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/Novella
- 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/Novella
- 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:
Where Our Stories Meet
A Story of Friendship Across Cultures
Alizae Kurtzig and Thando Maluleke
2026 Finalist
34 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd

Where Our Stories Meet by Alizae Kurtzig and Thando Maluleke tells the story of two children living on opposite sides of the world whose lives gradually connect through curiosity and friendship. Daisy lives in San Francisco, where rainy mornings, school experiments, and time with family shape her daily routine. Far away in Kliptown, South Africa, Khulisa wakes to the sounds of neighbors, roosters, and dusty streets as he walks to school and plays with friends. Although their surroundings are different, they share similar moments of laughter, learning, and family life. Their connection begins when Daisy writes a letter to Khulisa, her new pen pal, asking about his life. Khulisa replies, describing soccer games, school lessons, and his home community. Eventually, Daisy travels to South Africa to visit the Kliptown Youth Program, where Khulisa welcomes her with music, dancing, and a lively game of soccer.
Alizae Kurtzig and Thando Maluleke write with a gentle rhythm that reflects the everyday routines of childhood. The narrative shifts between Daisy’s experiences in California and Khulisa’s life in South Africa, highlighting the similarities between the two worlds. Short scenes depicting school activities, games, meals, and family traditions create a clear picture of both children’s lives. The language is simple and warm, encouraging readers to notice small details like the sound of rain on a window, the excitement of recess, or the comfort of a family kitchen. Laiba Faheem’s illustrations feature colorful scenes of city streets, classrooms, and community life that bring the settings to life. Readers who enjoy stories about friendship, travel, and learning about different places will enjoy the inviting tone and hopeful message. By connecting everyday moments to a broader world, the book sparks curiosity and demonstrates how friendships can grow when people share their stories.
Recommend this book:
Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue
David L. Gillespie
2026 Bronze Medal
38 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd

Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue! by David L. Gillespie begins at breakfast, when a hummingbird named Peanut appears and leads a girl named Floo outside. Floo discovers a baby squirrel on the ground and sees that its nest is out of reach. She places the squirrel in a shoe to keep it warm and names it Lucky Lou. As days pass, Lou stays with Floo. Mommy Doo announces a trip to the grocery store, and Floo brings Lou along. In the store, Floo looks for food for Lou while Mommy Doo shops for stew ingredients. A sneeze startles Lou, causing him to jump into a shopper’s wig and run through several aisles. Peanut follows from above while Floo pursues Lou. Lou is located hiding among fruit, and Floo retrieves him. Floo apologizes to Mommy Doo and returns home, where Lou rests safely.
Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue! by David L. Gillespie is absolutely adorable! This is a gentle picture book built primarily around curiosity, responsibility, and everyday problem-solving. Floo is someone we really want to root for, and her cheerful exchanges and inquisitiveness invite young readers to think through decisions alongside her. My youngest reader just loved the illustrations by Ronnie Rooney, which are in a whimsical cartoon style. That said, it is the pastel color palette that she adored the most. As a parent who introduced this book into our nightly reading rotation, I genuinely appreciate calming colors at that time of the evening, and these are perfect. Gillespie's writing favors rhyme and repetition, supporting read-aloud pacing and participation. Overall, the story and the art create a book that, in perhaps the greatest compliment of all, was requested three nights in a row.
Recommend this book:
One Weird Wednesday
Amanda Schaumburg
2026 Bronze Medal
33 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd

One Weird Wednesday is a children’s picture book written by Amanda Schaumburg with illustrations by Nataliia Tymoshenko. For Willow, every Wednesday is boring, because it is far from the previous weekend and the one to come. It is uneventful and just sits in the middle of the week. She plans to prepare for school, but things are not as they should be. Every door she opens in her house presents her with an unbelievable surprise. She runs into her mother cooking spaghetti in her bathroom and her brother taking a shower in her closet. Willow starts to think she is losing her mind, but she charges on, hoping what she saw was just a fluke. However, the more she explores her house, the more she finds her loved ones in different rooms doing the most absurd things. This Wednesday was proving to be different from the others.
One Weird Wednesday is a whimsical story that takes readers on a fun adventure through Willow’s house. It is designed to spark young readers’ imaginations and to remind them to always expect the unexpected, even on days that should be boring. It also shows the joy that comes from embracing life's absurdities by showing Willow joining her grandpa. The story has a surprising ending that you will not see coming. I enjoyed Amanda Schaumburg’s storytelling because it is engaging. It keeps you glued the the book and wanting more. The illustration brought the whole house to life and added humor to the narration. The action sounds that appear randomly on every page create a unique sensory experience for readers. The book also includes a link to supplemental worksheets and coloring pages, which support children’s skill development and creativity. Despite the surreal events, the story centers around family and everyday life. If you are looking for a funny children’s story with the wildest adventure in a familiar setting, then this is the book for you.
Recommend this book:
What's Wrong With Tom?
A Veterinary Tale of Courage and Compassion
Dr. Gal Chivvis, DVM
2026 Silver Medal
39 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd

What’s Wrong with Tom? by Dr. Gal Chivvis is a delightful and educational children’s book that combines storytelling with veterinary insights. The story follows Thomas LeBrat, a cheerful and adventurous cat whose life takes a sudden turn when he experiences a health emergency. Through engaging rhymes and vibrant illustrations, young readers are introduced to the importance of pet care and the role of veterinarians in helping animals during critical moments. The narrative begins with Tom’s happy-go-lucky life, filled with exploration and play, but quickly shifts when he wakes up feeling unwell. His family’s concern and their decision to seek help from the Critter Care Crew highlight the importance of recognizing signs of distress in pets and acting promptly.
Dr. Gal Chivvis skillfully blends humor, empathy, and medical knowledge, making complex concepts like urinary obstruction and cystitis easy for young children to understand. The glossary at the end of the book is a thoughtful addition, providing clear definitions of terms like "veterinarian," "bladder," and "catheter," which enhance the educational value of the story. The bonus section on calming stress further emphasizes the book’s focus on emotional well-being, not just for pets but for readers as well. The illustrations by Mischa Pearson are lively and colorful, perfectly complementing the text and bringing Tom’s journey to life. Beyond its entertainment value, What’s Wrong with Tom? is a valuable resource for teaching children about pet health and the importance of seeking help when needed. Dr. Chivvis’s passion for educating families shines through, making this book a wonderful addition to any child’s library.
Recommend this book:
Malaya the Mermaid and Her Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
Benilda Salvador
2026 Silver Medal
26 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd

Have you ever tried a new food and wanted to eat it over and over again? That’s exactly what happens to a young mermaid in Malaya the Mermaid and Her Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches by Benilda Salvador. Malaya is a cheerful mermaid whose smile brightens even the darkest waters, but her life changes when she notices a peanut butter and jelly sandwich floating on the surface. She tries it and loves it right away. The others laugh at her. This makes her feel sad and out of place, but that doesn’t stop her from making her own version using sea peanuts, jellyfish jelly, and sponge bread. She meets Lael, who takes a bite and loves it. With support from her newfound friend, Malaya realizes that being unique isn’t something to hide; it’s something to celebrate. The story’s creative twists, from using sea-inspired ingredients to an ocean sandwich shop, make this tale both enjoyable and engaging.
I enjoyed reading Malaya the Mermaid and Her Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches by Benilda Salvador. The book is both simple and clever at the same time, with a heartwarming message about being special that inspires kids to try something different. As an educator, I can envision it sparking classroom discussions, such as asking students about their favorite foods or creating a tally chart with two columns - "Yes" or "No" - in answer to the question: "Do you like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches?" The narrative keeps a nice rhythm, shifting effortlessly between playful scenes and thoughtful lessons. Anuki Lopez’s illustrations are vibrant and expressive, bringing the ocean to life with warmth and humor. The fun storytelling, charming illustrations, and uplifting message make it a read-aloud worth sharing at home or in school. It’s a sweet reminder that sometimes the things that make us “weird” are the very things that make us wonderful.
Recommend this book:
You Matter, Luma
John R. Miles
2026 Gold Medal
32 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd

You Matter, Luma by John R. Miles is a heartwarming story for kids. Luma the bunny wanders alone in a forest where everything seems to be so much more than she is. She wonders if she belongs or if she has to become more than she is to matter. Oliver the Owl takes her under his wing and leads her on a journey through the trees, beneath the clouds, and by the glittering waters. She shares stories with her forest friends and finally starts to believe that she does matter, until a storm rips it all away. When Oliver asks her a simple question, what she learns astounds her and makes her realize that we all have a story to tell and we all matter in our own way.
You Matter, Luma by John R. Miles is a lovely picture book with wonderful illustrations by Nejla Shojaie. As well as being a cute story about a bunny trying to find her sense of worth, it teaches children a lot about accepting themselves exactly as they are. It shows them that who they are on the outside comes from within, and it teaches them about reaching deep inside to find their compassion and courage. Everyone is different, and that’s a big part of who we are—how we act towards ourselves, and others is what defines us. This is the first book in a series of stories that help kids learn how to go through life confidently and believe in themselves. The characters are fun woodland animals, and the setting is a beautiful forest, a world that will enchant young readers as they follow Luma on her adventure to discover if she matters. This isn’t just for kids; anyone who ever doubts themselves can learn something from this book.
Recommend this book:
Petunia the Perfectionist
Marissa Bader
2025 Finalist
32 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd

Petunia the Perfectionist is a children's picture book written by Marissa Bader with illustrations by Ellie Beykzadeh. It tells the story of Petunia, a young girl who is obsessed with perfection. Her pursuit of perfection leaves her with no time for fun and takes away all the spontaneity in her life as she tries to avoid making mistakes. When her classmates and friends start calling her a perfectionist, she looks up the word and discusses it with her mother. Her mother reminds her that making mistakes is important for learning and growth, but Petunia is convinced she needs to be perfect. However, when she makes a mistake that inspires everyone, including herself, she begins to understand that it is okay to make mistakes and that imperfections are part of being human.
Petunia the Perfectionist is a delightful children's book that addresses the important themes of self-acceptance and the value of imperfection. Petunia's journey to understanding that mistakes are a natural part of being human is relatable and engaging for readers of all ages. The book teaches children to embrace their uniqueness as well as that of others. Marissa Bader explains that striving for perfection can have positive and negative consequences. With adorable, colorful illustrations and a relatable protagonist, this book is sure to resonate with young readers and help them develop a more positive attitude toward imperfection. The gentle and reassuring tone of the narration makes it an excellent tool for parents and educators to help kids develop a positive self-image and a growth mindset, celebrating the beauty of imperfection along the way.
Recommend this book:
Koala's Gift of Calm
The Zoo Inside of You Book 1
Maha Kadafour
2025 Honorable Mention
38 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd

Maha Kadafour's Koala's Gift of Calm is a children's picture book with animal characters and deep messages that will help children learn and implement meditative practices. Children are taught to control their emotions by using breathing techniques. The story's main protagonist is Koala, who is a very calm animal and a master at controlling emotions. However, the other main character is an angry bear, who appears to be very animated and volatile. Thankfully, Koala's calm presence and wise suggestions are here to save the day, but only if Bear allows it. Are Koala's calmness and smart meditative practices enough to control Bear's anger? The answers to these questions are skillfully crafted in this captivating and colorful picture book.
Even though both characters are animals, their personalities couldn't be more different. The smart blend of Koala's calmness and Bear's anger creates a compelling conflict that engenders deep curiosity and suspense, keeping readers eager to see where the story will lead. The target audience will enjoy reading Maha Kadafour's fun rhymes with simple, relaxing words, like "peace" and "harmony." Children are offered practical steps that will help them adopt meditative practices early in life, like taking deep breaths and learning to count to focus on the moment. I strongly recommend Koala's Gift of Calm to parents, teachers, and guardians who wish to teach children to meditate and be aware of their emotions. I believe a child who takes these practical steps seriously is starting life on the right path.
Recommend this book:
A Halloween Farty Party
Junia Wonders
2025 Bronze Medal
35 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd

A Halloween Farty Party is a children’s picture book written by Junia Wonders and illustrated by Clarissa Corradin. It celebrates the fun and silliness of farting during a special Halloween festival. If you are lucky enough to receive an invitation to this party, be prepared to come in your most creative attire and participate in a variety of farting competitions. You could dress as a spooky ghost or a furry creature, win an award for farting, and dance to your heart's content. There will also be delicious snacks aligning with the Halloween theme, like pumpkin-shaped cookies and Jack-o'-lantern pies. With extra cheese, the farts are expected to come in different flavors and sounds. You will have fun, make new friends, giggle, and smell the wonderful and occasionally stinky delights of Halloween.
A Halloween Farty Party is a whimsical tale with a humorous yet educative message about embracing bodily functions. It also celebrates creativity, friendships, and the silliness of life. The story playfully tackles the typically taboo subject of farting and encourages children to celebrate Halloween with joy. Through this book, Junia Wonders promotes self-acceptance and happiness, allowing readers to tap into the quirky aspect of life. The book has interesting facts about farting, helping children understand the science behind why we fart. It also has colorful illustrations that bring the characters to life. The cheerful and adorable children are relatable and inviting. I loved the blend of the vibrant colors in the text and art. Finally, the rhythmic narration added a lyrical flow to the story. Overall, this is a fun book and a great reminder that laughter and friendship can be found even in the most embarrassing moments.
Recommend this book:
Dilly Duck Saves The Day
Helping Friends and Caring for Nature
Holly DiBella-McCarthy
2025 Silver Medal
34 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd

Dilly Duck Saves the Day by Holly DiBella-McCarthy is a charming picture book combining a fun adventure with an important lesson about environmental stewardship. In this third installment of the Dilly Duck and Friends series, Dilly Duck faces a severe problem when her feathered friends get sick from eating bread left by well-meaning visitors. The story is not just about a duck trying to clean up a lake but also about teamwork, asking for help, and the ripple effect that one small act of kindness can have.
Dilly Duck Saves the Day teaches an essential lesson about the harm bread can cause ducks. Children (and adults) need to understand that ducks forage for their food naturally. Dilly is a lovable character, and her determination to help her friends is inspiring and heartwarming. Park ranger Roy adds humor with his quirky personality, making the story even more enjoyable. The vibrant illustrations by Pradyut and Pratyush Chatterjee are full of life, perfectly complementing the soothing, rhyming narrative. Children will be captivated by the colorful pages, and the gentle rhythm of the text makes it an ideal read-aloud book. Holly DiBella-McCarthy perfectly blends fun and education into a book that should be in every elementary classroom. The concept of environmental care is skillfully crafted into a delightful read. It's a story that will leave a lasting impression on young minds, teaching them that even small actions can make a big difference in the world. Dilly Duck Saves the Day is an excellent addition to a child’s bookshelf. I highly recommend it.