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:
Nonni's Moon
Julia Inserro

2018 Gold Medal
18 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd

Nonni's Moon by Julia Inserro is one of those feel good books for kids and parents alike. Beanie misses her grandmother who lives far, far away and wishes she could see her grandmother more. They settle on a new way to send messages to each other through a common means that all kids can appreciate. Beanie shares this with her teacher, who then decides to use it to send messages to her sister. Well, right away the reader has learned a new way to communicate with loved ones they seldom see. One of the first things that hooks the reader in Nonni's Moon by Julia Inserro is the artwork. Lucy Smith's illustrations capture our hearts. The illustrator won a Kidshelf cover design award. However, each and every page is captivating. Diversity is shared within the illustrations. The blended family is a mixture of Caucasian and Middle Eastern cultures.
The story line seems at first to be a bedtime story. But, there's much, much more. There are "hidden" connections with the world of science and social issues. The obvious settings in the illustrations can lead to good discussions about different cultures. This would be a great means to introduce time zones and the earth's movements to young children, as well as use in a discussion of where the moon is when it can't be seen. Some of the repetitive phrases provide opportunities for children to be active participants by reading those as they are repeated throughout the book. Nonni's Moon by Julia Inserro would be useful in the classroom and as a great Mother's Day gift for grandmothers.
Recommend this book:
Rice & Rocks
Sandra L. Richards

2017 Finalist
32 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd

Rice and Rocks by Sandra L. Richards is a stunning, heartwarming children's book about a young boy named Giovanni. Giovanni's family always has Jamaican stewed chicken with rice and beans, or what Giovanni calls rice and rocks, every Sunday. But this time, Giovanni has friends coming over, and he is worried that his friends won't like it. Giovanni's auntie wants to show him that his friends will like the food, so the two shrink down, and climb onto the back of Giovanni's bird, Jasper. They visit the countries Giovanni's friends' families are from, and find out about many traditions in his friends' cultures that involve the same kind of food that Giovanni calls rice and rocks. Giovanni serves rice and rocks to his friends. Will they like it?
I really enjoyed reading Rice and Rocks by Sandra L. Richards. The book teaches the importance of traditions, family, and friendship. I liked that the characters are very diverse, and are from many different cultures. The book is full of adventure, and has some funny parts. The pictures, by Megan Kayleigh Sullivan, are very well drawn, and help to depict each scene. The illustrations of Jasper and Auntie's dogs, Skye and Honey, are adorable. The characters are likeable, because they all understand or learn the importance of tradition. The book is relatable because many people are worried about what they're feeding their friends. Children will enjoy reading this book again and again. I would definitely recommend this book to all young readers.
Recommend this book:
Tabitha Fink
Ninja at Night
Rick Felty

2017 Honorable Mention
68 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd

Tabitha Fink: Ninja at Night by Rick Felty is the story of Tabitha Fink, a cat who has only one eye. She likes to try out things that no other cat does. She is happy to be different and she lives with Bartholomew Blink, who is a mouse. They sleep every day on carpets and stairs, and play hide and seek around the tables and chairs. They have fun during the daytime, but when it becomes night, things are unpleasant for Bartholomew Blink. He gets scared of the dark and feels there is a scary monster in his closet, and an old witch with a scary old broom underneath the bed. There are a lot of other things too that scare Bartholomew Blink at night, and Tabitha Fink tells him what to do to deal with the fear of darkness.
The concept of the story is good. It tells readers to make friends with their monsters before turning off the light. Both characters, Tabitha Fink, the cat, and Bartholomew Blink, the mouse, are adorable and they also show how friends can support each other during difficult times. The illustrations are bright and charming, and they breathe life into the story and bring the scenes and characters alive. It is a good bedtime storybook and the concept makes it an excellent choice for read aloud sessions in classrooms and school libraries. The story has good messages of friendship and overcoming the fear of darkness, which makes it an ideal storybook for children.
Recommend this book:
Buzzy and Thomas Move Into the President's House
Vicki Tashman

2017 Bronze Medal
44 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd

Buzzy and Thomas Move Into the President’s House by Vicki Tashman revolves around adorable Buzzy who enjoys living in her big farm, Monticello, with her owner, Thomas Jefferson. She had good friends; Caractacus the horse, Bull the farm dog, and Dickie the farm bird. Buzzy had a lot of things in common with her owner. She loved lying at Thomas’s feet while he wrote his letters and they both liked to go for long walks. On one of their walks, Thomas tells Buzzy that he is going to be the president soon and they will be moving into their new home which is just for presidents. Buzzy is sad and confused. She does not want to leave her friends, Caractacus, Bull, and Dickie; at the same time she wants to go with Thomas and be with him all the time. Will Buzzy be happy in this new home?
The story is delightful and what makes it more appealing is the fact that Thomas Jefferson, who became the President of the United States, had a dog named Buzzy, a horse named Caractacus, another dog named Bull, and a mockingbird called Dickie. The illustrations are lively and colorful and they breathe life into the characters and give the story a good pace and movement. The book is informative and educational as it tells readers a bit about the history of the United States and teaches them new words. The book is a good bedtime storybook for parents and grandparents and can be used for read aloud sessions in classrooms and school libraries. Buzzy’s fear of moving to a new place and missing her friends is palpable and readers can connect well with those emotions.
Recommend this book:
The Day My Fart Followed Me To Hockey
Sam Lawrence,Ben Jackson

2017 Silver Medal
42 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd

The Day My Fart Followed Me To Hockey by Sam Lawrence and Ben Jackson is the hilarious story of Timmy, who wants to be part of the hockey team, but thinks he is not that good at playing the game. Little Fart encourages and supports him. With all the morale boosting he has received from Fart and his mom, Timmy goes to try out for the hockey team. Timmy does not want Fart to follow him as he will be known as the stinky kid, and asks him not to come. But Fart wants to support his friend and follows him. When Timmy gets there and goes onto the ice, he sees Fart has followed him. How does Fart help Timmy and will he be able to help Timmy make it onto the team?
The story, apart from being funny, also conveys the messages of friendship, teamwork, and relationships. The illustrations are bright and colorful, giving the story good pace and movement, and breathing life into the characters. It's a good bedtime storybook for parents and grandparents to read out to kids. The book can also be used for read aloud sessions in classrooms and school libraries. Children understand concepts, ideas, and messages more easily when these are conveyed through stories and pictures. Timmy and Fart will capture the hearts of young readers with their display of teamwork and friendship.
Recommend this book:
Kobee Manatee
Shipwreck Sea Friends
Robert Scott Thayer

2017 Gold Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd

"Kobee Manatee: Shipwreck Sea Friends" is a fun underwater adventure written by Robert Scott Thayer and illustrated by Lauren Gallegos. Kobee, a bold manatee, along with his friends Tess, a brave seahorse, and Pablo, a fun loving hermit crab, head to Puerto Rico to explore the shipwreck of the SS Antonio López. Along the way, they meet several new friends of all shapes and sizes, ranging from an eight-inch long spotfin butterfly fish to a 40-foot long whale shark! This is the third book in the Kobee Manatee series and is published in collaboration with Fabien Cousteau, grandson of the legendary ocean expert Jacques Cousteau. While you don’t necessarily need to read the other two books first, you’ll find yourself falling for Kobee and friends and wanting to hear more about their adventures.
Whether you are an avid sea explorer or simply someone who wants to learn more about our oceans, "Kobee Manatee: Shipwreck Sea Friends" is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that is the perfect addition to any bookshelf! Kobee reminds readers that our oceans are precious resources and the habitat for many a wonderful creature, and that we should do everything we can to protect them. In addition, each page contains some of Kobee’s Fun Facts, which provide children with real life information about the animals and locations that they read about in the book. The story truly comes to life thanks to Lauren Gallegos’ wonderful illustrations as you find yourself diving into the story and enjoying every moment of Kobee and friends’ adventure.
Recommend this book:
I'll See You in My Dreams
A Magical Bedtime Story
Michal Y. Noah

2016 Finalist
38 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd

I'll See You in My Dreams: A Magical Bedtime Story is written by Michal Y. Noah and illustrated by Favreau. Hoppy is a young rabbit, far too afraid to fall asleep or be left alone at bedtime. The shadows on the walls from the windows outside look like monsters and she is afraid they will attack her if she is left alone. After she asks her parents to stay with her each night, they instead come up with a plan to help Hoppy sleep soundly. Before she falls asleep at night, the parents discuss ‘meeting’ Hoppy in her dreams and about the wonderful adventures they will have together inside those dreams. They plan to discuss all of Hoppy’s amazing and fun-filled adventures each morning when she wakes. In her dreams, Hoppy would meet her parents at the lake, and she would play and interact with the fish, turtles and sea horses. Soon, Hoppy is so excited to fall asleep and have her adventures that she is no longer scared and no longer asks her parents to keep her safe as she is falling asleep. Hoppy feels safe at night, knowing that her parents are always with her in her dreams, having fun and making her smile.
Michal Y. Noah has created a book which is not only beautifully illustrated and cleverly written in rhyme, but it engages the young reader easily. The therapeutic value of the book alone is immeasurable, as many children and adults suffer from anxiety and nightmares, with friends and parents not knowing how to help. This book is an ideal solution in calming those fears and making sleep time an exciting place to be. I would recommend I’ll See You in My Dreams to all ages, not just younger children. Anybody who is haunted by nightmares and anxiety could easily benefit from this book and the calm that it produces, alleviating any bad dreams.
Recommend this book:
Stinky Blinky
Troy Kent

2016 Honorable Mention
38 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd

Stinky Blinky by Troy Kent is a funny story about Blinky who always has a bad smell coming from his rear. When he eats cheese or beans, it makes him go. Stinky Blinky is always worried that he might pass gas in class and all the other students will laugh at him. Once he reaches home, he makes sure he does not eat beans and cheese. Blinky's mother gives him his favorite cream filled Twinkie. The book is filled with bathroom humor and will make readers who connect with Stinky Blinky's plight chuckle.
It's a fast paced and fun read and it is laced with humor and silly moments that will put a smile on the faces of readers. The illustrations are lively and funny and give a good pace and movement to the scenes and the characters. The book is a good bedtime storybook and can also be used for read aloud sessions in classrooms and school libraries. The author manages to handle the topic tastefully instead of making it sound cheap and crass. Kids will love the humor and will be able to relate to the silliness in the story.
Lighthearted books like this are good for children to make them smile and chuckle, and also to introduce them to a different set of words which can enhance their vocabulary. Stinky Blinky's character has been portrayed well and he's adorable. I would definitely recommend this book to all young readers out there.
Recommend this book:
Courageous Gilbert the Groundhog
2016 Mom's Choice Awards Gold Medal Winner, Readers Favorite Gold Medal Winner and Readers Favorite 5 Star Review.
Regina E. McCarthy

2016 Gold Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd

Courageous Gilbert the Groundhog by Regina E. McCarthy is an adorable storybook for children. Gilbert had many interests. He was a great collector of toy cars, action figures, and lots of rocks, and he also enjoyed listening to music. There were many things Gilbert didn't like - he did not like standing up in front of the class, he didn't like being made fun of when he sang, and he didn't like finding someone to sit with him for lunch. One day, while leaving school upset, he climbs an old oak tree. Readers see a friendship bond being developed between Gilbert and the old oak tree. The book conveys an excellent message to young readers and tells them the importance of deep breathing and that it is okay to express their feelings and emotions instead of hiding them.
The concept shared by the author is excellent as it helps build confidence in children. The illustrations are bright and lively and give a good pace and movement to the scenes and the story. The breathing techniques mentioned in the book can be practiced to ease tension and anxiety, and will help children release their emotions and fears instead of holding them inside. It's an excellent book for interactive sessions in classrooms and school libraries, and can also be used for bedtime story-telling. Therapists, counselors, and educators can use the techniques in the book while working with kids. The book also speaks about the importance of mental health and the benefits of deep breathing.
Recommend this book:
The Miracle Mitzvah Moose
Dawn Wynne

2015 Honorable Mention
32 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd

The Miracle Mitzvah Moose by Dawn Wynne is a beautifully written story about a young girl named Abbey, who feels out of place and out of sorts after moving to a new home. Abbey has no friends and she is feeling down and alone when her mother suggests she unpack the Menorah. It is the first night of Hanukkah and the Menorah is a special reminder of Abbey's grandfather. When Abbey accidentally breaks off part of the treasured heirloom, she is dejected and she begins to stare out the window. She spots a moose that seems intrigued with the lonesome child. When an antler of the moose's rack becomes illuminated by the light of the moon, Abbey immediately feels a connection to the animal and she begins to look for the animal nightly.
Gloria Pineiro has beautifully illustrated The Miracle Mitzvah Moose so that children will remained enthralled as the words are read to them. It almost seems that as the moose appears and the meaning of Hanukkah is understood, Abbey begins to believe in the possibility of her new life. She wants to help others and, when she does that, she wants to then give even more of herself to others. When she gives, she receives in return and she eventually understands that transitions give opportunity for new and rewarding experiences. I liked the simple way that Wynne told her story. The story itself is filled with meaning for children of any religion and one which will stay with them for years to come.
