children expressed denial and their mother assured them that the doctors did a lot of tests, and it was definitely the cancer dragon. It is compassionate and honest, and it is really beautiful. The illustrations by Rebekah S Cheresnick breathe life into the family, their home, and the cancer dragon. I loved the emotion conveyed and the depiction of both good days and not so good days. Cancer is a difficult subject and is especially hard for children to process. This story and the resources provided are a wonderful way to take some of the edge off. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Summertime with Snowman Paul
Yossi Lapid

2022 Honorable Mention
46 Pages
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Children - Concept

It is not easy being a snowman in summer. Summer is a season enjoyed by all children, but for Snowman Paul, it is the most difficult time of the year. If our hero is comfortable in spring, autumn, and winter, summer is a problem for him. When Snowman Paul goes swimming in the pool, people think he is crazy; he cannot stand sunbathing on the beach, and even at the zoo, a monkey laughs at him. What can he do? Luckily his friend Dan has the perfect solution for him. What is it? Find it out by reading Yossi Lapid's Summertime with Snowman Paul.
Summertime with Snowman Paul is a colorful and hilarious book that will make any child who reads it smile. Snowman Paul is a character with whom it is easy to sympathize. He is nice and funny, so you really want to discover how his adventure will turn out. I loved how Lapid told his story because he proved that there is a solution to even a seemingly insurmountable difficulty like making a snowman comfortable in the summer. There is also a powerful message in this book, and I believe it is worth highlighting it for its educational value. Snowman Paul's adventure can help children who struggle to fit in understand that sometimes a little ingenuity is enough to resolve their problems. I highly recommend you read Summertime with Snowman Paul and hope you enjoy both the great story written by Yossi Lapid and the beautiful images by Joanna Pasek.
Recommend this book:
Mansas Little Reminders
A.D. Williams, Kendal Fordham, et al.

2022 Honorable Mention
70 Pages
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Children - Concept

Mansa’s Little Reminders by A. D. Williams and Kendal Fordham and illustrated by Taylor Bou is the story of Mark, a child with a big imagination who daydreamed a lot. While some people found this fascinating, others were irritated by his penchant for zoning out. Mark had always imagined owning all the luxuries his schoolmates enjoyed. He wanted to take care of himself and his mother. Unfortunately, Mark came from a poor home. He had no father and often got teased at school. One day, all he wanted was a sausage and bacon with his eggs, but his mom couldn’t afford both choices. A heart-to-heart discussion with his mom and a chance meeting with Mansa, the squirrel, was all it took to cause a shift that would change his life forever.
Mansa’s Little Reminders by A. D. Williams & Kendal Fordham is a fantastic book. It focuses on financial literacy for children, parents, and adults. I had a jotter full of valuable information by the time I finished reading it. The core message of Mansa’s Little Reminders is finding a passion and then developing a unique selling proposition. Other vital lessons included nailing the perfect target audience, creating scales of preference, pricing, and saving. The best part of Williams and Fordham’s work is their amusing and practical writing method. The uncomplicated writing style will draw in children while the colorful illustrations by Taylor Bou will hold their attention. I must also commend the authors for creating a book for financial emancipation that includes all ethnic groups, often ignored in this type of discussion. This book is a mini business guide for kids, and even adults could use a few lessons.
