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:
The Fin-Tastic Arctic
Laura Mancuso

2025 Finalist
38 Pages
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Children - Fable

Join mermaids Sara, Alix, and Lucy on an exhilarating underwater adventure in The Fin-Tastic Arctic by Laura Mancuso. Every winter, the three mermaids travel to the Arctic Dune to meet with their friends, Rory, Ella, and Winter, and this year is no different. After arriving at their destination, the mermaids start enjoying the sights and their favorite playgrounds when they see their friend Patty Puffin with oil stuck to their body. The mermaids help Patty clean off the oil and begin their next planned activity; to ride the frosty peaks on sleds. But now, they must help a baby polar bear named Puck, who is floating away from his family, find his way back home. Noah, a narwhal, and Kiki, a local village girl, are going to join the mermaids in their mission to bring Puck home.
The Fin-Tastic Arctic is an uplifting adventure tale that brings to light the increasingly relevant issue of climate change and demonstrates how it impacts the environment, oceans, and different living beings worldwide. Author Laura Mancuso has written an inspirational story using rhyming verses that showcase the power of friendship and the importance of working together to make the world a better place for all. Full of humor and heart, this picture book is a joy. Illustrator Jenna Guidi's beautiful artwork elevates the tale and makes it even more enjoyable for the reader. Young readers are going to love the different animals featured in this story. Recommended to all readers below the age of nine.
Recommend this book:
Rocky
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree
Jennie E. Nicassio

2025 Honorable Mention
40 Pages
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Children - Fable

Little Rocky is a Norway Spruce tree. He’s not as big as the other trees in the forest. Nor is he as strong, and his branches are bent the wrong way and his needles are seldom green. All Rocky wanted was to be chosen as the Rockefeller Christmas tree. There was an annual contest and the winning tree was covered in decorations and allowed to stand tall and proud for all to see. When the wildlife inhabitants of the forest heard of Rocky’s dream, they laughed. When a tall, lush spruce tree called Bruce Spruce heard, he laughed too. But Mary Louise, Guardian of the Forest, a fairy, didn’t laugh. She told Rocky to believe in himself and then he would outshine the others. So believe he did, and amazing things started to happen.
There is nothing more important in this life than the simple fact of believing in ourselves. This is a very important lesson that we all must learn and relearn over and over again. Jennie E. Nicassio’s beautifully illustrated picture book story, Rocky: The Rockefeller Christmas Tree, is a charmer for all ages. Not only does the author tell a significant story about Rockefeller’s Christmas tree tradition (actually a footnote at the end to outline this tradition might be a good idea), but she also presents the theme of believing in oneself, something we don’t do often enough. For in our belief lies our inner beauty and strength and that’s the important lesson that Rocky learned, as did the other creatures in the forest, including his main opponent, Bruce Spruce. Well done!
Recommend this book:
The Legend of the Sleep-Eating Elephant
Nocola Williams

2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Fable

The Legend of the Sleep-Eating Elephant by Nocola Williams is a sweet children’s story with an endearing message and themes of coexistence between humans and animals. Elephant has the important job of helping a village of growers tend to the garden and is responsible for watering the crops. One day he notices a cabbage is missing but doesn’t worry about it until pollination day arrives and the bees notice even more are missing. This means that the village has a thief. Humans and animals band together to find the culprit, and the answer is surprising. They must develop a plan to keep the culprit out of the garden and find a way to stop any more cabbages from being taken. This story focuses on coexistence and shows how one creature can make a huge impact with inspiration derived from Dr. Lucy King, a zoologist who has conducted studies on honeybees and elephant interaction.
The illustrations show the personified nature of the animals, specifically the elephant. Each of the animals has animated expressions so it is easy to see how they feel and what they’re thinking. The images also show the harmony between animals and humans in ways that are easy for children to discern. These show everyone working together to tend to the garden and figure out who is taking the cabbages. There are humorous moments that children will enjoy and will keep them entertained all the way through. The inspiration for the story is a great way to teach children about the interaction between animals, specifically elephants and honeybees, and humans. This is cleverly woven into the story as the honeybees are used to wake the elephant up whenever he sleep-walks his way toward the garden. The Legend of the Sleep-Eating Elephant by Nocola Williams is a unique children’s book that offers something new with a lesson of coexistence at the core, inspiration drawn from real life, and plenty of humor.
Recommend this book:
A World of Things That Won’t Change
Finding comfort amidst big family transitions
Melissa Garin

2025 Silver Medal
31 Pages
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Children - Fable

Change is never easy. But not everything has to change. In this amusing picture book, author Melissa Garin tells the tale of two siblings who have recently moved into their new home with their parents. Narrated in rhyme, A World of Things That Won't Change follows young Emma and her brother Eliott as they unpack their stuff in their new home. The siblings are worried that everything will be different in this new place. When their mom hears them talking, she reassures the kids that although life is full of changes, both big and small, some things remain constant, especially love. Soon, their dad chimes in to play a little game with Emma and Eliott, which includes listing the things that will never change.
Moving house or traveling to a new place often affects children. In times like these, parents and other adults need to remind youngsters of their favorite activities that they can continue to do together as a family. A World of Things That Won't Change is the story of such a family of rabbits. Author Melissa Garin weaves an engaging narrative in rhyme that is not only entertaining but also immensely uplifting. The characters are likable, and young readers will love the fact that the characters are a family of rabbits. In addition, the illustrations by Ale Tadeo perfectly complement Garin's storytelling, making the book even more fun to read. At its core, it's an adventure tale that will spark children's imagination and help them navigate change. Highly recommended!
Recommend this book:
Let There Be Light
A Diwali Story
Siva K.C. Penamakuru

2025 Gold Medal
108 Pages
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Children - Fable

Light is the essence of our existence on this planet and on a far-off planet where pasumans celebrate the same as humans do here on Earth. In Siva K.C. Penamakuru’s Let There Be Light, preparing for the Diwali celebration each year is very serious. It takes days of preparation for this holiday. Only, this year, the events leading up to the big celebration are rather un-Diwali. But, as friends gather to make ready, things tend to fall into place for all the celebrations, including the traditional songs, stories, and, of course, festive treats. And, if that’s not enough to explain the importance of Diwali and other celebrations, there’s a letter at the end written by Jambu, one of the pasumans, and an important character in the story. The letter carefully explains it all.
Siva K.C. Penamakuru’s early chapter book, Let There Be Light: A Diwali Story, is an engaging and educational read. Set on a faraway planet, with anthropomorphic pasumans, this story follows the exciting lead-up to one of the great festivals of the year. The story reads like a fable, a fantasy of sorts. The language is simple and easy to follow, a great way to help young readers improve their reading skills. The few illustrations are bright, bold, and colorful and add texture and a bit of zest to the story. The plot is well-developed and leads the reader through an exciting adventure of festival preparation. The characters are believable and dialogue is used with care. At the end of the book, there’s a glossary to help readers follow some of the vocabulary and traditions. Very interesting.
Recommend this book:
Greeny
Nielle P Marques

2024 Finalist
36 Pages
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Children - Fable

Greeny by Nielle P. Marques is a unique and entertaining story inviting children to experience what life is like for Greeny, a former caterpillar, now tucked away in his cocoon. The story has a warm and personal feel to it because Greeny has so many friends who care about him and watch over him while he’s in the cocoon. His ability to communicate with his friends from inside his enclosure allows readers to feel like they, too, are right there inside with him. They experience the personal ways that Greeny's friends bring him comfort and companionship and even protection when most needed. I found this aspect of the story to be a wonderful tool for teaching children how they can help their friends through situations in life; when just being there for someone is the very best expression of love and caring.
I especially liked the coloring book or hand-painted appearance of each drawing. The scenes feel as if each one has just been freshly painted or colored, and I could easily see children, each with their box of crayons or paints, happily filling in each page. The story ended in such a way that I feel as if Greeny is about to embark on a life that will lead to great adventures captured in future books. Thank you, Nielle P. Marques, for Greeny’s wonderful story that teaches children not only about the transformation of the butterfly but also about how friendship can be a powerful cocoon when it needs to be.
Recommend this book:
Brave Mermaids
Shell of Magic
Maria Mandel Dunsche

2024 Honorable Mention
50 Pages
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Children - Fable

Brave Mermaids: Shell of Magic is a children's picture book written by Maria Mandel Dunsche and illustrated by Wathmi De Zoysa. The book invites young readers to the Magical Kingdom of Atlantica, where two beautiful mermaid sisters named Livi and Lexa reside. The sisters share an unbreakable bond and have a passion for adventure. One day, Lexa learns about the Shell of Magic, a legendary object that can grant wishes. Although Livi is skeptical, the sisters embark on a quest to find the shell. They seek guidance from Aria, a wise sea unicorn, who informs them that the shell is located in the deepest part of the ocean, guarded by a wise octopus. Despite the challenges they may face, Livi and Lexa are determined to find the Shell of Magic and begin their adventure.
Brave Mermaids: Shell of Magic is a lovely story about friendship, courage, and adventure. The author, Maria Mandel Dunsche, uses a cheerful tone to narrate a well-crafted tale that will delight children and introduce them to fun and adventurous characters. The story contains hilarious sea puns and utilizes a conversational tone that makes it engaging. The book inspires children to persevere despite challenges, like Livi and Lexi navigating seaweed forests and whirlpools on their journey to find the shell. The most heartwarming lesson in the book is compassion and care for others. The mermaids could have been selfish and wished for something for themselves, but instead, they decided to help all the other creatures in the ocean. Additionally, the beautiful illustrations complement the story and the stunning visuals will brighten your day. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend adding it to your children's reading collection.
Recommend this book:
The Seeking Tree
Jodi Dee

2024 Bronze Medal
36 Pages
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Children - Fable

The Seeking Tree by Jodi Dee starts with a breathtaking illustration of a forest filled with beautifully painted trees and distinctively drawn animals. A young sapling was slowly growing among the trees and was excited to learn about the world. It wished to get to know every creature it saw; however, every human passing by was too busy to pay even the slightest attention to it. As the years passed and the world evolved, humans only focused on their creations and seemed to have forgotten the beauty and importance of the nature around them. As the young sapling grew into a tall tree, it continued to wonder when the day would come when the humans would notice it. Will humans ever learn to appreciate sublime nature? Learn the importance of connecting with nature in The Seeking Tree.
The Seeking Tree was both fascinating and eye-opening to read. It is appropriate for children and parents to read since it perfectly explains the value of appreciating and protecting nature, which is currently one of the world's ongoing concerns. The images, co-illustrated by Kaya Oldaker, perfectly depicted the beauty of nature and helped communicate the sapling's needs throughout the story. The skillfully done artwork held my attention and brought the story to life. Reading this book was an entirely new and life-changing experience. It is often tough to persuade people to stop and appreciate nature, but this book reminded me of the beauty of nature that we have often overlooked. This gentle and heartwarming tale imparted an essential and profound message I will never forget. Reading this has been a balm to my soul, and I can't wait for more work done by this talented author and illustrator.
Recommend this book:
Uh-Oh! My Dragon's Hungry
Katie Weaver

2024 Silver Medal
36 Pages
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Children - Fable

Uh-Oh! My Dragon's Hungry is a children's picture book written by Katie Weaver and illustrated by Caner Soylu. The story follows a young girl and her pet dragon, who has a habit of spitting fire whenever he gets hungry, causing chaos and making her duck for safety. On this particular day, the girl has to prepare lunch for her dragon as her mother is away. However, she struggles to decide what to feed him. Her imagination runs wild as she considers options like pizza, chocolate sauce, pancake towers, and tacos filled with frosting and candy. Eventually, she realizes that her dragon needs healthy foods like vegetables and a good steak. Will the dragon enjoy the food she serves him?
Uh-Oh! My Dragon's Hungry is an enjoyable and educational story that is bound to put a smile on your children's faces. Author Katie Weaver has combined imaginative and hilarious scenes to keep young readers engaged while also teaching the importance of eating healthy foods. The story explains how healthy foods nourish the body and taste good. As children can be picky eaters, they require guidance on what to eat. This tale introduces two relatable characters whom they can learn from. Aside from the wonderful message, the book also has colorful illustrations that complement the story, making it visually appealing to read. The vibrant colors and funny images are perfect for capturing children's attention. Overall, I highly recommend reading this book with your children to teach them about healthy foods and how to handle a hungry dragon.
Recommend this book:
A World of New Beginnings
A Rhyming Journey about change, resilience and starting over
Melissa Garin

2024 Gold Medal
33 Pages
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Children - Fable

A World of New Beginnings, written by Melissa Garin, is a small book with a big message for young people: change is scary and not always easy, but adventure waits on the journey and life is infinitely more interesting and fun when adventure is included. Emma and Eliott are happy mouse children in their little meadow town, living with their loving parents and their furry friend Laika. All is bliss in their world until the fateful day when Emma and Elliot’s parents announce that the family will be moving overseas. The challenges that the family faces as they prepare for their life-changing adventure are universal, with applications far beyond the situation at hand. New people, new foods, new playground companions and games, a new language, and a new culture await them. But with love and persistence, every obstacle is overcome and the family learns to appreciate change and the excitement it can bring.
Melissa Garin has crafted a timeless and immensely appealing contemporary fable, the cover of which is adorned with richly deserved seals from the Pencraft Awards and Children’s Book International (with many more sure to follow). Ale Tadeo’s artful and animated illustrations strike just the right note to support the upbeat tone of the text. The narrative is written in a friendly, accessible rhyming style, easy for children to follow, and ideal for adults and children to read aloud together. A World of New Beginnings offers a rosy point of view without sacrificing the real-world struggles children face in dealing with change; as such, it is a rare and essential resource that should be required reading for any child trying to embrace new surroundings and situations.
