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:
The Little Firefly
Sheri Fink
2014 Silver Medal
30 Pages
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Children - Fable
The Little Firefly, by Sheri Fink, is an adorable tale about a young firefly who longs to shine. He watches the older fireflies glow and dance and play exciting games of Fire Tag. As he watches, he dreams of the day he will be able to join them. But what if he never shines like the other fireflies? One of his friends tells him that fireflies that don’t learn to shine get sent to live with the June bugs. But his parents wouldn’t send him away, would they? As all of his friends begin to glow, the Little Firefly wonders if he will ever have his night to shine.
Sheri Fink’s book, The Little Firefly, is a heartwarming tale that will teach children that they will all grow up and have their chance to shine in their own unique time. It is also a story that shows that even if you are different or slower to develop than others, those who love you will support and care for you no matter what. I highly recommend adding this book to any child’s library and think it would be an excellent tale to share in elementary classrooms. The story is engaging and fun to read, and the illustrations created by Mary Erickson Washam are absolutely beautiful. It is a simply stunning and aesthetically pleasing book to read. I can’t wait to read more from the Whimsical World of Sheri Fink Collection, and to share this tale with my own niece and nephew.
Recommend this book:
The Christmas Tree Elf
Valentine D'Arcy Sheldon
2014 Gold Medal
50 Pages
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Children - Fable
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus lived alone with their dog Blazer. They took him for long walks through the forest where they would enjoy the view of the brightly decorated Christmas trees. Both Mrs. Claus and Santa Claus did not know who decorated those trees so elegantly, but Santa had heard a story that magical elves were doing it. Mrs. Claus did not believe that story, but she sure did want a tree for her home. Santa surprised her with a Christmas tree one morning and they enjoyed decorating it and looking at it while they made their preparations for Christmas. With them being so busy, the tree wasn't being properly cared for, and a horrible accident occurred. To their delight, Santa and Mrs. Claus encountered a wonderful and welcoming surprise soon after.
The Christmas Tree Elf by Valentine D'Arcy Sheldon is a delightful and cheerful holiday fable, accompanied by skillful and colorful illustrations sure to keep a young reader or listener's attention. The story plot is very endearing and charming, along with its characters. Children love Christmas, and enjoy learning about Christmas and its history. This is a fun and exciting fable for children to learn how the first Christmas tree came to be at Santa's home. Like the old classics - Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer or The Night Before Christmas - The Christmas Tree Elf is sure to become one of those classics to be read during the holiday season or to be put on display, adding Christmas cheer to the bookshelves.
Recommend this book:
Pickwick's Plan
Tales of the Booga Dooga Land
Deepak Menon
2013 Honorable Mention
88 Pages
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Children - Fable
"Pickswicks Plan" is a charming children's fable introducing the reader to Pickwick, a tiny pixie who gets an idea from the IdeaRoolus Blick and goes on an adventure with OctoDoll and the Emperor Angelfish to rescue their friend, Goodful. Along the way problems arise and they make new friends such as Harky the shark. Each character’s introduction moves the story forward nicely. All this takes place in Pixie Town, a land filled with imagination and wonders for the reader to discover!
This enchanting story will entertain children and adults alike. In a land where smiles tame sharks and villains are defeated by laughter, the author weaves a positive message with humor and fun. I couldn’t help but smile as I read this story! I especially enjoyed the illustrations, which are creative and colorful and enrich the overall entertainment value of the narrative. The character names and concepts are witty and fun, like Gubber Nodder who nods with a mouth filled with chocolate syrup that might splatter or the Prock, a bird that barks to wake everyone up. Lovers of fables and fairy tales will want to pick this up. I look forward to reading more of Pickwick's adventures and recommend it to parents looking for refreshing new stories to read to their children! My favorite quote from the book: “The amazing thing about a smile is that, once you wear a smile, the darkness lightens, and one does not feel frightened or sad anymore!”
Recommend this book:
Where Did the Sun Go?
Myths and Legends of Solar Eclipses Around the World Told with Poetry and Puppetry
Janet Cameron Hoult
2013 Finalist
72 Pages
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Children - Fable
"Where Did the Sun Go?" by Janet Cameron Hoult is a marvelous and unique introduction for children and adults of all ages to world-wide beliefs about solar eclipses. The colorful, full-page illustrations by Julia Andrzejewska are a perfect accompaniment to the author's explanation of cultural beliefs. Janet Hoult writes of each belief in twelve lines with rhymes that work perfectly and aren't a stretch. At the beginning of this charming book, the author defines what really happens when there is a solar eclipse and then goes on to tell of how, for instance, in ancient Mesopotamia, a solar eclipse had few descriptions as the Sun had been bad and was covering his face in shame. She tells that in Japan it was thought that a dragon eats the Sun. The puppet show near the book's end where the author shows children how to perform with puppets based upon this book, is easy to assemble and produce.
"Where Did the Sun Go?" is a truly great addition to children's non-fiction collections. It is beautiful to look at, well-organized, and even includes a number of good references. The print is large enough for readers of all ages to enjoy and each country's conception of a solar eclipse is well-presented. The full page illustrations that accompany each belief are simple, colorful and easily interpreted by even the youngest reader. This book was originally a traveling educational program for children world-wide. The author also developed a series of workshops for children where they could learn about eclipses through poetry and puppetry. That she has explored this subject in "Where Did the Sun Go" is to her everlasting credit. It is a "must" book for children's book collections worldwide.
Recommend this book:
Manner-Man
Sherrill S. Cannon
2013 Silver Medal
28 Pages
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Children - Fable
It is not Super-Man, it is Manner-Man! I thoroughly enjoyed Sherrill Cannon’s new children’s book “Manner-Man.” Ms. Cannon has a unique ability to teach children very valuable behavioral lessons through her awesome writing. And the rhyming style of writing makes the story fun and enjoyable and easy to read. And the neat thing about Ms. Cannon’s books is that they are not only fun for children, they are just as much fun for adults. And if "Manner-Man" says something, we are supposed to listen to it, right?
This is the first book I have read by Sherrill Cannon, and I am so very impressed with “Manner-Man.” I think giving you an example of what is in this book will help you decide to purchase it for your child’s library, so here is one of my favorite verses in "Manner-Man":
My new hero Manner-Man’s big and he’s strong.
He helps to teach children what’s right and what’s wrong.
He teaches good manners, so take his advice:
If someone starts hitting, just shout out, “Not nice!”
But also be careful to not hit with words,
For sometimes that hurts worse each time it occurs.
To call people names that are not very kind,
Will hurt your friends’ feelings, I think you will find.
And the cool thing is, this book is packed full of lines just like this. And teaching many issues that are so important to build into the character of our children, this author makes it so easy and exciting. And you will find that the awesome and unique illustrations created by Kalpart bring the pages of this book to life. The pictures just fit the story so very well. This is a book I highly recommend for all parents and guardians, and any library that holds children’s books. You cannot go wrong with “Manner-Man”.
Recommend this book:
Sullie Saves the Seas
Goffinet McLaren
2013 Bronze Medal
114 Pages
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Children - Fable
Tears course down Sullie’s cheeks as he looks at his once pristine beach now littered with plastic. His granddaughter was left crippled by the abominable stuff. Sullie called a meeting of his bird friends and shared the dreadful acts humans have committed. They bring their dogs to run on the beach leaving the dog poo behind. They smoke cigarettes and leave the butts behind. The vilest thing humans do is leaving behind plastic bags, plastic rings and other plastic items. The dog poo is poisonous to the ocean as are the toxic cigarette butts. When plastic is washed into the ocean creatures become entangled in it leaving them injured and often dead. Baby turtles and birds often eat the plastic beckoning their own death. Not all humans are so thoughtless. Many are horrified by humans who are inconsiderate, rude and uncaring. Emotions were stirred by Sullie’s accusations. The birds formed a plan to teach the humans a lesson.
"Sullie Saves the Seas" is a delightful read for elementary and middle school students. Author Goffinet McLaren’s characters are appealing, creative and generally engaging. The message in this book is one we humans have to learn. McLaren combines humor and action in a manner that will grab readers' attention and keep them smiling to the very end. He also offers tips on how to protect our environment, such as not using plastic bags, not using straws or Styrofoam cups, properly disposing of trash, cleaning up after your dog, and cutting up rings of plastic six pack holders. Thank you, Mrs. McLaren, for teaching our children the importance of taking care of our environment.
Recommend this book:
The Tides of Avarice
A Sagaria Legend
John Dahlgren
2013 Honorable Mention
464 Pages
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Children - Fable
"Tides of Avarice" by John Dahlgren is a quirky, swashbuckling, original combination of pirates, treasure maps and lemmings. Sylvester Lemmington is our hero: a timid, serious lemming who works as a translator for the head archivist at the library. The love interest is Viola, a pretty, feisty lemmingess who merrily leads Sylvester into trouble, along with his treasure map. Add a missing father, Jasper, who took part in the last great lemming Exodus, from which mysteriously none returned many years ago, a whole host more slightly off-the-wall characters, plus of course an original plot, and you have a very entertaining, enjoyable book in your hands. There is plenty of skulduggery going on, and not just from the pirates. The lemmings and other animals share all our human characteristics, including the less wholesome ones so that there is a layer of social commentary buried in the humour.
I read this with my ten year old - neither of us quite in the intended YA audience - but it is hard to say which of us enjoyed it more. I could pick up some of the humorous subtleties of the writing that he missed but he could clearly imagine every single scene going on in his own head. We were both hooked. Dahlgren, a Scandinavian by birth, has an incredible mastery of language and is a very, very clever, creative writer. The story twists and turns, with enough of the extreme and ridiculous to keep youngsters engrossed and adults chuckling. It is refreshing and ingenious – it’s brilliant!
Recommend this book:
The Little Gnome
Sheri Fink
2013 Gold Medal
28 Pages
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Children - Fable
"The Little Gnome" was written by Sheri Fink and illustrated by Mary Erikson Washam. This children’s story begins by introducing the Little Gnome to readers. Little Gnome was happy as he enjoyed the beautiful flowers, the singing birds, the whispering wind and the warm sunshine in the Victorian garden. He was sure he lived in the most perfect garden. His friends liked to visit the Little Gnome in his garden. One day the Little Gnome noticed something different: the air was getting cooler, the days were shorter and the leaves on the trees changed color and fell to the ground. One morning the Little Gnome saw white powder on the ground. It was cold and he was sad. When the Little Gnome was sad he was grouchy. He missed his friends and the warm sunshine. But then he heard laughter and experienced something he had never experienced before.
"The Little Gnome" is a delightful book. The illustrations are bright and cheerful. They lend much to the text. The plot is cute, interesting and well done. It will appeal well to children. This tale teaches the difference in the seasons and what we can enjoy about each one. Parents and teachers alike will want a copy of this book to read to their children. One of my favorite lines in the book is on page 25: “The Little Gnome now understood that there’s something to look forward to and celebrate in every season.” The moral of this story is, “When you look for the positive in every change, you will always find something to appreciate and enjoy.” This is a must read book!
Recommend this book:
Under The Tree
Danielle Leibovici, LMFT
2012 Bronze Medal
60 Pages
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Children - Fable
"Under The Tree" by Danielle Leibovici, LMFT, is the story of a little boy who was lost. He woke up under a tree and wandered deeper into the forest searching for his home. The boy came upon a rabbit hole. The rabbit, owl and fox could not help him. The blue jay took the boy to the wise old squirrel. The squirrel showed the boy a bowl of magic water. When he looked inside the boy could see himself asleep under the tree. The water revealed things to the boy that helped him find his way home.
"Under The Tree" is an adorable book. Danielle Leibovici uses prose to deliver her message. Danielle Leibovici brings out the many emotions that children go through, and the disillusionment, distress, and the sorrow as the little boy searches for his home. The boy feels other emotions like happiness, relief and elation when the boy discovers he is no longer lost. When he returns home he rushes into his loving mother’s arms. The plot is delightful and well-written. The illustrations are bright and cheerful. Julia Gabrielov uses beautiful colors to complement the text. The greens used for the grass and trees are peaceful and calming. The rabbit is dressed in a blue vest with a pocket watch. The owl wears a scarf around his neck while the fox has a red cape. The wise squirrel has a walking stick and his home is beautifully decorated. All of the illustrations come together to help the child use his imagination. It is easy to recommend this book.
Recommend this book:
Umbrella Town
Marcia Allen Bennett
2012 Finalist
34 Pages
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Children - Fable
Katarina lives in Umbrella Town where it seems to always rain and everyone carries a black umbrella. One afternoon Katarina decides to paint her umbrella. The black umbrella was still wet and the paint dripped leaving the umbrella a mess. Papa promised to buy her a new umbrella next time he went to town. When she opened the long box inside there was a white umbrella. Katarina would not let her Papa return it. She would paint it. She did not paint it black but with beautiful bright colored flowers. The people in town thought it a disgrace. After all people in Umbrella Town only carried black umbrellas. Her friend Sasha wanted her umbrella painted too. They added lily pads with jumping frogs. Soon they began to notice other umbrellas with color. Every day there were a few more bright colored umbrellas until soon there were no black ones.
It is sometimes difficult for children and adults to be different; we tend to follow the lead of others. Katarina was a “trend setter and a leader” she didn’t mind being different and soon others were following her lead. "Umbrella Town" is a delightful story encouraging children to follow their own instinct. When children learn to follow their instinct they become leaders. They learn it is OK not to be like everyone else. Soon others will follow their lead. This book also encourages art. Katarina painted not only her own umbrella but those of her friends. Not every umbrella has to be alike. Some could have flowers while others had frogs and still others had stripes.
Marcia Allen Bennett has created a cute book. I have already mentioned the lessons she has cleverly taught. The illustrations are by Michele Bennett. The cover looks like a water color painting. The illustrations appear to be color pencil drawings. They are cute and well done. The illustrations will draw the interest of the readers and keep them turning the pages. I like this book and intend to share it with my granddaughter.