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:
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:
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:
Fast Freddy
Lee Ann Mancini
2015 Finalist
32 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Have you ever met someone that looked totally different from the way you thought a person should look? Was there something unique about them that made them very different from you or others you know? Freddy, a half shark, half octopus, found that his classmates at his new school thought this way. It made him feel very sad and not like himself very much. But when they all found out that he had special talents for swimming to go along with his different looks, they began to change their way of thinking. They cheered him on all the way to the championship swim meet against the barracudas, where Freddy receives the MVP award. Freddy is then no longer sad about his differences, but thanks Jesus in a prayer for making him different and blessing him with new friends at his new school.
Fast Freddy by Lee Ann Mancini is a delightful pictorial and early reader book, introducing young readers to the concepts of acceptance, differences, uniqueness, bullying, and friendship. Children are often drawn to animals and sea creatures, and by using sea creatures as the characters the author has made the story more relatable and comfortable for its audience. Too many times, at a young age, children don't get taught about the importance of accepting others for who they are and not what they look like on the outside. Name calling and laughing at someone who is different is morally wrong and unacceptable. The author brings that life lesson to the fore within the story plot when Freddy is laughed at for looking different. But when his classmates realize the individual talent Freddy has, they begin to like him and realize they were wrong.
Lee Ann Mancini includes within the text a few indications that this book is meant for a Christian reading audience. Those who don't share that belief may not enjoy certain parts, but can still enjoy the overall story. With its very vibrant and eye-catching pictures and important life lesson within the text, Fast Freddy is a book for readers of all ages to enjoy.
Recommend this book:
What A Bragger
Lee Ann Mancini
2015 Finalist
32 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
What A Bragger by Lee Ann Mancini is an adorable story about Melissa who loves to brag. She brags about anything and everything. Melissa has more sand toys than anyone who is playing with her, her ham sandwich is the biggest, she can swim the fastest and climb the highest, and she has the best of everything when compared to all her friends. Her friend Corey finds her crying one day. Melissa had broken her sand shovel and Corey is surprised to learn about Melissa's broken home. Corey says a small prayer to God, thanking Him for all that she has. Corey feels bad for Melissa and has a plan. She decides to ask all the Sea Kids to chip in treasure coins to buy a nice gift for Melissa for her birthday.
It's a beautiful story of love and friendship and the incident also opens Melissa's eyes to true love and friendship and helps her understand the meaning of friendship and the value of friends. The story has a lovely message for young readers. The illustrations are bright and colorful and they complement the story very well. The pictures also breathe life into the characters and give pace and movement to the scenes. The storybook is perfect for read aloud sessions in classrooms and libraries. It can also be used as a bedtime storybook for kids. The message conveyed is touching and heartfelt. It teaches kids to believe in God and be grateful for those people around them who love them and take care of them.
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.
Recommend this book:
The Amazing Book of No
M. K. Mathias
2015 Bronze Medal
14 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
The Amazing Book of No by M.K. Mathias is an interesting book that speaks about the concept of the 'no' word. The book tells the story of two mothers who are different in their approach to handling kids. One mother says 'no' and other does not. Billy does not like it when his mother says 'no' but when he visits the dentist his teeth are perfect, whereas Jane, whose mother never says 'no' to anything, has cavities. As the story progresses, we see the difference in upbringing between Billy and Jane. Billy realizes that parents have to say 'no' at times and that doesn't mean they do not love them.
The author makes the concept of the 'no' word exciting for young readers. The illustrations are bright and colorful and they lend pace and movement to the story and identity to the characters. It's a good bedtime storybook and can also be used for read aloud sessions in classrooms and school libraries. The story puts forth the concept very gently and subtly, making the 'no' word seem less harsh. It's a story that many children can relate to.
Storybooks with a concept, moral, and message are good for children to help them understand the thoughts with more clarity. In this story, the author conveys the advantages and disadvantages of 'no' through simple examples which are relatable and explain how it is appropriate to say 'no' at times. The story is a must-read for all kids and it is also helpful to parents when it comes to teaching their kids.
Recommend this book:
Gollywood, Here I Come!
Terry John Barto
2015 Silver Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Gollywood, Here I Come! by Terry John Barto is an adorable story with an even more adorable concept of motivating young readers to dream big. Anamazie Marie LaBelle dreams of becoming a Gollywood star and that is always at the back of her mind. Anamazie's dreams come true when she becomes the finalist in Gobbleville's Got Talent contest. Mr. Albright, who is in the audience, thinks she is terrific and asks her to do a screen test. Anamazie is dazzled by the glitz and glamour of Gollywood when she enters the studio for her screen test. Will Anamazie's Gollywood dreams become a reality? Will she be chosen for the role?
The story is charming and it not only teaches readers to dream big, but also to work hard towards making their dreams come true. The illustrations are colorful and lively and breathe pace and movement into the characters and story. Anamazie's determination and perseverance to achieve what she wants is inspiring and motivating to readers. The book is a good bedtime storybook and it is also good for read aloud sessions in classrooms and school libraries.
Books with a message are good to read because it's easy to make kids understand concepts, ideas, messages and morals through stories. I found the story original and refreshing, and the character of Anamazie is lovable and delightful. Anamazie's journey from that of a small town turkey to that of being a famous child star and an overnight sensation is indeed very inspiring to all readers.
Recommend this book:
Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon
Terry John Barto
2015 Gold Medal
60 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Nickerbacher: The Funniest Dragon is a fantasy for children, grades K-3, written by Terry John Barto and illustrated by Kim Sponaugle. Nickerbacher was a young dragon who didn’t feel that his job of guarding Princess Gwendolyn in her tower was what he should be doing with his life. He really liked to tell jokes, which he did all of the time, and he wanted to be a stand-up comedian. Gwendolyn liked his jokes and thought he should follow his dreams and become a comic, but Nickerbacher was worried about what his father would think. His father believed that all dragons should guard princesses, and he placed Gwendolyn under Nickerbacher’s care. When a young prince rode up to see the princess, Nickerbacher knew he was supposed to scare him away, but Nickerbacher really only wanted to tell him jokes.
Terry John Barto’s children’s fantasy picture book, Nickerbacher: The Funniest Dragon, features a very unusual dragon who sees humor and wit as his weapons, and who wants to do stand-up comedy. He has to find the courage to first tell his very frightening father what he wants to do with his life, and then to appear before an audience as a stand-up comic for the first time. The positive and inspiring message of this story is driven home in a hilarious way through the young dragon’s inability to do anything else but make jokes. Kim Sponaugle’s pen and ink drawings have gloriously colorful washes that make this story larger than life, a fitting thing indeed for a tale about dragons. The characters’ expressions are fabulous, especially Nickerbacher, whose bushy eyebrows are exceptional. Adults will have a marvelous time reading this story and sharing the pictures during storytelling sessions, but it’s also a great book for young readers. Nickerbacher: The Funniest Dragon is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Lost Mermaid
Return to the Raspberry Kingdom
Jan DiRuzzo
2014 Finalist
52 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
The Lost Mermaid: Return to the Raspberry Kingdom, written by Jan DiRuzzo and illustrated by Dave Sullins, is the story of a journey a mermaid makes back home. Lily is planning to return home to Raspberry Kingdom in Raspberry Bay and, although she is sad to leave her friends and they are sad that she is leaving, she knows she needs to go home. Lily’s mom and dad and some friends decide to go with her and help her to find the way there. Although they know the currents and the paths to take, they still encounter some challenges and difficulties along the way. However, Lily handles these challenges well, including being kind to someone whom others fear and do not seem to care for, and there is a happy ending for everyone!
Mermaids are such fascinating, magical and beautiful creatures and I enjoy reading and watching things about them just as much as my daughter. Jan DiRuzzo’s children’s book, The Lost Mermaid: Return to the Raspberry Kingdom, was no exception. This was a well-written story with great lessons throughout and I enjoyed reading this with my daughter. It was a great story, but it also allowed for good discussions as far as how Lily was a good friend and the choices she made. The illustrations for this book are done by Dave Sullins and they are absolutely gorgeous. The illustrations are beautiful, full of detail and go perfectly with the story. This is a must-read for girls who love mermaids!
Recommend this book:
How The Octopus Got Eight Arms
Two Arms Are Never Enough
Yvonne Arroyo
2014 Finalist
46 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
How The Octopus Got Eight Arms: Two Arms Are Never Enough by Yvonne Arroyo is an adventurous love story of a pair mismatched in looks but a match in their hearts: an octopus and a shark. This is their adventure through love and life up to the point where it is revealed why an octopus now has eight arms.
What a delightful, light-hearted, and unusual story about two sea creatures in love. As the couple experiences life, they soon encounter parenthood, stress, and the overwhelming need to have more hands or arms to handle all the tasks when it comes to raising children. This is a story that will bring a smile to your face, and a laugh to your voice. The book contains brilliant illustrations, full of color and excitement.
Reading this book, I was reminded of how I wished I had more arms or legs to achieve more tasks, or carry more items for my children. The story is very relatable to parents, although fiction. The way the octopus is depicted as a first time father, a little stressed at the needs of his children, was funny, and not far off from actual emotions in most families. The author is very creative. This is a book for both parents and children of all ages to read and enjoy together.