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:
The Tooth Fairy's Tummy Ache
Lori Orlinsky

2020 Honorable Mention
38 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd

The Tooth Fairy's Tummy Ache is a children’s picture book written by Lori Orlinsky and illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre. Losing the first tooth is both an exciting and strange part of growing up. But what if you accidentally swallow that first tooth? How do you leave it under your pillow for the Tooth Fairy? Will she even visit the house if there’s no tiny white tooth awaiting her? The little girl in this story was biting on a sweet, crisp apple when she felt a crack and realized her tooth had come loose. What a shock when she realized that she swallowed it along with that bite of the apple! What should she do? The plan she comes up with seems to work -- at first, that is -- but the little trick she plays on the Tooth Fairy causes all manner of difficulties.
The Tooth Fairy's Tummy Ache is a humorous look at what is probably a relatively common occurrence. The child’s pragmatic approach to the problem seems like it worked until it doesn’t. Orlinsky’s story eloquently illustrates why it’s always better to be upfront about problems, even things like swallowing a lost tooth. The Tooth Fairy’s solution is one that works brilliantly on so many levels. This is one of those kids’ books that is funny and filled with the silly goodness kids love, while at the same time it teaches them the importance of being honest and asking adults for help when they have a problem. Vanessa Alexandre’s bright and colorful illustrations work so well with the text. I especially liked the drawing of the Tooth Fairy sitting on her giant toothbrush as she ponders the strange tooth she receives and the images of her Workshop and fairy friends. The Tooth Fairy's Tummy Ache is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday
(Mom's Choice Award Winner)
Alysson Foti Bourque

2020 Bronze Medal
38 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd

Alycat and Bugsy excitedly began Tournament Tuesday with a race downstairs. Alycat almost tripped on her brother’s lucky golf ball he had left on the steps. Bugsy believed this special ball, with a star on it, brings him luck while playing golf. When Mom, Dad, and the children were in the car, ready to go to the golf course, Bugsy realized he had forgotten this ball. His mother reminded him it is hard work and practice that improves a golf game. But at his insistence, Alycat went back into the house and got the ball for him. They soon joined their friends on the course and played eighteen holes of golf. Bugsy played well, but there was a surprise for him at the end of the game. Author Alysson Foti Bourque has written an engaging children's book in Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday.
The story is entertaining while imparting an important message to children. Hard work and practice are necessary to attain one’s goals, not lucky items. Also demonstrated is the support among family members, as well as camaraderie among friends. The illustrations by Chiara Civati are delightfully detailed. The pictures will capture the imaginations of young children. This book provides an opportunity for parents to discuss the benefits of practice in every area of a child’s life – from schoolwork, sports, or playing a musical instrument. Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday, written by Alysson Foti Bourque, teaches an important life lesson to young readers. It is one book of a series that children will love!
Recommend this book:
Four Bears in a Box
Dreama Denver

2020 Silver Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd

Beyond the interesting celebrity connection, there is a fascinating backstory to Four Bears in a Box, written by Dreama Denver and illustrated by Ashley Belote. Although not necessary for appreciating the highly polished rhyming scheme and exquisitely created art partnered to tell a most imaginative and heart-warming story, learning that the tale itself was developed by a mother seeking in-depth communication with her autistic son, however, does further deepen such appreciation. Any person with even a tangential experience of familial autism will immediately feel the comforting embrace of a book dedicated to: “… those of you who get lost in the beauty of imagination.” Should I mention this is a children’s book? No, I do not believe that’s necessary.
Four Bears in a Box begins, intriguingly enough, with three bored little bears wanting something new and adventurous to do. I am sure the target of this story must have raised his hand forthwith and authoritatively declared, “But, there’s only 3 bears!” And just like that, any child - or more-than-clever adult – would instantly be hooked on this book. Dreama Denver and Ashley Belote are (the pun cannot be avoided) a Dream Team. Ms. Denver’s perfectly-chosen words not only compel attention and inspire the imagination, but Ms. Belote’s detailed artwork heightens and expands both into a wonderfully embracing experiment of unlimited, uncontrollable fun. In a box. In the garage. Who knew? Apparently, Dreama Denver … and her son. Finally, in the interest of full disclosure: Yes, there is a fourth bear. But then, that just had to be the case, right?
Recommend this book:
The Worst Book in the Whole Entire World
Joey Acker

2020 Gold Medal
38 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd

The Worst Book in the Whole Entire World is a quirky picture book written for kids and was produced, written and illustrated by author Joey Acker. Part of the Entire World Books Series, in it we meet a charming (if grumpy) little character called Nameless, who takes us through the many amusing reasons why we shouldn’t read a book about him. Designed with wry humor, pathos, simplicity and the occasional naughty word in mind, the whole aim of this minimalistic picture book is to deliver humor to its young readers, which it does in abundance. For early grade readers, the visual jokes and short lines provide a great basis to learn timing and humor when reading too.
I loved this weird little book, and I know many a young child who would giggle at it from cover to cover and read it over and over again. With so many books out there trying for educational content and deeper moral meanings, author Joey Acker presents a genuinely fun book that kids will definitely become immediately engrossed in. The lines are clean and simple with drawings to match, and the humor is certain to attract adults and encourage them to read with their kids too, which is always a plus. I especially enjoyed the ending, which rounds up the pathos nicely and brings a slightly brighter tone to the doom and gloom of earlier on. Overall, The Worst Book in the Whole Entire World certainly has a place on the bookshelf of any child who needs a good laugh now and then.
Recommend this book:
LaLa Feels Blah-La
A children's book that teaches kids how to be the change through mindfulness.
Tela Kayne

2019 Finalist
30 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd

LaLa Feels Blah-La by Tela Kayne is about a little girl named LaLa who wakes up one morning feeling low for no particular reason. Her mother tries her best to get LaLa into a better mood by trying to coax her out of this 'Blah' mood. However, LaLa’s mother’s attempt to get LaLa to change her mind and improve her spirits is not initially successful. Finally, she explains how she, Mom, changes her low moods. Mom explains that every time she starts to feel icky, she thinks of a happy thought and everything changes. She suggests that LaLa try this too. It works! Mom succeeds in changing LaLa’s mood and teaches LaLa how to cope with black moods. The illustrations are perfect for young children.
LaLa Feels Blah-La is ideal for younger readers. Parents, particularly mothers, would be interested in LaLa Feels Blah-La by Tela Kayne. The story teaches kids to cope with bad moods. It’s an uplifting story, perfect for parents, teachers and any adult encouraging children to read and deal with life’s ups and downs. The intention of the author in creating this series was to help her daughters and other children better understand how their beliefs manifest their realities, so they can grow up to be the change they wish to see in the world. Hence, the reason for creating this book is impeccable. Many parents will relate to this story as children often go through such shifting mood swings. This story will help them lift their children’s moods in an easy to understand text with colorful drawings that children will empathize with easily.
Recommend this book:
Tinsey Clover
Chelsea Flagg

2019 Honorable Mention
218 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd

Tinsey Clover is a fantastical children’s story written by Chelsea Flagg. Tinsey Clover is a young elf who dreamed of leaving her chaotic home and exploring the world, while still trying to bring the nearby communities together in a peaceful reunion. On one glorious day, she finally got her wish and was able to go out on an adventure of a lifetime that was well beyond her expectations. Overcoming the restrictions that held her back, Tinsey left behind the comfort and safety of her family and old friends, and met new types of people that normally would be the least likely of friends. But are they truly friends or will they betray her? Will she bring about a peaceful solution and make it back alive, or will she become some scary monster’s next meal?
One of the greatest aspects of Tinsey Clover is the way the author used the unique situations as an educational tool to teach young readers valuable lessons; to help them make better choices in their future. I was very surprised by each of the twists and turns that led to the final plot. I was impressed with the way the characters matured in the story, making it mesh very smoothly with the action. This book was awe inspiring, easy to follow, and hard to put down, making it one of the best children’s stories on the market for youngsters to read. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Tinsey Clover; it was adorable!
Recommend this book:
I Would Love You Even If You Were A Pickle
Bucleigh Newton Kernodle

2019 Bronze Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd

Many of us watched our children enjoy the love that poured from the words of a lovely children’s picture book Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. We thought the sentiments within that charming story spoke volumes for a mother’s undying love and patience. Well, here is another precious gem that will rival the love that flowed from Munsch’s timeless story. Bucleigh Newton Kernodle’s picture book story, I Would Love You Even If You Were A Pickle, is a loving, intimate and sometimes funny retelling of a bedtime interchange of unique ideas between a mother and her young son.
Miller is worried he did something terribly bad. When his mother reassures him that she still loves him, Miller says the cutest words that become the title of this book: “I would love you even if you were a pickle.” That begins a lengthy exchange. Mother comes back with “I would love you even if you were a leaky faucet that goes trickle, trickle, trickle!” Miller has a quick comeback and the two banter back and forth all the strangest comparisons to prove that their love for the other is the greatest of all. The warmth and humor of this loving exchange are soothing and reassuring and will spark similar comparisons between parent and child when sharing this wonderful book. The illustrations help to ignite the sentiments. But, the best message shared in this story is that God’s love for all of us is even greater than pickles and leaky faucets and so much more.
Recommend this book:
Doggy Claus / Perro Noel
English and Spanish Edition
Derek Taylor Kent

2019 Silver Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd

Doggy Claus / Perro Noel: A Bilingual Holiday Tale is a warm Christmas story of a dog that wants to make other dogs happy by giving them Christmas presents. Jingle thinks they need Christmas gifts to be happy but soon learns what they really want. The story features adorable, cuddly dogs, cats, and other animals that children will love. This bilingual book tells the story of a caring dog named Jingle who tries to make his roommates happy. Jingle believes a gift will make them happy. He quickly realizes that gifts don’t make them happy—they want to be loved. Told in English and Spanish, this book will help Spanish or English students practice their language skills. Derek Taylor Kent has created a holiday classic that every library and classroom will want.
Doggy Claus / Perro Noel: A Bilingual Holiday Tale is filled with several themes that parents and teachers will love. Caring, sharing, giving, helping others, animal shelters, and learning the true value of gifts are some of the lessons that children will learn when reading or hearing this story. The full-color illustrations are well executed and will amuse children as they hear the story. Who doesn’t want to look at pictures of cute dogs and cats? Derek Taylor Kent has written a story that features a rescue dog who lives in a dog shelter with other dogs that want to be adopted. Can Jingle make the unhappy dogs happy? Can he give them what they really want? Children, parents, and teachers will find this story engaging and entertaining. But why wait until Christmas? This classic can be enjoyed every day of the year!
Recommend this book:
Ben's Adventures
Day at the Beach
Elizabeth Gerlach

2019 Gold Medal
28 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd

Ben's Adventures: A Day at the Beach is an educational picture book for children written by Elizabeth Gerlach and illustrated by Yip Jar Design. This is Ben’s story. He is a triplet with a brother and sister, and he uses a wheelchair. Ben has cerebral palsy, and he can neither walk nor talk, but he dreams and imagines all manner of marvelous adventures. Ben loves the beach, and it’s one of his favorite places to visit. At the beach, he can run and build sand castles and play with his friends. He loves the brilliant blue sky and watching the seagulls as they dip and fly and call out overhead. Ben is himself at the beach, playing and laughing and running around in the sand.
Elizabeth Gerlach’s educational picture book for children, Ben's Adventures: A Day at the Beach, is based on her own son who had both cerebral palsy and epilepsy. These conditions, however, never defined who he was. Ben’s Adventures is a marvelous means to share the experiences of kids like Ben with others, showing them that a wheelchair doesn’t impair one’s imagination or joy, and helping them get over feelings of discomfort or fear when encountering kids with disabilities. The images make Ben’s imagination come to life. Parents and caregivers may wish to exercise discretion, however, in whether they should share the biographical information on the back cover with their little ones or find ways to prepare them for it. Ben's Adventures: A Day at the Beach is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
A Fish Name Fred
Tamara Neal

2018 Finalist
32 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd

In A Fish Name Fred by Tamara Neal, when a family moves into their new home, they discover a fishbowl filled with brown, murky water, which has been left behind by the previous owners. To their surprise, when the father empties the water, a little fish cries out for help. The whole family decides to keep the scared little fish. They give him a clean home and name him Fred. Little Fred is very grateful and learns that it is okay to be unique. An enchanting story that will encourage children to be tolerant of others, but will also teach them the effects of judging and isolating others because they are different. This book will entertain every young reader while also teaching them excellent values.
A Fish Name Fred by Tamara Neal is a delightfully well-written story that is a perfect bedtime read for small children. It has a great message behind the story, which is that you should not be cruel to people or creatures that are different. The illustrations are perfect for the story and can be used by parents to strengthen their child's observational skills. A poignant story that children can read along and relate to because of the clever use of language. I love the character of Fred; he is an underdog (or fish!) that finally triumphs. The book will teach children to show kindness and tolerance toward people who are different to themselves. A perfect addition to any child's bookcase and is especially recommended for schools.
