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:
One to Ten
Squirrel's Bad Day
Carole P. Roman

2017 Honorable Mention
38 Pages
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Children - Concept

One to Ten: Squirrel’s Bad Day is a fun storybook for children, as well as providing a coping mechanism for learning to deal with problems. Ranking a problem on a scale of one to 10 will help them to understand that bad things happen and, when you compare them to other problems, maybe some of them aren’t that bad. This educational children’s book by Carole Roman will help children to understand their problems and to realize that maybe some problems are small—less than 5 on the scale—and shouldn’t bother them at all.
One to Ten is a wonderful story of Rabbit explaining to Squirrel how the ranking system helped him to cope when trouble happens. Squirrel was feeling sad when he dropped his acorns into the stream, but with Rabbit’s trick, he doesn’t feel so bad. Rabbit shares some examples of problems that happened recently and demonstrates to Squirrel how to rank those examples. Rabbit also explained how sometimes good things come from problems. In the end, losing some acorns in the water doesn’t seem as bad when you rank it on a scale of one to ten. I think parents and children will find this story entertaining and educational.
The beautiful watercolor illustrations by Mateya Arkova are well done and add so much to the story. The use of tones and shadows is very effective for children’s book illustrations. I like the divided page technique used on some pages, just like a graphic novel. I also liked the talk bubbles with shadows like a comic book and the fun, whimsical drawings of animals dancing or cheering.
Recommend this book:
The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba
A New Life Begins! Book 1 Series 1
Roe De Pinto

2017 Bronze Medal
24 Pages
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Children - Concept

The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba: A New Life Begins! is created by Roe De Pinto. An adorable baby seal pup named Zealy is born. Zealy is a beautiful baby, covered with white fur. Zealy opens her eyes for the first time to discover her adoring parents. Her parents could not stop smiling when they saw Zealy. They spoiled their beautiful new daughter with lots of hugs and kisses. Like new babies do, she cuddled with her mother, drank her fill of warm milk, and drifted off into a deep slumber. Zealy awakens and discovers a new friend, Whubba. Whubba is a baby orca whale. Whubba is a good friend who watches over Zealy and protects her.
De Pinto has created a very beautiful story that readers are bound to fall in love with. This story is filled with vibrant and colorful pictures. The characters are an adorable seal family with mom, dad and new pup Zealy, who are joined by the baby orca whale. Young children and parents alike are certain to be fascinated by these characters. This heartwarming story is one that all new parents can identify with. As a mother of three, I was reminded how joyous it was to welcome my new babies into the world. I would have liked to see more depth to this story, which is why I am eagerly awaiting the next title in this series. I am looking forward to seeing how this series unfolds. I recommend The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba: A New Life Begins! as an entertaining story to be shared with all young children.
Recommend this book:
Off the Hook
A Christmas Ornament Adventure
John Arvai III

2017 Silver Medal
74 Pages
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Children - Concept

Off the Hook: A Christmas Ornament Adventure is an adventure picture book for children written by John Arvai III and illustrated by Eminence System. Most people think that Christmas ornaments are just there for decoration purposes, but they're really much more than just decorations. Those heroes on hooks actually make sure the tree lights are working properly, guard the cookies and milk from the family dog, and keep the fireplace in good shape so Santa can visit your house. Then there's the star that goes on top of the tree. This is an especially important ornament as it guides Santa to your house by sending out a golden glow that Santa can see from his sleigh. But what would happen if that star wasn't on top of your tree? What if your cat knocked it off the tree, and it tumbled out of reach? Something very much like that happened at the Thompson house when they were hosting their Christmas party. No one noticed that the star had ended up in a gift bag, and no one saw Aunt Connie leaving with it. Or did they?
John Arvai's adventure picture book for children, Off the Hook: A Christmas Ornament Adventure, follows the front and back side ornaments of the Thompson family's Christmas tree as they try to save Christmas for their family. This is an exciting story complete with conflicts, impossible situations, and a deadline that looms ever closer. Arvai's ornament characters are marvelous! He endows each one of them with a personality and his/her own role in this action-packed holiday tale. The illustrations provided by Eminence System are brilliantly colored and add depth and dimension to the plot. I found myself getting lost in each panel as I delightedly found every detail and action described in the story. Children of all ages, including those adults who volunteer for story time rather than have to sit and chat with the grownups, will thrill to this most unusual Christmas tale that actually gets better with each successive reading. Off the Hook: A Christmas Ornament Adventure is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Can a Princess Be a Firefighter?
Carole P. Roman

2017 Gold Medal
36 Pages
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Children - Concept

Can a Princess Be a Firefighter? is a children’s book written by Carole P. Roman and illustrated by Mateya Arkova. When a child asks her parent if a princess can be a firefighter, she is offered many occupational suggestions, some of which are roles usually thought to be filled by men. Judges, dentists, cowpokes, mimes and more cause the little girl to question which of the many endless occupations she could fill when she is old enough. What worries her the most is that she may have to retire her fairy wings in order to fulfill certain roles, such as a lawyer, construction worker or crime-fighter. With so many career paths available, the young girl is excited to have so many choices, and has several years ahead in which to decide what she would like to be when her studies are complete.
I truly enjoyed this story, not only in the way it is written, but also in how the illustrations show what each occupation entails. Carole P. Roman has listed so many possibilities of what a young child could become, regardless of their gender, with each choice creating much thrill and excitement. Long gone are the days where the only option for a girl was as a secretary or a housewife. Female astronauts, truck drivers, dancers or doctors are some of the many careers available to her, should she wish to pursue them, and, with none making her any less feminine than she is, the child is thrilled at the possibilities. Many avenues and pathways are now attainable by both genders, creating many fulfilling and wonderful career opportunities for this and future generations. I recommend Can a Princess Be a Firefighter to children aged 4 to 12, as it lists the seemingly endless list of career possibilities open to them.
Recommend this book:
The Pancake Menu
Menu & Cookbook Hands-on Math Fun (Kids Menu Books 1)
Lucy Ravitch

2016 Bronze Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Concept

I confess, I am a mom and I do not know how to make pancakes. So when I saw Lucy Ravitch’s book, The Pancake Menu: Menu & Cookbook Hands-on Math Fun, I grabbed it in hopes of learning. I was not disappointed and am happy to say I have a better idea of how to make pancakes now.
The Pancake Menu starts off with colorful pictures of all the recipes in the book. On these pictures are also prices that you can use to teach your children math when you order the pancakes. In the back of the book are the cooking tips and actual recipes for each item that was pictured. Ravitch has a bunch of pancake recipes in this book that I have never heard of. Such as Flying Saucer Pancakes and Overstuffed Pancakes. One thing is that they all look fun to make. The recipe I look forward to trying the most is the Alphabet Pancakes. Making letters and names would be fun. The hardest part of this recipe looks to be learning how to write mirror image. But thanks to Ravitch’s helpful tip about writing the letters out on paper, she makes me feel confident that I could do it.
The Pancake Menu is the first book in the Kids Menu Book series. I think a cookbook for kids is a great idea. It would even be helpful to adults like me who are still earning how to cook. I look forward to reading more books in the Kids Menu Book series.
Recommend this book:
The City Kittens and the Old House Cat
Mrs D.

2016 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Concept

The City Kittens and the Old House Cat is a story written with a Christmas backdrop. Nyda, the cat, is happy in the family where she is living and she has settled into a comfortable routine. Her life changes when the eldest daughter of the family brings in two new kittens, Mickey and Jack. There is a lot of activity in the house and Nyda feels a little irritated with all the noise and happenings, and she resents their presence in the family.
The story is a beautiful story of love and compassion. The way Nyda changes from a selfish and self-centered cat is truly amazing. It is a message for all of us that we need to change and a positive change is good for anyone. The book also speaks about how we get comfortable with our mundane lives and we do not want it to change for fear of losing comfort and the security we are used to.
The City Kittens and the Old House Cat is an inspiring story written from a cat's point of view. The story can be understood by all pet lovers. The book has some beautiful and colorful illustrations. That makes the book very attractive and visually appealing, something which all the kids love. Children's books should be colorful and bright. The message of tolerance is very important in the current living situation. The book has a nice moral which can be explained to children and they can be asked to practice it too.
Recommend this book:
Suzie Snowflake
One beautiful flake (a self-esteem story)
Crystaline Rose

2016 Silver Medal
36 Pages
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Children - Concept

Suzie Snowflake by Crystaline Rose is a poetic story for children about a snowflake who is afraid to be different. Suzie Snowflake struggles daily because she has what she thought was a flaw. Her mother explains to her that it is not a flaw; she has her own unique design. I chose to read Suzie Snowflake with my 4-year-old daughter. We both enjoyed the story. The message in the story is a good one. It is all right to be different because that is what makes you unique. I think that a lot of people can relate to Suzie Snowflake and her insecurities. The wording in the book was a little difficult for my child to read by herself. That is why I will recommend this book for ages 6 and up.
The illustrations in the book were absolutely beautiful. I would never have imagined a snowflake to look like that. My daughter especially liked the rainbows. She spent over an hour staring at them. I really liked that Rose included information on how a snowflake is formed at the end of the book. At the back of the book there is also a snowflake that your child can color.
Overall, I think this is a great book for children. The message is something that everyone, including adults, needs to hear. There isn't a single person in this world who is not insecure about something in themselves. This book reminds people that it is okay to look different. This is the type of book that belongs in schools.
Recommend this book:
Corinne's Fin
Dayle Dabney

2016 Honorable Mention
32 Pages
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Children - Concept

Corinne’s Fin is a children’s book written by Dayle Dabney and illustrated by Ashley Teets. Corinne is a goldfish who swims well in Lavender Lake, where fishing is strictly forbidden. Her bulletin board at home is covered in gold medals, as she wins every swimming tournament. One day while practicing her swimming, not long after mentoring a group of tiny fans, one of Corinne’s fins was badly damaged when it snagged and tore off on a fishing hook; somebody had broken the law and was fishing in a no-fishing pond! Without her fin, Corinne was only able to swim in circles, leaving her very sad. While some of her friends cried with her, seeing only what Corinne had lost, her one optimistic friend taught her some new skills to build up her confidence once again. Seeking out things she could do rather than focusing on things that she couldn’t, Corinne finds not just one, but two more things she is great at and uses those skills to help others.
Corinne’s Fin touched close to home for me in so many ways, as I had faced the same dilemma when a head injury stripped me of my hearing and most of my eyesight. The illustrations in Corinne’s Fin are vivid and stunning, complementing this incredible story of greatness, tragedy, sorrow, acceptance, and finding a new path. Dayle Dabney’s message that we are not one-trick-ponies, and have many qualities which we can fall back on if we just look, is a great one. Corinne’s Fin is a tale of courage and determination, and while it is aimed at children, I could not help but smile at the way it was presented. I recommend this book to children of all ages, as well as to those who have suffered a life-altering event and need a little guidance. Great job!
Recommend this book:
I Have Two Daddies
An Earthly Daddy and A Heavenly Daddy
Lynn Calvin Plater

2016 Honorable Mention
40 Pages
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Children - Concept

I Have Two Daddies is the story told by a little girl about her two daddies, her earthly daddy and her heavenly daddy. As she talks about her earthly daddy, she talks about all of the things they do together. She describes the things her earthly daddy does and says to assure her how much he loves her. She also tells of her heavenly daddy, the daddy she can’t see because he is in heaven. First she tells how she began her relationship with her heavenly daddy, and then about the things that assure her that her heavenly daddy loves her. Join this little girl as she tells you all about her two daddies, and how you can have a heavenly daddy too!
I really like this story. Having a little girl tell the story about her earthly and heavenly daddies was a very nice idea, because children will listen when other children tell them something. I like that the two daddies are compared to each other, and author Lynn Calvin does an excellent job of explaining the likes and differences between the two. And the illustrations by Maria Rask are well thought out and fit the story well. Other neat things in this book is a Praise Certificate, to fill out because you are thankful for having two daddies, as well as a few activities for children to do. It would be wonderful if this book could get into the hands of every child. I highly recommend this for your child’s library.
Recommend this book:
The Golden Rule
Sherrill S. Cannon

2016 Finalist
30 Pages
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Children - Concept

The Golden Rule is a children's concept picture book written by Sherrill S. Cannon and illustrated by Kalpart. Robert wants to see if he can find the ruler his mom was talking about. She said it was old, but, better yet, that it was gold. He thinks that if he and his sister can find it, they can sell it. They decide to go looking for it and end up searching all through the classrooms at their school. After finding nothing but an old plastic ruler, Kait, his sister, wondered if the ruler was something they couldn't see, and Robert starting thinking. Maybe it wasn't a ruler their mom was talking about but a rule -- one that would show you how to treat others, like the other kids at school and your friends.
Sherrill S. Cannon's concept picture book for children, The Golden Rule, is entertaining and fun while it also presents guidelines for kids to follow in their interactions with others. Cannon's rhyming verse is clever and brims with enthusiasm, and Kalpart's brightly colored illustrations fit the storyline perfectly. I was pleased to see that the story covered so many important social issues facing children, especially the problem of bullies and how to react to them and get help from an adult, sharing, and giving freely to others in need. She even includes one of my own favorite golden rules, paying it forward, in this delightful and instructive work. The Golden Rule is a perfect story time selection for reading aloud as well as an excellent choice for children who have outgrown their first primers. The Golden Rule is most highly recommended.
