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:
Sora Searches for a Song
Little Cricket’s Imagination Journey
Once Upon a Dance, Christine Herbert
2023 Silver Medal
31 Pages
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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
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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
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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
38 Pages
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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
36 Pages
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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
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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.
Recommend this book:
A Barrel Racer's Dream
M.D. Ford
2022 Bronze Medal
36 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
M. D. Ford's informational picture book A Barrel Racer's Dream will please all those young girls who love horses. Dee has her very own horse named Hank. He is her best friend, and they ride together often. Dee gets the opportunity to compete in a rodeo, where she and Hank will be riding in a barrel race. Dee walks through all the steps that are necessary to get Hank ready to race. Dee shows how she needs to care for Hank before and after the race. Ford has included information about the value of barrel racing and the pattern for running the cloverleaf race. Will Dee and Hank win their first race?
One of the more common requests that I received as a children's librarian was for stories about horses. A Barrel Racer's Dream has everything in it that my young horse-loving patrons were looking for. M. D. Ford writes from experience, so there is authenticity in the way Dee and Hank interact. Subtle gestures mean a lot as horses and riders work together. Kids will enjoy seeing the majestic creatures and will appreciate the bond between Dee and Hank. Harry Aveira's bright, vivid illustrations add a real western flair to the story. Living in the western United States, I have seen my share of rodeos, and Aveira's pictures capture the feel and excitement of the arena perfectly. Horse lovers and aspiring rodeo riders will enjoy this book. If they don't already have a horse in their life, they will eagerly look forward to the time when they do.
Recommend this book:
The Scariest Story You've Ever Heard
Ron Keres
2022 Silver Medal
50 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
It was a dark and stormy night. I never thought I’d get to use those opening words, first penned by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, but they describe this story exactly. The Scariest Story You’ve Ever Heard by Ron Keres and designed by Arthur Lin is intended to be too scary for pictures. The power has gone out. The pages are black. The words do the job, just like telling a scary story in the dark. Readers and listeners can try to picture what is happening, along with the brothers in this imaginative tale, who hear unexpected sounds in the night that get their hearts and imaginations pumping. Thump, screams, crunch, crunch, crunch, drip drop, drip drop, grrr, clang and bang. Just what you need to get scared in the night.
Ron Keres’ sense of humor shines through in this story, just as it did in It’s Not That Big a Deal, also illustrated by Arthur Lin. The Scariest Story You've Ever Heard isn’t The Monkey’s Paw or The Telltale Heart. It is appropriate for children aged 4-8 and is also a suitable bedtime story. You might want to read this book in a darkened room, illuminating the words by flashlight to bring out the best effect. Show the creative typography to your listeners if they are old enough to read. Pause now and then to ask your listeners what they think is making all those sounds. Laugh with them when the brothers’ curiosity gets the better of them and they go hunting for the monster. Recommended for naptime, bedtime, or daytime reading.
Recommend this book:
Rosie the Farm Truck
Victoria Scudder
2022 Gold Medal
33 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Eight inches of snow fell on the Callahan Farm overnight. Rosie the truck wanted to play with her friends in it. Unfortunately, they expected a storm the following night, and Farmer Jack enlisted the help of everyone to prepare for it. Rosie wasn’t happy, but she helped. Later, while they were playing, Mayor Hope sent for Rosie to help bring in four reindeer trapped on a stranded train. The reindeer were on an urgent mission but couldn’t brave the incoming storm. If the mission failed, many children would be sad. Would Rosie agree to help get the reindeer out of danger to a shelter? Would the storm stop the reindeer from their task? Find out in Rosie the Farm Truck by Victoria Scudder, illustrated by Kam Bayo.
Rosie the Farm Truck by Victoria Scudder is a perfect Christmas children’s story. However, the lessons in this picture book remain evergreen. It is a tale of kindness, teamwork, love, resourcefulness, courage, and healthy doses of confidence. I loved the beautiful illustrations and attractive choice of colors by Kam Bayo. The simple grammar and punchy sentences were catchy and easy to understand. Scudder awakened my imagination by creating living characters out of everything in the environment which I’m sure will excite children. Above all, this book reminds us never to second guess ourselves, as Rosie did. We must opt for a circle of people who would do everything to help us succeed, as we can only receive the energy we give. When we show up for people in difficult situations, we unlock another level of our own strength and uniqueness. Thank you for this educative book, Victoria Scudder!
Recommend this book:
LaLa Salutes the Sun
A Yoga Book for Kids (LaLa's World 4)
Tela Kayne
2021 Finalist
17 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
LaLa Salutes the Sun: A Yoga Book for Kids: LaLa's World, Book 4 is an educational picture book for children, grades k-3, written by Tela Kayne and illustrated by Goran Vitanovic. Lala knows that icky feelings can actually make you feel bad, can even make you feel ill, but there are ways to eliminate that ickiness -- yoga! LaLa introduces Sun Salutations in this book. Sun Salutations are a series of yoga moves that work perfectly together and are guaranteed to leave the practitioner relaxed and free of icky feelings. LaLa explains how yoga is a combination of “exercise, poses, and breathing.” The poses are often named after nature and animals and are fun to do. Sun Salutations are a perfect way for kids and caregivers to learn how to do yoga, and LaLa and her bear are there to guide you every step of the way.
Tela Kayne introduces young readers to yoga utilizing my favorite yoga series -- the Sun Salutations. I still remember my first yoga course from college where we learned the salutations first of all. Later on, during the semester, a group of adults came to visit our class and we students guided them along with their own first yoga moves. That said, I was blown away by LaLa and Tela Kayne’s introduction to yoga. Each of the Sun Salutation poses is beautifully illustrated and described, including the inhalations and exhalations, after presenting a marvelous introduction to yoga breathing. I’ve read any number of yoga books and can’t recall any that gave as insightful and precise instructions for the Sun Salutations. In fact, I had to resist getting up and joining in with LaLa and her bear in a few Salutations myself. Oh, and yes, don’t forget to have a bottle of water handy to hydrate between Salutations. Goran Vitanovic’s illustrations are perfectly suited to this book and make following the moves along with LaLa and her bear a breeze. Anyone for a Sun Salutation? LaLa Salutes the Sun is most highly recommended.