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/Novella
- 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/Novella
- 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 Best Letter Club
When Consonants and Vowels Unite
Holly DiBella-McCarthy
2026 Finalist
42 Pages
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Children - Concept

Holly DiBella-McCarthy’s The Best Letter Club: When Consonants and Vowels Unite is a playful and witty storybook that transforms each member of the ABCs into a character in this tale. It takes place in Letterland, a colorful world divided into two groups. Advisor A says the Vowels are the most important, while Boss B argues that the Consonants are actually the superior ones. However, one of their friends is torn because they don’t know which bunch they belong to. That friend, who is letter Y, decides to devise a plan to bring everyone together. Through a series of exchanged notes and shared songs, they discover that combining their strengths makes their words clearer and stronger. At the end of the book, there are fill-in-the-blank notes, a circle-time song, and additional activity ideas for children to enjoy at home or in school. The story emphasizes teamwork, kindness, and unity, showing how the alphabet works best when they work hand-in-hand.
I really enjoyed reading The Best Letter Club by Holly DiBella-McCarthy. As an educator, I appreciate how it makes the basics of phonics engaging and enjoyable for kids. The posters on the club walls were clever. I liked the one that says, “Every syllable has a vowel,” the most. It reinforces an essential concept in a simple yet effective way. Alina Korolyova’s illustrations are vibrant, bringing Letterland to life. I also liked the interactive features at the end, especially the fill-in-the-letter-code page—one for vowels and one for consonants—which is perfect for reinforcing learning in a fun way. The idea of creating a club with its own name and rules was another favorite, since it encourages teamwork and creativity. This book is a perfect read-aloud for school or home, teaching an important idea in a delightful and entertaining way.
Recommend this book:
Tattle Tails
Stacy Byous
2026 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Children - Concept

There’s a difference between tattling and telling. Do you know what this difference is? In Stacy Byous’s Tattle Tails, siblings Skylar and Brodie are constantly tattling on each other. When they take their tattling to school and start tattling on their classmates, the tattling really gets out of hand. Mom and Dad try everything to explain the difference between tattling and telling because tattling is really just about getting someone in trouble and hurting them in the process. What they need is a Tattle Tail, a stuffed toy they can talk to and share their tattles with to see if it’s worth taking further. Will it work? Will the siblings’ constant tattling come to an end?
Stacy Byous’s picture book, Tattle Tails, is a great resource to encourage young readers to avoid tattling and to know the difference between tattling and telling. The language is simple to help young readers easily follow along and to improve their reading skills. The author effectively uses different fonts to bring out the key points and add some zest to the plot. As the plot develops and intensifies, the introduction of creative incentives like the stuffed animal, Tattle Tail, brings the siblings closer together and makes them respect each other so they can cooperate and make their home much more pleasant. The illustrations by Maddie Kimber are bright, bold, and colorful and add an extra dimension and lots of excitement to the story. At the end of the book is a useful “How to Use this Book” section, which gives some ideas for interactive activities to further the learning incentive. A beautiful and intensely effective way to teach young readers about showing respect by not tattling.
Recommend this book:
Bubbles in Spring
Seasons with Bubble Girl
Wanda Carter Roush
2026 Bronze Medal
30 Pages
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Children - Concept

Bubbles in Spring is one of four books in the Seasons with Bubble Girl series. Wanda Carter Roush's book is inspired by Bubble Girl, a child with Dravet Syndrome who finds wonder in the world around her, and her springtime adventure in her own special way. The story drifts through bubbles that carry us into the sights and sounds of spring. Bubbles glide over blossoming meadows and bob past a bunny on the run. They drift through the warm garden air, over seedlings freshly planted by farmers, past cherry blossoms and fluttering butterflies, and through a rainstorm that gives way to a brilliant rainbow. Baby chicks waddle in the hay, children stomp through muddy puddles in their colorful rain boots, and little ones scribble chalk masterpieces on the sidewalk. Together with the reader, Bubble Girl takes in the quieter wonders of spring—right down to the tiny bunny tucked away on every page.
Wanda Carter Roush has a gift for making readers embrace the unhurried flow of life. The bubbles' journey, along with her rhyming words, is consistent throughout her entire book series. The story is easy and warm yet fun. Bubbles in Spring is a celebration of diversity and inclusion in spring. The back matter adds wonderful value. It elevates the reading experience for youngsters. The “What Happens in Spring?” section is informative. It helps children appreciate the symbolism of spring very early in life. The I Spy activities are like sprinkles of fun, flipping the pages again and again. Moreover, it teaches young readers to practice being attentive. The educational element is subtle yet delightful and useful. This is a book that children will want to read more than once, as young readers look forward to or experience spring, the season of new beginnings.
Recommend this book:
If the Shoe Fits
Angie El-Zarad
2026 Silver Medal
31 Pages
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Children - Concept

Who knew a closet full of shoes could hold so many journeys? If the Shoe Fits by Angie El-Zarad is an endearing picture book that invites young readers to explore different adventures, one pair of shoes at a time. At first, each pair seems quite ordinary, but with the right pair of shoes on, children can do the extraordinary. Whether it’s singing and dancing in the rain wearing rain boots, twirling in ballet slippers, or confidently gliding on ice skates, this book puts a new spin on picking shoes for the day’s activities. Using clever rhyming, it also encourages children to use their imaginations and to try new things. The pictures also add a layer of engagement with bright colors and details. It's a wonderful reminder for kids that, sometimes, all you need is the perfect pair of shoes to feel ready to move, explore, and discover just how much you can do!
If the Shoe Fits by Angie El-Zarad is a delightful children’s book that creatively inspires children to see how what may seem difficult can become easy with the right pair of shoes. As an educator, I loved the positivity of this story. It could open the door to many classroom discussions with questions like: “Which pair of shoes have you worn and what happened when you were wearing them?" I also think it’s an engaging book with its rhymes, and how some of the words are in different colors and bolded to add emphasis. The illustrations by Olga Sall are a wonderful addition with all their details, especially the expressions of the children. This book is a celebration of movement, curiosity, and confidence that belongs on any home or classroom shelf.
Recommend this book:
The Girl Who Makes A Million Mistakes: Dance Disaster
A Growth Mindset Book for Kids to Build Confidence, Resilience, and Courage. (A Million Mistakes Series)
Brenda Li
2026 Gold Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Concept

The Girl Who Makes a Million Mistakes: Dance Practice by Brenda Li is a children’s picture book about a high-spirited girl named Millie who rose to the occasion. When Miss Julianna announces that the class has an exciting dance recital coming up, Millie is absolutely thrilled. Good news: she loves dancing. Bad news: she isn't very good at it. So, she practices day and night, trying not to scratch her nose until she decides she’s ready. On the exact recital day, things go hilariously and heartwarming awry the moment the curtains open. Millie trips, stumbles, and accidentally pulls the curtain down. It was like a recipe for disaster, but Millie is built differently. She always finds a creative way to turn the disaster into something the audience cheers for.
Brenda Li demonstrates a wonderful gift for connecting with young, still-learning readers in The Girl Who Makes a Million Mistakes: Dance Practice. The plot is simple and perfectly paced for its audience. The first stumble builds up to the final bow without a dull moment in between. Millie is a lovable character—imperfect, gutsy, and genuinely funny. She is a character who can empower little girls whenever they go through embarrassment. Millie has a remarkable knack for turning horrid moments into winning moments. That kind of trait is superbly powerful to cultivate in a child. The cheering audience, Millie’s empathetic classmates, and teachers add warmth without stealing the spotlight. The themes of resilience, creative problem-solving, and the courage to keep going even when everything goes wrong are all there. The story has a read-aloud energy that makes every page funny, encouraging, and kind. This is the type of book that will make children giggle from start to finish.
Recommend this book:
Who Says Poo!
A funny read aloud Story Picture Book about words in different languages that sound like the English word, Poo!
Adam Gaudreault
2025 Finalist
35 Pages
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Children - Concept

Who Says Poo! by Adam Gaudreault is a delightful children’s picture book that introduces children to the richness of languages. Adam uses the English word “poo” as a starting point, followed by giving children examples of words in other languages that sound similar. Words may sound the same but have vastly different meanings in different languages. The star of this story is Sally and her quest to find her favorite doll. Children will love learning the other words because they rhyme with “poo.” Children will have fun and enjoy the adventure. Not only does Sally look for her doll, but after she cleans her room, she goes outside for more adventures and learns more words with her pet dog, Denver. The fun never stops, and we hope the learning never stops. I highly recommend this book as a child’s introduction to foreign languages.
In Who Says Poo!, Adam Gaudreault wants children to have fun learning words in foreign languages that sound like “poo.” He writes in an entertaining style for children so they will learn while having fun. There are so many lessons that a parent can teach their child using this book. Discuss the different languages used while reading this book with and to your child. Talk about the countries and cultures represented by these words. You might even want to print out different alphabets, such as the Greek and the Cyrillic. Hopefully, children from three to eight will realize that learning languages can be enjoyable and beneficial. As a parent, you can make this book a foundation for your child’s lifelong learning in an ever-shrinking world. Do you have any people in your neighborhood who speak a different language than you? If so, spend time with your neighbor after reading this book, learning their culture and language.
Recommend this book:
The Worst Cook Book in the Whole Entire World
Joey Acker
2025 Honorable Mention
41 Pages
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Children - Concept

Joey Acker's The Worst Cook Book in the Whole Entire World turns the concept of a traditional cookbook on its head, offering young readers and their families a delightful mix of humor and playful absurdity. This book is a unique blend of storytelling and whimsy that challenges the norms of cooking and children's literature, making it a standout addition to any young reader's shelf. From the outset, Acker clarifies that this isn't your typical cookbook. The so-called recipes are far from serious, designed to elicit giggles rather than gourmet dishes, making this book a fantastic tool for engagement with children who might be reluctant readers.
The book will captivate kindergarten through third-grade children, featuring a narrative style that encourages readers to engage with the text playfully. The illustrations enhance the text's humor, enriching the overall read by depicting the absurdity of the recipes and the reactions of the characters. Despite Acker’s disclaimer about it not being educational or a literary masterpiece, it is a reminder that not all reading has to be serious to be valuable. Sometimes, the joy of reading comes from shared laughter and the simple pleasure of a well-told, funny story. The Worst Cook Book in the Whole Entire World is a delightful, quirky addition to the children's book genre, offering a fresh take on storytelling with a humorous twist. It's a perfect pick for anyone looking to engage young readers with a story that's as much fun to read as it is to look at. The wide-reaching charm makes the book a favorite for read-aloud sessions in both homes and classrooms.
Recommend this book:
The Apple That Fell Far From the Tree
Trevor Crafts, Aaron Burakoff
2025 Bronze Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Concept

The Apple That Fell Far From the Tree is a children’s picture book written by Trevor Crafts and Aaron Burakoff, featuring illustrations by Mister Hope. The story follows a young apple that grew in an orchard in the countryside. Although he looked like his family members, he didn’t feel like he fitted in. He tried to join in various activities like bobbing, rolling down hills, and stargazing, but he yearned for more. The apple dreamed big and aspired to achieve great things. He eventually left his home to seek the Big Apple, a city filled with creative minds that encouraged him to explore new experiences and improve his craft. Just as he started to realize his dreams, he discovered that true fulfillment comes not only from success but also from embracing his roots and sharing his journey with those he loves.
The Apple That Fell Far From the Tree is a humorous and inspiring tale that emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and the value of perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams. While the book is primarily aimed at children, its profound lessons can resonate with adults as well. Throughout his journey, the apple learns the true meaning of belonging and self-acceptance, realizing that while chasing dreams is important, the connections to loved ones and one’s origins are what truly enrich life. The story also illustrates how we can bridge the gap between two worlds, celebrating our individuality while honoring our heritage. Trevor Crafts and Aaron Burakoff use puns and playful language to engage young readers, while Mister Hope’s vibrant illustrations bring the characters and their world to life, making the narrative both entertaining and relatable. Overall, this story is about passion, dreams, and the significance of heritage and relationships. I highly recommend sharing it with your children to teach them about self-acceptance, the pursuit of dreams, and the importance of staying connected to one’s roots.
Recommend this book:
The Boy Who Makes A Million Mistakes
A Story About Growth Mindset for Kids to Boost Confidence, Self-Esteem and Resilience (A Million Mistakes Series)
Brenda Li
2025 Silver Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Concept

The Boy Who Makes a Million Mistakes by Brenda Li is a heartwarming story that follows Milo, a young boy with a passion for baking. Unfortunately, he often makes mistakes and gets easily distracted in the kitchen. He sometimes mixes the wrong ingredients, uses incorrect quantities, and forgets to taste his finished products. One day, in preparation for his school's fundraising bake sale, Milo runs a practice sale at his house. However, his baked goods don’t turn out as he had hoped, leaving him frustrated and ready to give up on his dreams. Fortunately, he recalls the wise words of his idol, Chef Gustav, who encourages him never to give up. Inspired, Milo decides to revisit his recipe, taking measures to concentrate and bake the best cookies he can.
The Boy Who Makes a Million Mistakes is part of the A Million Mistakes Series by Brenda Li, which features inspiring stories about cultivating a growth mindset for kids. These stories help boost confidence, self-esteem, and resilience. Milo is a relatable character with dreams of baking the best cookies for his school fundraiser. His journey includes both challenges and triumphs, reminding readers of the importance of practice and perfecting their craft. The book teaches valuable lessons about being patient, learning from mistakes, trusting the process, and believing in oneself. The author effectively conveys the frustration that comes with making mistakes as well as the joy of finally achieving success. The illustrations complement the text beautifully, with bold words highlighting key moments and emotions experienced by the characters, and vibrant images that engage readers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend sharing it with your children to encourage them never to give up and to embrace their mistakes as valuable learning opportunities.
Recommend this book:
I am King Chameleon! I Demand to be Seen!
Ben Okon, Sourav Majumder
2025 Gold Medal
43 Pages
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Children - Concept

I Am King Chameleon! I Demand to be Seen! by Ben Okon is a vibrant and engaging seek-and-find children’s book that captures the imagination with its colorful narrative and illustrations. The story revolves around King Chameleon, a charismatic character who seeks attention and recognition in his world. His journey is both a visual delight and an emotional adventure that conveys valuable life lessons about self-acceptance and the importance of being seen for who you truly are. Through this narrative, Okon cleverly introduces children to individuality and self-worth. The story is carefully crafted, ensuring the message is accessible to young readers. The rhythmic flow of the text and its playful tone make it an enjoyable read for both children and adults. The book encourages children to embrace their unique qualities and to be confident in expressing themselves.
Illustrator Sourav Majumder brings King Chameleon to life with vivid, whimsical, and expressive illustrations. The use of bright colors and dynamic compositions enhances the themes, making each page a discovery of new details to explore. The illustrations complement and expand the text, adding layers of meaning and engagement through visual storytelling. I Am King Chameleon! I Demand to be Seen! excels in its educational value. It introduces children to the nuances of emotions and social interactions, making it useful for parents and educators to discuss themes of empathy, friendship, and confidence. Moreover, the book's design is child-friendly, with large print and easily digestible chunks of text, making it suitable for early readers. Ben Okon's book is a delightful read that promises to be a favorite on many children's bookshelves, inspiring them to shine brightly in their unique ways.