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:
Exploring the Garden with the Little Rose
Sheri Fink
2013 Gold Medal
28 Pages
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Children - Concept
"Exploring the Garden with the Little Rose," written by Sheri Fink and illustrated by Mary Erikson Washam, is a fun, beautiful, and educational book to share with young children. This book teaches the alphabet and identifies different objects throughout the garden whose names begin with each letter. Each page of the book is devoted to a different letter. The page for letter "C" asks the reader to point out the caterpillar, cardinal and cricket while the objects for letter "G" are goose, gnome, grass and gate. The illustrations include each of the objects listed for each letter.
This is a great book for teaching the alphabet as well as identifying different things whose names begin with different letters of the alphabet. The objects that are included are what one may see while being outside in a garden and therefore are different from the objects typically included in a "learning the alphabet" type book. As the books asks "can you find, " "where are," or "do you see," this book becomes very interactive. It helps children to identify what different objects look like. Therefore, this is a great book not only to help teach the letters of the alphabet, but also to introduce gardens and the things in them and what can be enjoyed while being outdoors. The illustrations are beautiful and soothing and fun for children to look at as they are filled with many details.
Recommend this book:
A Prayer For Little Kicker
Sandy Sprott
2012 Finalist
40 Pages
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Children - Concept
Sandy Sprott’s Little Kicker series begins with “A Prayer for Little Kicker.” Mother and Daddy Donkey have a baby donkey named Little Kicker. They love Little Kicker and they also love God and they want Little Kicker to love God and do great things in his life. Mother and Daddy decide to invite all of their friends for a special day of prayer for Little Kicker. Their friends arrive and circle around Little Kicker and pray for him and bless his life.
This book would be an excellent gift for new parents as they begin their lives caring for a baby. “A Prayer For Little Kicker” has such positive messages throughout the book. Mother and Daddy Donkey love Little Kicker and it is their responsibility to raise him; however, they know that they are not alone or that they can raise him without the love and support of others. The Donkeys show their faith in God and love for both Him and Little Kicker by having a day dedicated to praying for Little Kicker. By including their friends they are making their desire clear to others and are asking for support throughout Little Kicker’s life just as parents need others’ support and guidance while raising children. Most of all they need to be looking to God and asking for His blessings along the way. Children will love Little Kicker and the animal friends in this book. Some of the other animals are described in detail at the end of the book to educate children about them. The illustrations throughout this book are beautiful and there are so many details in the pictures. I love the map that is included of the land and the animals’ habitats. There are also activities included making this book interactive to use with children.
Recommend this book:
Rachel and Sammy Learn About Trees
Jannifer Powelson
2012 Bronze Medal
40 Pages
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Children - Concept
"Rachel and Sammy Learn About Trees" is not only an adorable story, but it is educational as well! Written by Jannifer Powelson, the story is geared for young children and she also includes photographs to go along with what the characters learn about the trees. The illustrations included in this book are by Kalpart and there is a nice mix of "cartoonish" illustrations and actual photographs. Rachel and Sammy go on a field trip with their teacher, Mrs. Doe, and the other animals in their class. The animals begin walking on the Nature Trail and quickly begin learning fascinating facts about the trees that they see and also various types of leaves and bark. As the field trip continues the animals learn about various purposes of trees and the ways wood can be used.
This is one of the best children's books I have seen which is both enjoyable educational! The illustrations will appeal to the children as they are so vibrant. The photographs included are excellent so that children will be able to use them as a guide to what they see in their own neighborhoods. Young readers will join this class of animals on their field trip to the forest and they will be learning so much right along with the animals. While there are a lot of words on the pages and a lot of information, the layout ensures that it is not overwhelming for children. The photographs are well-labeled so that children can learn to identify and recognize the various types in their environments as well. A very well-done book by both the author and the illustrator!
Recommend this book:
If You Love Me So Much
Danielle Leibovici, LMFT
2012 Silver Medal
40 Pages
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Children - Concept
In this tale a boy questions whether his parents truly love him. If they loved him they would not make him ___ (you can fill in the blank). He confronts his parents with the question, “If you love me so much" why should I brush my teeth, take a bath, brush my hair, and wear a coat. The young boy has a whole list of 'whys.' With each question his parents answer him with a rhyming answer.
It is often difficult for children to understand why parents tell them to do things. Sometimes as parents it is easier to say because I said so. Children need to understand, yet it is difficult and sometimes imposible to explain to children the reasons behind our decisions. Danielle Leibovici’s book "If You Love Me So Much" comes to parent’s rescue by cleverly answering our children’s questions.
This book is the perfect size. Thirty pages is just enough to tell the story without losing your child’s attention. The pages are painted in muted colors with the words in black, making a nice easy to read contrast. The illustrations were lovingly completed by Julia Gavrielov. Each illustration is eye catching and appears to be done in water color. The child in the picture is lifelike and shown in different scenarios relating to the questions. This book would make a great gift. I suggest reading it to your child every time they ask the question, “If you love me so much...”
Recommend this book:
Henrietta Hexagon & the Triangles
Mandi Tillotson Williams
2012 Honorable Mention
23 Pages
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Children - Concept
What an adorable book! Poor little Henrietta Hexagon thinks she doesn’t fit in with the other shapes of the world. Adopted by the Triangle family and living on Groveland Circle, Henrietta feels different. Her mom tried to convince her that she was special and that hexagons are everywhere too, but Henrietta isn’t sure she believes that and sets off in search of hexagons. Using her magnifying glass, binoculars and other items she finds in her toy box, Henrietta searches and searches but finds nothing but circles, rectangles, and squares.
In the meantime, Ma Triangle is determined to show Henrietta how special she really is. I don’t want to spoil the ending for you, so let’s just say that Henrietta learns that she does fit in and is loved just as much as any other shape.
The illustrations are cute and very colorful and sure to interest young readers. I liked the cute little backdrop of the window in the living room where there was always a little cat peeking in or jumping around outside. This book is also a good educational tool for little readers to learn their shapes while learning a lesson about being different but being accepted. I found myself learning things too as I had forgotten what shape a hexagon was or how many sides it has. There were all kinds of lessons here, from diversity to geometry to adoption; everything is nicely taught.
Recommend this book:
Randy Kazandy, Where Are Your Glasses?
Rhonda Fischer, art By Kim Sponaugle
2012 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Concept
Rhonda Fischer is a name you will want to remember. She is the author of the Randy Kazandy series. Randy is an adorable little boy who needs glasses. Although Randy sees two of everything without his glasses he still does not want to wear them. In fact, he does everything he can get rid of them, but his mother always has a spare pair ready. Just when Randy thinks he has destroyed every pair, his doctor delivers more. Randy’s father tells him that he also needs to wear glasses, which changes Randy's perception of them and he decides that wearing glasses isn’t so bad after all.
There are three major elements in this book: the message, the format, and the illustrations. The message in this one we all need to learn--it is okay to be different. From Personal experience, I know children do not like to be different. Whether it is glasses, height, weight, etc., we all want to fit in. Both children and adults will cherish the message. The format of this book is a delightful prose. The words dance across the page as if in a magical musical parade. Children love lyrical prose. They will ask to read this book over and over. I saved the best for last…the illustrations. Artist Kim Sponaugle is a master of her art. The colors are bright and cheerful, the drawings are exquisite and quickly draw children into the story. I put this tale to the ultimate test…grandchildren. Four year old Maddix loved this book, he understood the plot and asked me to read it to him again. Of course I agreed. Fischer and Sponaugle made quite a team and an excellent book! If you are having trouble reading this review, maybe its time you visited the fun Dr. Bee!
Recommend this book:
Queen Vernita Visits the Blue Ice Mountains
Dawn Menge
2011 Finalist
32 Pages
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Children - Concept
Another Queen Vernita book, another year, and more invitations to the Queen's friends to come visit "The Blue Ice Mountains." There will be visits each month during the year to the mountains and a lot of fun teaching and learning. Some of the interesting things they would learn about this year are whales, sea otters, kinds of crabs, glaciers, the northern lights and the North Pole. These are just some of the many topics that would be taught on this icy mountain during this year. And as with all of Menge's books, this one is packed full of really cool information. The visitors even rode on a sleigh pulled by reindeer to the North Pole. Wonder if Santa Clause rode with them?
I am a new fan of Dawn Menge books. This book is well researched and very well written so young readers can understand and learn in a fun way. The way each page is devoted to one month and one subject makes it easier for readers to study and learn. And I love the way Bobbi Switzer illustrates this book! The pictures are so adorable; the faces and expressions invite you into the pages for an enjoyable, funny and interesting read. I highly recommend this book to not only students 4 through 8 but older students and adults as well. As far as I am concerned, this book is a must on every public and school library shelf, as well as for home-schoolers. Your child will love it and so will you!
Recommend this book:
Fifo 50 States
Hayley Rose, illustrations by Jessie B. Orlet
2011 Bronze Medal
112 Pages
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Children - Concept
Fifo 50 States by Hayley Rose is an excellent tool for teaching children about the 50 states. Information pertaining to each state is included in a poem, as well as the state bird, flower and tree. This small book also teaches the state capital and the state number. The rhythm will help the child to learn the information. The illustration contains clues to something for which the state is well known. At the bottom of the page with the poem is the state motto.
I'll use Kentucky as an example of the information offered for each state. Kentucky was the fifteenth state, and Frankfort is the capital. The state flower is goldenrod, and the state tree is the yellow poplar tree. The state bird is the red bird, also known as the Cardinal. The state motto is United We Stand and Divided We Fall. The illustration shows a horse because Kentucky is famous for fast horses. The illustration also shows the state bird. Tobacco and coal are the main crops. Daniel Boone National Forest is located in the eastern part of the state. The state is well known for Fort Knox where all the national gold reserves are hidden.
Hayley Rose offers teachers and parents a tool to utilize in making learning fun. I was excited when I received this book to review. Learning should be fun, and Rose has created an excellent way that children can relate to. We need more books of this caliber for our children. The amount of information stored in this small book is amazing. I shared Fifo with my grandson. Maddix loved the bear and the poetry held his attention. He asked me to read it again; that's how I judge a book to be worthy of my shelves.
Recommend this book:
The Magic Word
Sherrill S. Cannon
2011 Gold Medal
28 Pages
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Children - Concept
Elisabeth did not use good manners. She never said "please" or "thank you" and she did not like to share. She and her mother planned a birthday party. They made invitations and sent them to all her friends. Each day Elisabeth checked the mail to see who was coming to her party. But there were no replies.
Her manners hurt friendships and kept people away. Her mother told her it was time to change. Elisabeth learned the magic words, "please" and "thank you." The next day at school Elisabeth remembered to say "please." Her classmates were surprised. They were shocked when they heard her say "thank you." Elisabeth found it was fun to share and to give to others. She asked her classmates to "please" come to her party.
While this book is written for children ages 4-8, I know several adults that could learn from this tale. The message is an important one. Sherrill S. Cannon presents it in a simple and easy to understand way. Children will like the rhythm of the words. They will love the illustrations which are bright colored and appealing. "Please," "thank you," sharing and all good manners are an important lesson that sometimes is lost in our society. I don't think manners should ever become obsolete.