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:
Scaly Feet and a Sound so Sweet
A rhyming alphabet adventure
Lacey Moore

2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Children - Educational

Scaly Feet and a Sound So Sweet: A Rhyming Alphabet Adventure by Lacey Moore is a delightful exploration of the alphabet, filled with whimsical rhymes and captivating illustrations. Each letter introduces a new character or scene, from alligators with scaly feet to zebras with bold stripes, creating a magical journey that appeals to young readers’ imaginations. The rhythmic verses are catchy, making it fun for children to learn the alphabet while exploring diverse sounds and textures. Children will explore different animals, insects, and aquatic life as they learn the alphabet. Bees, butterflies, ducks, and even jellyfish highlight each page for an engaging read.
What truly sets this picture book apart is the stunning artwork. Emma Clarke’s vibrant and detailed illustrations perfectly capture each letter’s charm and energy. Every page is a visual delight, with scenes that appear to jump off the page, pulling young readers deeper into the adventure. The focus on texture and color enhances the sensory experience, making this book visually pleasing and enjoyable to read aloud. Beyond the visual appeal, Scaly Feet and a Sound So Sweet also fosters a love for language and sound. Lacey Moore’s playful approach to each letter encourages children to interact with words, sounds, and ideas educationally and entertainingly. This book is perfect for young readers and families looking to add a touch of wonder and artistry to their learning routine. It’s an enchanting addition to any children’s library, sparking curiosity and a love for the alphabet most delightfully.
Recommend this book:
Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles
Dynamic Duos
Helene Hovanec

2025 Honorable Mention
78 Pages
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Children - Educational

“What would you get if you crossed a ghost and an elephant?” And, how about this one: “Why did the computer go to see a doctor?” Please don’t ask me; I’m not very good at word puzzles. However, completing this exercise and solving the puzzle is possible. Helene Hovanec’s Word Fun Riddles and Crisscross Puzzles has some hilarious and ridiculous puzzles to solve, along with interesting instructions on finding the answer by working with the words given for each puzzle. Then there are the crisscross puzzles: now these are really cool. Just ask the pooch who leads you through the maze of puzzles.
Helene Hovanec’s Word Fun Riddles and Crisscross Puzzles: Dynamic Duos is a fun way to sharpen your mind. Using a helpful pooch with cute glasses, the author provides young readers with multiple fun exercises that will do more than just expand their vocabulary. These puzzles require detective skills that will develop critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. But they’re also fun to do. You can work through the puzzles by yourself or get together with friends to challenge each other. The word puzzles are really riddles and jokes, providing young people with some funny puzzles that they can share with friends and family to make them laugh. The word games and word searches will strengthen vocabulary skills and help young readers to enjoy working with words. The index at the end of the book lists the word riddles and puzzles to help you find just the right one when you need it to impress others. A great resource packed with hours of entertainment.
Recommend this book:
Sound Switch Wonder
Christine J. Ko, Owen Whang

2025 Bronze Medal
40 Pages
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Children - Educational

Sound Switch Wonder is a children's picture book written by Christine J. Ko and Owen Whang, with illustrations by Katie Crumpton. The story revolves around a day in the life of a boy who has a hearing impairment. Despite his hearing challenges, the little boy is blessed with a loving family who helped him get a cochlear implant. With the implant, the boy can experience sounds differently, and he can turn it on or off as he wishes. The device is his only way of listening, and the book depicts his unique perspective on the world around him. The boy explains to his family that being deaf is not the same as being in a quiet place or covering your ears, as you can still hear sounds. This book is a great resource for parents and teachers to help educate children about deafness and hearing difficulties.
Sound Switch Wonder is fun and educational because it has an entertaining story and teaches children about deafness and hearing aids. The main character is inspired by Christine J. Ko's son, Owen Whang, who uses a cochlear implant in his daily life. I enjoyed reading the final section of the book, which includes profiles of the authors and illustrator and their personal experiences with being deaf or having a loved one with hearing difficulties. It helped me understand why they are so knowledgeable and passionate about the topic. Their stories will encourage children to embrace each other's differences and be considerate of one another. The beautiful illustrations perfectly match the story, and the bright colors will grab children's attention and keep them engaged. Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an excellent educational story that teaches children about deafness and the importance of understanding and accepting differences.
Recommend this book:
Catalina Plays The What?
Antonia Aviles

2025 Bronze Medal
43 Pages
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Children - Educational

Catalina Plays The What? is a heartwarming children’s book written by Antonia Aviles, with illustrations by Jasmine T. Mills. It follows the story of Catalina, a young girl doing a show-and-tell presentation about her favorite instrument, the double bass. Catalina nervously starts her presentation but with the help of her grandfather, she gains confidence teaching her classmates why the instrument is special. She passionately explains the double bass's various names, its unique characteristics, and its role in music. She talks about its use in classical, Jazz, and blues music, engaging her classmates and sparking their curiosity. Catalina narrates how her grandfather taught her to play the instrument and their shared love for music. Finally, she plays the double bass for her class, sharing a piece she has been practicing for a long time.
Catalina Plays The What? is a beautiful story that teaches young readers about the double bass. It has confidence, family bonds, the joy of sharing knowledge, and the importance of music. Catalina’s presentation is realistic and relatable, and it will inspire children to explore their interests, especially in playing musical instruments, and encourage them to be creative. Antonia Aviles’ narration is engaging, with heartwarming messages about overcoming fears, the power of music to connect people across generations, and the joy of learning something new. Jasmine T. Mills' colorful illustrations are vibrant and appealing. The inclusion of diverse characters from different ethnicities enriches the narrative, highlighting the universal nature of music and the shared experiences that can transcend cultural boundaries. I would love to read more books featuring Catalina's classmates talking about their favorite musical instruments. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delightful children's story that educates young readers about the beauty of music.
Recommend this book:
The Survival Squad
Friends, Fear, and a Jungle Journey
Marcy Pusey

2025 Silver Medal
34 Pages
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Children - Educational

What is better than animals going to a party and learning along the way? With adorable full-page illustrations by Farrukh A. Ahmed, Marcy Pusey’s picture book, The Survival Squad: Friends, Fear, and a Jungle Journey, is a sweet story about friendship and the power of teamwork. Three friends, Owl, Tiger, and Meerkat, help each other travel through the jungle. Aptly named the Survival Squad, they work together to navigate several potentially dangerous situations—raging rivers, snakes, and more—to celebrate a happy ending together.
The Survival Squad is an entertaining read. It highlights the themes of collaboration, friendship, courage, and problem-solving. However, author Marcy Pusey uses the characters of Owl, Tiger, and Meerkat to represent the body/brain and its physiological reactions to threats. This story is an age-appropriate tool for opening conversations with younger children about these natural survival mechanisms. The author introduces an interactive component before the story to ask readers to identify Tiger’s examples of flight, fight, freeze, and fawn. The facts page after the narrative explains each character as a representation of parts of the brain and their role in fear responses. The friends do not encounter only danger; there are moments of smiling and silliness along the way, like when the group meets a prankster mouse. The narrative and illustrations together create a cohesive and light-hearted feel. The Survival Squad: Friends, Fear, and a Jungle Journey is a recommended read and learning tool for children, parents, educators, and therapists.
Recommend this book:
The Not-So-Lazy Schwa
Phonics Read-Alouds Series
Yvette Manns

2025 Silver Medal
31 Pages
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Children - Educational

The Not-So-Lazy Schwa by Yvette Manns, with vibrant illustrations by Ana K. Blu, is a delightful and educational phonics read-aloud that brings the often-overlooked “schwa” sound to life. Schwa, the main character, starts as a laid-back figure who doesn’t feel like he fits in with the other letters. When he tries to join the consonants, his extra “uh” sound disrupts their standard pronunciation, leaving Schwa feeling out of place. But when he ventures to Vowel Valley, he discovers how his relaxed sound can actually help words flow more smoothly. This charming story cleverly introduces the schwa sound, the most common vowel sound in spoken English, in a way that is engaging and easy for young readers to grasp. Through Schwa’s adventures, readers learn how this “lazy” sound, often overlooked, plays an essential role in helping words sound natural and comfortable to say. The colorful illustrations bring Schwa’s journey to life, while the phonics-based storytelling helps children connect the dots between letters, sounds, and the words they use daily.
As an educator, I found The Not-So-Lazy Schwa by Yvette Manns to be a brilliant fusion of phonics education and entertaining storytelling. The playful narrative and engaging illustrations make it a standout tool for teaching phonics concepts like vowel sounds, syllable stress, and the unique role of the schwa. I especially appreciated how the story highlights Schwa’s journey from feeling like an outsider to recognizing his vital contribution to language. This message resonates with children learning to embrace their strengths. The tips and fun activities included at the end of the book are wonderful resources for parents, teachers, and caregivers looking to extend the learning. I also loved the idea of National Schwa Day, which encourages children to celebrate the joy of reading and phonics with fun, stress-free activities like pajama days and word hunts. This book will leave both children and adults appreciating the magic of the humble “uh” sound.
Recommend this book:
Hiccup's Safe Splash Spectacular
Safe Waters, Happy Hoppers: A Toddler's Guide to Pool Play
Dave W Ball

2025 Gold Medal
27 Pages
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Children - Educational

“With grown-ups close, we laugh and play,/ Keeping us safe in every way.” Sometimes all we want to do is play and have fun. But there are times when we must place safety first. In Dave W Ball’s Hiccup’s Safe Splash Spectacular (I love the alliteration in this title), Hiccup and his friends must learn the rules of pool safety before they can dive in and have some fun. First and foremost, there must always be an adult present. And, then there are the basics, like no running around the pool, no diving in the shallow end, and being observant of the others in the pool to make sure everyone is safe and having fun.
Dave W Ball’s picture book, Hiccup’s Safe Splash Spectacular: Safe Waters, Happy Hoppers: A Toddler’s Guide to Pool Play, is a great pool safety adventure for young readers. Told in rhyming verse and accompanied by bright, bold, and colorful illustrations, this story takes young readers on a tour of a backyard pool, listing all the safety rules that must be followed. The rhymes are entertaining and easy to remember, making the safety lessons fun to learn. Key to the rules is the importance of adult supervision at all times, both around the pool and during other activities as well. This is a great resource for kids to splash, play, and learn about water safety. At the end of the book is an interactive coloring exercise where young readers can color their part of the story. Entertaining and educational.
Recommend this book:
Nuestra Hermosa Familia
Our Beautiful Family
Ayoku Joseph

2024 Finalist
26 Pages
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Children - Educational

Nuestra Hermosa Familia/ Our Beautiful Family by Ayoku Joseph is an inviting introduction to those learning English or Spanish. Each page includes several simple sentences in both English and Spanish, so you will find the corresponding phrase adjacent to it no matter which language you are trying to learn. It starts with Mary/Maria and John/Juan who are twins. They introduce the members of their immediate family, including their pets, a dog/perro, and a cat/gata. Then they move on to their extended family, including aunts/tias, uncles/tios, cousins/primos, and grandparents/abuelos. The final spread includes a family tree with pictures. It also encourages the reader to identify "Who is in your family? / Quienes son tu familia?"
Learning another language is a beneficial skill no matter what your age. As an adult, I'm working on learning Spanish, so I was delighted to find that I could read Nuestra Hermosa Familia/Our Beautiful Family in both languages. Young children will quickly pick up the vocabulary, especially the words that are repeated, like sister/hermana. The text highlights corresponding words in each language so you know which words go together. The illustrations by Medie Big are filled with scenes of everyday family life. They show a multicultural, loving family enjoying fun activities together. Ayoku Joseph has written a simple yet amusing story that will engage young language learners. As our world becomes more diverse, a basic knowledge of other languages will serve us well. Nuestra Hermosa Familia/ Our Beautiful Family is an entertaining introduction to some common vocabulary in both English and Spanish.
Recommend this book:
Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes Ice Cream Adventure
The Adventures of Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes
Heather Marie

2024 Honorable Mention
30 Pages
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Children - Educational

Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes Ice Cream Adventure (The Adventures of Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes) by Heather Marie is an adorable picture book for young children. Sisters Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes head out on an adventure to find some yummy ice cream. Along the way, they are faced with several obstacles that test their sisterhood. From dodging cats to avoiding falling into holes in the ground, will the sisters be able to finally enjoy their long-awaited ice cream? Find out in this fun book.
Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes Ice Cream Adventure was a pleasure to read. From the moment I began reading, I knew I was going to enjoy the storyline, because who doesn't like books about cute doggies? The author has chosen to tell Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes's story through the use of rhyme, which works perfectly throughout. If the storyline isn't enough to draw you in, the professional and colorful illustrations by the talented Hanif Roihan certainly will. Heather Marie has also chosen to add an educational aspect to her book, teaching children the important lessons of being kind, generous, and never giving up on your dreams. I'm sure there are many more to pick up on throughout the book, but I'll not spoil this for young readers. So if you are looking for your child's next bedtime story, then look no further; this incredible book will entertain any youngster's mind. Keep up the great work, Heather. I hope to read more from you soon.
Recommend this book:
It's Not EWWWW...It's YOU!
Sharon Leya, Janne Maru

2024 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Educational

Sometimes our body does things that are just disgusting, like producing gas (fart), mucus from the nose, ear wax, and the worst of all—sweat! But these things should not be ewwy because we cannot survive without them. What would happen if there was no mucus in the nose to stop dirt and germs from getting in, or if there was no saliva in the mouth to help break down food and aid swallowing? It’s Not Ewwww…It’s YOU is a brilliant book that means just what it says. The ewwy things your body does keep you going. Read this book by Sharon Leya to learn about more ewwy things and their role in your body.
It’s Not Ewwww…It’s YOU unfolds as a quick, honest lecture from Professor Ewe (not Ew) to her mammalian friends. The lecture starts in a classroom, but the scene changes to demonstrate the different ewwy things Professor Ewe speaks about. The animated drawings by Janne Maru made the story even more lively and colorful. This book’s narrative is just as colorful as its fonts, and its subject matter is unique. I liked everything about this little book by Sharon Leya, but I was most impressed with the lesson it taught. I learned about biology and body appreciation. I also learned that everything is relative. The lessons in this story are important to both adults and children, and the concepts are explained in very simple terms that shouldn’t be a challenge for young readers. I recommend this book.
