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:
Hope
The Story of a Banana-Fish
David A Neumeier

2015 Silver Medal
118 Pages
Check current price
Children - Fable

Hope: The Story of A Banana-Fish by David A. Neumeier is a beautifully written story about a banana-fish named Hope. David cleverly crafts the story in telling us about Hope as he intermingles the elements of the sea world into it. He introduces the book like a movie. In his prologue, David provides a quick lesson about banana-fish, which are colorful and non-carnivorous, and banana-crabs, which are large and primarily live in tropical waters. Then he leads us into the sea where we meet a cast of characters. From the beginning, Hope was unlike any other banana-fish due to her larger than normal body size and her quick and adept swimming abilities at such a young age. As Hope starts to find herself, she begins to evolve in a world all of her own. Her quest to define her uniqueness leads her on a journey where she meets three new friends that are taboo within the sea world: Zig, the wise elder banana-crab, and Stubs and Spike, two young, energetic catfish that help her to make a difference in the sea world. Just because you are taught a certain way, does it always have to be that way or is there any room for change? David ends the book with an epilogue which tells us the outcome of these characters. Maybe one day Hope: The Story of A Banana-Fish by David A. Neumeier will be in a theatre near you.
I found Hope: The Story of A Banana-Fish by David A. Neumeier to be a great book; it created a world of imagination for me. I was able to see the details in the story and become one with the tale. As you begin to read, you will be taken into a world of not only learning about banana-fish and banana-crabs, but also catfish, jellyfish and other sea life. The essence for me, that I am sure you will enjoy as well, is that Hope: The Story of A Banana-Fish by David A. Neumeier is ideal for any age, especially those that have an interest in or want to know more about sea life. If this is you, I recommend that you pick up a copy today.
Recommend this book:
The Moth and the Sun
Gary Bernard

2015 Gold Medal
44 Pages
Check current price
Children - Fable

There is a watermark on the cover of The Moth and the Sun. If you look closely, you can see the outstretched wings of a moth. We tend to take moths for granted. In fact, many of us don't really like them. But they are creatures of mystery, always searching for the light, always looking beyond, moving beyond what is here and now. This is a charming story about a moth flying around Paris, France. It sees all kinds of things: tall buildings, a mounted knight, but best of all, it sees the sun. The moth loves the light shining from the sun and it wants to fly all the way to the sun to meet the source of this great light. Even the blades of grass are captured by the moth's enthusiasm and they want to go too. Alas, the moth cannot take the grass, but it suggests that perhaps the wind will take the grass to meet the sun. This story is a fable, a fantasy, but it's also a learning tool, not only about moths and even a little bit about Paris, it's a learning tool about language because this book is trilingual. In other words, it's written in three languages: French, English and Spanish.
The author, Gary Bernard, tells a story in his introduction to this book. It is a story about this book, which he claims has magical powers as it was discovered buried away and forgotten. His introductory story also tells the reader about a man in Paris who wrote stories and drew pictures about nature. This man was known as Papy de nuit (Grandfather of the night). We are told that Papy de nuit actually wrote this book. Gary Bernard is merely sharing it with us. The magical treasure in this book is not just the sharing of the moth's story and the lovely illustrations, it is the sharing of the reader's stories, as there is a section at the end of the book where the reader may add his/her own story about the moth. The magical treasure is the treasure of sharing. Well done!
Recommend this book:
The Golden Wood
The King of the Trees, 3
William D. Burt

2014 Finalist
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Children - Fable

The Golden Wood (The King of the Trees, 3) by William D. Burt is the third book of the series. King Rolin and Queen Marlin are forced into exile. With their companions, they set out to discover the secrets of the fabled golden forests from the griffins. They must also ask for help from the Wood Folk, an ancient race.
The book, like the previous two books, is filled with adventure, mystery, and fantasy. The whimsy element always attracts readers because it provides a surreal and ethereal feel to the story and its descriptions. The author has created a new world for children filled with tree-men, owl-faced griffins, and has made Lucambra an enchanted area. Adventure and fantasy stories go well together and always attract readers. The creativity of the author is reflected in the characters, the places, and the descriptions.
The story has a Christian theme and message for readers. Books with a message and a moral are always good for young readers because they always manage to make an impact. It is not only a book for children because adults can enjoy this adventure/fantasy tale as well. The rhymes, the simple song at the end, and the black and white sketches add to the charm of the book.
Recommend this book:
Maya & Filippo Separate in Skagway
Alinka Rutkowska

2014 Honorable Mention
34 Pages
Check current price
Children - Fable

Alinka Rutkowska and Konrad Checinski have done it again in Maya & Filippo Separate in Skagway. Maya and Filippo travel all over the world with their mom, dad, and their cat named Otello on a ship called the Fun Princess. They see many wonderful sights and always learn valuable lessons. When the Fun Princess docks along the coast of Skagway, Alaska, everyone but Filippo is eager to see the sights of a frontier town that boomed, almost overnight, in 1898 when two men found gold. Because Filippo is in such a foul mood, Maya and her mother board the White Pass train and enjoy a fantastic day of beautiful vistas and bright sunshine, but Filippo stays with his dad and goes to the park. Filippo’s sour day only gets worse when it starts to rain and then he spills hot chocolate on himself. “Don’t let a few drops spoil your day. You can turn it around, Filippo,” his dad tells him. Will Filippo be able to turn his day in Skagway around or will the whole trip be ruined for him? Find out what happens and then ace the quiz at the back of the book. There are also some interesting facts about Skagway to add to the lessons that Maya and Filippo learn.
The simple lessons and bright colors of Maya & Filippo Separate in Skagway are a continuation of the already brilliant series written by Alinka Rutkowska and illustrated by Konrad Checinski. The new sights that they explore and the fun facts that are discovered about places all over the world spur the imagination of children who read their books. The simple yet profound lessons that are learned are ones that ought to stick with them throughout their lives and are an excellent reminder even to adults. The colorful illustrations grab your attention and make the story come alive. Simple, colorful and profound, Maya & Filippo Separate in Skagway will brighten your day and help you turn it around.
Recommend this book:
Holly Horse and the Great Quest
Books for Kids
Jennifer Loveless

2014 Bronze Medal
40 Pages
Check current price
Children - Fable

Holly Horse and The Great Quest by Jennifer Loveless is a delightful book about Holly the horse, her adventures, and her meeting Gary the goat with whom she becomes very friendly.
This is one of the best children's books I have read because it is so simple. It is educational as well with a delightful concept behind the story. The book introduces young readers to the world of animals, how they like to make friends with other animals, and how they also lead adventurous lives. Gary the goat is another likable character.
The story is complemented beautifully through pictures. The illustrations are absolutely stunning in their texture and style. That makes the book even more attractive for a young reader. The illustrations have also created an identity for the animals and their surroundings. Both Holly and Gary are illustrated so well that they remain in your mind. The mountains, the animals and the delectable grass are all fascinating for a little child.
It's a story book which every school library should keep because it really develops children's comprehension skills. It also makes them curious to read more about animals and perhaps try out coloring pictures. A stimulating, fun read for any young child.
Recommend this book:
The Little Firefly
Sheri Fink

2014 Silver Medal
30 Pages
Check current price
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
Check current price
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
Check current price
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
Check current price
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
Check current price
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”.
