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:
Ellie Visits the Dentist
Katie Specht

2023 Finalist
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd

Ellie Visits the Dentist by Katie Specht is the story of a young girl named Ellie who loves to eat sweets, including cookies, candy, and cupcakes. Although Ellie ate some vegetables each night, it was just enough so that she could get more sweet treats after supper. One day Ellie went to the dentist for a check-up and to clean her teeth when Dr. Patsy informed her that she had two cavities that needed to be filled at the next appointment. Ellie feared going to the dentist for the second check-up, but it was not such a bad experience. The dental assistant painted her nails, and Dr. Patsy gave her a beautiful hair bow when the procedure was complete. Although Ellie said she loved Dr. Patsy, she didn’t want to see the dentist again soon and vowed to take better care of her teeth.
Ellie Visits the Dentist by Katie Specht is a colorful and delightful storybook about one of the children’s biggest fears, going to the dentist and then learning they need to have a procedure carried out. The story is relatable to most children who loathe dentist visits but love their treats. This story highlights that you can still enjoy sweet things, but to do so, you must clean your teeth properly each day. After the dentist attended to her cavities, Ellie’s mother takes her to get ice cream, emphasizing to both children and adults that it’s okay to enjoy life if you’re responsible. This is a feel-good, lighthearted story.
Recommend this book:
Zoey Wonders Why
Who am I? What am I?
Nadia Khan, Tasya Nabiella

2023 Honorable Mention
54 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd

Who are we? Everyone wants to know about our past and our heritage, especially children. In Zoey Wonders Why: Who am I? What am I? by Nadia Khan and Tasya Nabiella, we find that Zoey is no different. Her mother has Pakistani background but was raised in the United States and her father grew up in Africa even though his family lives in India. With such a cultural mix, Zoey has a difficult time putting together a cultural presentation from her ancestral country, as she’s expected to bring a special food native to that country. What should she bring? When her classmates begin their presentations and share their food, all she can think about is how much she wants to eat the offerings. That doesn’t help her come up with food that defines who she is and who her ancestors are.
Nadia Khan and Tasya Nabiella’s picture book Zoey Wonders Why is about the compelling questions many young people have. We all want to know and understand our roots because that’s part of what makes us who we are. Told in first person narrative from Zoey’s point of view, the story centers on this five-year-old and her desire to learn more about herself and her heritage. In the process, she must also learn to respect others and enjoy their ancestral stories and foods. There is lots of dialogue and the tender relationship between mother and daughter as well as between Zoey and her younger sibling is touching. The illustrations are bright, bold, and colorful and certainly help move the story along. This is an excellent story for young readers to encourage them to open up and learn about their ancestral heritage as well as to learn to respect and accept others for who they are.
Recommend this book:
The Fish and the Underwater Bird
Barbara Pinke

2023 Bronze Medal
43 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd

The Fish and the Underwater Bird is a children's picture book by award-winning author Barbara Pinke. With some beautiful illustrations by Alvin Adhi, the book follows Seaya, a curious fish who loves collecting pretty pebbles, shells, and coral. One day, while hunting for treasures, Seaya stumbles on a mysterious wooden chest. To her surprise, a bird popped out of it and just as quickly went back inside. Determined to free the bird, Seaya tries in vain to open the wooden box. Looking for answers, she visits Professor Turtle, Mr. Octopus, and Mr. Manta Ray, accompanied by her friend Pesho. However, it is Dad Fish who resolves the mystery. Together they wait in front of the wooden chest and this time Seaya finally learns the value of patience.
A delightful children's adventure tale with a gentle lesson on the virtue of patience, The Fish and the Underwater Bird is a book that kids will love. Barbara Pinke tells a short and sweet story about an adorable fish who loves hunting treasures and getting to the bottom of mysteries. Pinke's engaging writing style makes the book fun and all the more immersive to read. Alvin Adhi's eye-catching illustrations splash color onto the pages and bring the characters to life. Seaya is someone kids will find themselves liking. Her vibrant personality makes her easy to relate to, and readers are bound to love her adventurous spirit. A thoroughly enjoyable picture book for children under the age of ten.
Recommend this book:
Dash and Nikki and The Jellybean Game
Anthony C. Delauney

2023 Bronze Medal
38 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd

Anthony C. Delauney wrote Dash and Nikki and The Jellybean Game to teach kindergarten to third-grade children about saving for the future. Dash and Nikki are brother and sister. One day at breakfast, they find 10 jellybeans near their plates. Their parents give them a challenge: they can eat all the jellybeans now or wait. If they wait, they’ll get more jellybeans later. Nikki ate all her beans almost immediately, but Dash held onto his and received the promised more jellybeans. But he thinks of a way to help his sister—he’ll lend her some jellybeans if she promises to pay him back with interest. Nikki agrees and she receives more jellybeans as the day goes on, with both children getting more jellybeans in the end. Delauney is a financial advisor; he wrote this rhyming book to teach children the value of saving as well as helping others. The book is illustrated by Chiara Civati. This is the first book in Delauney’s Owning the Dash series of children’s books.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Dash and Nikki and The Jellybean Game. The rhyming made the book fun to read, but more importantly, the book teaches valuable lessons to children. Many parents want to teach their kids financial lessons but struggle because the kids don’t want to be lectured. This book accomplishes the purpose in an entertaining way that will stick with children. Delauney says that the book is for kindergarten to third-grade children, which is a perfect time to start teaching finances. The illustrations by Chiara Civati are beautiful and fit the accompanying text perfectly. I highly recommend this book to children, parents, and grandparents. My own children would have loved the book when they were young, and they would have learned some valuable lessons.
Recommend this book:
Sora Searches for a Song
Little Cricket’s Imagination Journey
Once Upon a Dance, Christine Herbert

2023 Silver Medal
31 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd

Sora Searches for a Song: Little Cricket’s Imagination Journey by Christine Herbert follows the journey of a young, ambitious cricket as she tries to find the imagination needed to sing. Sora is the only one who cannot sing in the little green marsh. Sora is told the reason is that she has no imagination. Sora then goes through a journey of self-discovery as she seeks imagination because she wants to sing more than anything else. Throughout the transformation, Sora wants to become many things. Can she find imagination and a song?
This amazing book by Once Upon a Dance and Christina Herbert is nothing short of splendid. They hit their target very well with this story. The dance illustrations and guides would appeal to a young audience. The book uses elementary grammar, so it is very easy to understand. This book teaches children that regardless of obstacles, they should never give in to self-doubt and fear. The lessons are laid out very well and in a fun way that will have the child reading over and over again. Sora Searches for a Song: Little Cricket’s Imagination Journey is a five-star read for its magnificent crafting, plotting, appearance, and overall presentation.
Recommend this book:
The Gingerbread Twins
Renee Hayes

2023 Silver Medal
32 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd

Fox, the baker, enjoyed eating the gingerbread cookies baked by the little old man and the little old woman. But as time passed, the taste of these sweet cookies faded from his memory. Fox knew it was time to bake the best gingerbread cookies, but could he keep the old taste, snap and crunch alive? Fox doubted himself because he did not achieve it with the previous batches. He felt like a failure. Then one day, Fox got it right down to the taste and crunch, but something scary happened. The pair of gingerbread figures came alive and escaped, even before he could complete his process. What will Fox do? Follow the baker on his adventure with The Gingerbread Twins by Renee Hayes.
The Gingerbread Twins written by Renee Hayes and illustrated by Darby Scebold is a hilarious yet educative picture storybook for everyone. It will appeal to children the most because of the attractive illustrations and life lessons essential for their growth. This story talks about believing in ourselves and casting out self-doubt. In a world that preys on the vulnerability of children, the book reminds them to get up and try again whenever they fail. No one gets it right the first time. If we record consistent failures, we must re-strategize and change our methods because something is missing. We must also learn to document and ask for help from experts because it will help us to recall and work smarter. This is a beautiful picture storybook for kindergartners, and I enjoyed it.
Recommend this book:
The Scariest Book in the Whole Entire World
Joey Acker

2023 Gold Medal
39 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd

“This book unfortunately belongs to (space for name)” are the first words. They precede even the title, The Scariest Book in the Whole Entire World. No children were present, unfortunately, because I laughed aloud all the way through, it’s so gloriously funny. Joey Acker has written it in the first person from the point of view of a simply sketched but expressive character to whom any child could relate. He, or she – usefully, it could be either – is not scared, much. There is a warning that you, the reader, could turn back, but, of course, one doesn’t, and no child is likely to let you, even though the poor unnamed soul begs you to close the book because he/she would escape experiencing the horrors again.
What I liked most about Joey Acker’s writing is his chatty style. There are all sorts of things that might genuinely frighten a young child. Read The Scariest Book in the Whole Entire World and common fears, such as the rats that come to the cheese, and the ghost who MIGHT be around, and spiders will be banished. Long words, common but not “proper” words, and the mixed font mean the book must be read aloud by an adult and the child will laugh with you. AHHHHHH!!!! it got dark, but all the darkness hides is Bobo the clown. There are more horrors tackled – buy it, read it, preferably to a child in case anybody’s watching. The Scariest Book in the Whole Entire World is both marvelous fun and a practical way to deal with “nightmares”.
Recommend this book:
This Book Is Perfect!
A Funny Interactive Read Aloud Picture Book For Kids Ages 3-7
Ron Keres

2023 Gold Medal
35 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd

This Book is Perfect! A Funny Interactive Read Aloud Picture Book For Kids Ages 3-7 by Ron Keres is a hilarious children's storybook featuring Finn the frog, who is a tad bit neurotic about cleanliness. Unlike other swamp toads, Finn prides himself on the appearance of himself and his belongings. He is obsessed with being tidy. In wanting to boast about the tidiness of his prized possession, he shares his book with a child. Huge mistake. Sloppiness defines this child. Page after page, a new disaster unfolds for Finn the frog to fret over and struggle to clean. When nearly all hope is lost, Finn reflects on what other frogs would do in this situation and resolves his issue with a happy ending.
This Book is Perfect! is indeed the perfect storybook for preschool to young school-age children. My granddaughters age 3 and 7 fell in love with Finn the frog and his obsessive-compulsive behavior. They laughed and laughed as Finn’s stress level rose, and he struggled to keep up with the disastrous dilemma he faced. Ron Keres’ tone of writing ebbs and flows perfectly in time with the chaotic scenes unfolding on the pages. Finn’s frantic behavior will keep even the most distracted child entertained throughout the story until the last page. The illustrations are creative and laid out with bright colors and realistic patterns. The images are so vivid that the messiness seems to come off the pages in an almost 3D effect. Fun to read, this storybook will become a cherished addition to any family, daycare, or teacher's library.
Recommend this book:
When I Grow Up, I Want to be a Song!
Danielle LaRosa

2022 Finalist
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd

Do you hear music in your heart? Your soul? Does it speak to you and make you want to sing? Maggie loves her music so much so that when she grows up, she wants to be a song. Even if she’s working in a bakery or exploring outer space, or perhaps living the life of a wild child, she wants to be a song. The only thing is, she doesn’t know what song she wants to be. There are so many decisions to be made about her future before she really can choose the right song for her. And, she has to listen to a lot of music to find the ‘right’ song that suits her.
Danielle LaRosa’s picture book story, When I Grow Up, I Want to be a Song!, is a unique way to introduce to young readers the many opportunities available to them when they grow up. The plot begins with Maggie sharing her secret wish to be a song, but reminding the reader that they mustn’t share her secret. Then she launches into multiple career choices for her to aspire to. Told in rhyming verse, the story reads like the lyrics to a song. With its lilting nature, this story is a song in itself. Danielle LaRosa uses another interesting technique. She borrows various song titles and lyrics and weaves them into the story, each highlighted in blue. She provides a concise list of titles and lyrics and songwriters used in the story at the end of the book. Finding the right song, Maggie realizes, is more than just the music, it’s also about what she wants to do with her life. As long as music is a part of her plan, a part of her song, Maggie has a number of things she’d love to do as a grownup. The main thing for Maggie is that music defines who she is. This is a beautiful, touching, sweet story with charming illustrations. Loved it!
Recommend this book:
How to Hug a Cloud
Jacqueline Vollat

2022 Honorable Mention
35 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd

How far will you go to follow your dreams? How to Hug a Cloud by Jacqueline Vollat is a warm and inspiring children’s story about a young girl named Lilly who is passionate about achieving her dream of hugging one of those floating clouds that look so fluffy. She makes a plan to get up in the air. She climbs a tree, but she slips off a branch and scrapes her knee. Her next set of plans proves futile. Running to the top of a hill, tying herself to a giant balloon, and even hitching a ride on a giant bird didn’t help her catch up with the swift-moving clouds. It hurts Lilly to think that her goal is uncompleted. Then winter came, and Lilly jumps with glee as the skies seem to have given her an opportunity to make her dream come true.
Children need to face challenges on their own, and the best way we can help them is to teach them the value of resilience. How to Hug a Cloud is a story that helps you to teach your children about the importance of not giving up. Jacqueline Vollat’s fun-to-read verses in rhyme clearly reflect the ideals of one child’s resolve to do whatever it takes for her goal to come true. Noor Alshalabi’s illustrations have a shading quality that holds the images together with great detail as you join Lilly’s adventure. The well-styled application of colors helps to emphasize the balance between fantasy and realism. It’s a story that will remind children that resilience matters—something that they need when the going gets tough.
