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 - Science/Technology
- 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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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
Kindle Edition
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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.
