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:
Mermaid Tails
Suzanna Lynn, Suzanna Smith
2024 Finalist
47 Pages
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Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Beautiful, magical mermaids live in the sea with many other creatures. Suzanna Lynn's book, Mermaid Tails, finds a unique and creative way to meld the two. Mermaid Tails can be read on two levels. There is a simple story filled with questions in bold print that encourages kids to imagine what life as a mermaid would be like. Then, in smaller print below, there is a fun fact about the ocean or ocean life that ties into the depiction of the mermaid. So, instead of thinking that mermaids can only have fish tails, what if they had tails like a jellyfish or hammerhead shark? Just like the diversity found in the ocean, mermaids could also be unique.
Having worked in a public library for over 35 years, I know that mermaid tales are challenging to keep on the shelves. Mermaid Tails will be a perennial favorite because of its unique and imaginative take on mermaids. Not only does it showcase mermaids and mermen, but it also brings their fellow ocean dwellers into focus. The illustrations by Suzanna Smith do a stellar job of capturing the sea creatures the mermaids mimic. I loved the glow-in-the-dark mermaid that looked like an anglerfish. Children will come away with an appreciation for the abundant life in the ocean and how important it is for them to embrace their individuality. Suzanna Lynn has tapped into a subject that children love and invites them to stretch their imaginations. Mermaid Tails is one book that children will request again and again.
Recommend this book:
The Day the Clouds Went Away
Tales from the Princessdom, Book 1
Richard Rieman, Barbara Owczarek, Lor Bingham
2024 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
The Day the Clouds Went Away by Richard Rieman is a delightful children’s fairy tale that enchants young readers with its whimsical characters and magical storyline. The story follows Princess Claudia, who eagerly anticipates celebrating her eighth birthday under a clear, sunny sky. However, when a spell intended to fulfill her wish goes wrong, she finds herself longing for the clouds she wished away. This enchanting tale introduces young readers to a variety of cloud characters, including Cyrus the Cirrus Cloud and Chrissy the Cumulus, who help Claudia understand the importance and beauty of clouds. Guided by her wise owl and a clumsy but endearing wizard, Princess Claudia embarks on a heartwarming journey that teaches her, and readers, the true magic that lies in the sky.
Richard Rieman excels in both plot and character development, making this narrative stand out in the genre of children’s fairy tales. Claudia is a charming protagonist whose blindness adds a unique layer to her character, emphasizing the theme of appreciating beauty in all its forms. The supporting characters, such as the personified clouds and the bumbling wizard, are vividly portrayed and add depth and humor to the story. The narrative is engaging and accessible, with a pace that keeps young readers captivated while imparting valuable lessons about nature and the interconnectedness of all things. The illustrations by Barbara Owczarek beautifully complement the text, bringing the magical world to life with vibrant colors and imaginative scenes. Fans of mythology and fairy tales will appreciate the blend of fantasy, adventure, and gentle moral lessons. As the first book in the Tales from the Princessdom series, The Day the Clouds Went Away is a magical journey that encourages children to look up at the sky with wonder and appreciation, making it a must-read for young adventurers and dreamers.
Recommend this book:
Do Not Wish for a Christmas Elf!
A Silly and Heartwarming Christmas Holiday Book (Silly Books for Kids Series)
Sarina Siebenaler
2024 Bronze Medal
47 Pages
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Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Sarina Siebenaler adds another creature to her list of things not to wish for in her children's book, Do Not Wish for a Christmas Elf! A little girl, Kat, and her parents are resting after shopping when Santa calls. He tells Kat and her parents he has a hundred new elves to train, but one doesn't fit the traditional role. Santa asks if Kat would like to help train the non-conforming elf, Jangles, for her special elf test. Kat's parents seem apprehensive, but she agrees enthusiastically. Kat instructs Jangles in making holiday treats, snowman building, and tree decoration, but Jangles does not do anything Kat's way. Jangles has a radical style, and Kat worries the elf will not pass her elf test.
Sarina Siebenaler has written the perfect book for the Christmas season! As you read it, you almost expect a doll like Jangles to be available to complement the story. Four of my children believe in the magic of Christmas, and they absorbed every page, eager to learn more about Jangles's unique perspective. Jangles represents the freedom to express yourself in a harmless and unorthodox way, and children will love her distinctive way of spreading Christmas cheer. The illustrations are full of festive colors, and the rhyming verses make the book fun to read aloud. The author rounds out her book with a list of questions to discuss with children after they have read the story. Do Not Wish for a Christmas Elf! is a great selection for children who enjoy Christmas tales, holiday magic, and individualistic characters.
Recommend this book:
The Magical Land of Hearts
Sherry Dahl
2024 Silver Medal
30 Pages
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Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
The Magical Land of Hearts by Sherry Dahl is an enchanting children’s picture book about an imaginary land where every heart’s desire seems to come true. Dahl’s narrative has a sweet child-like rhyming scheme that makes you almost want to sing the words out loud as you turn each page. The idea of the magical land becoming accessible simply by drawing a heart really made the book something extra special. There is an added surprise at the end of the book that will make children even more excited as the fun can continue but in another artistic way. This magical land is the kind of place that you’ll want to visit again and again, whether you’re a child or a child at heart.
Sherry Dahl’s The Magical Land of Hearts reminded me of all the things I loved the most as a child. All the sweets and treats, the joyful fun that came with no real responsibilities. The illustrations created by Aidar Zeineshev are vivid and colorful and play across the page as though they were images in a Pixar cartoon. Readers of all ages and sizes will no doubt salivate over the sundaes, jellybeans, and other yummy treats portrayed. They are so real you almost want to pick them off the screen and page. There is much to see and experience in this book and you will not want to miss out on it!
Recommend this book:
Baby Dragon Finds His Family
A Picture Book About Belonging for Children Age 3-7
Sheryl Bass
2024 Gold Medal
36 Pages
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Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Baby Dragon Finds His Family by Sheryl Bass, with enchanting illustrations by Ramesh Ram, is a heartwarming follow-up to Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze. This delightful story picks up with Baby Dragon helping a group of villagers build a new shack, showing his incredible strength as he lifts and carries materials with ease. After the construction is complete, the villagers celebrate with a feast, but Baby Dragon feels a pang of sadness when he realizes he has never been given a name. With his parents long gone and no family to call his own, Baby Dragon sets off on a quest to find his place in the world. Along the way, he encounters magical beings like an elf, a unicorn, and a fairy, each of whom he helps in exchange for magical gifts. Despite these wondrous encounters and gifts, Baby Dragon's journey is driven by his longing to find a family of his own. Will his quest lead him to the family he yearns for?
Fans of children’s fantasy books will be enchanted by the whimsical and colorful world of Baby Dragon Finds His Family. Sheryl Bass weaves a touching narrative that combines magical elements with a poignant quest for belonging, appealing to young readers’ imaginations and hearts. The beautifully illustrated pages by Ramesh Ram add a vibrant layer to the story, bringing the magical characters and Baby Dragon's adventures to life. The story’s gentle exploration of themes such as identity, family, and the value of helping others, wrapped in a fantasy setting, makes it a perfect read for children who love magical tales and stories with heartfelt messages.
Recommend this book:
Haunted
The Cursed Lake
Mahtab Narsimhan
2023 Finalist
148 Pages
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Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Haunted: The Cursed Lake by Mahtab Narsimhan is the second book in the Eerie Tales from the East series. Camp Sunny Acres was abandoned after a tragedy that drove the first owners away. Now Jonah and his mother are working to bring new life to the camp by re-opening it. That's easier said than done when one of the campers is a spoiled rich kid whose father wants him to appreciate the great outdoors and it's up to Jonah to ensure that he follows the rules. Adding to Jonah's problems, he sees a mysterious oily patch on the lake and a phantom voice calling his name. He shrugs off the ominous feeling until a ghost emerges during a storm and takes Jonah's mother. Jonah must figure out how to fight the ghost and save his mother before it's too late while still keeping the camp going.
The setting has a classic horror backdrop with a summer camp that creates an ideal location for this ghost story to unfold. The tone Mahtab Narsimhan creates is the expectation that this summer will be better. Narsimhan weaves an unusual tale in that on the surface there is an ominous haunted camp, but underneath is an origin story that is emotional and will capture the heart. The lake is the focal point of this ghostly story with a beautiful surface described as a gigantic mirror that takes on a darker presence following a storm. Narsimhan incorporates various themes into the tale, such as the value of friendship and the importance of family. Through the character of Dexter, the story explores the important role of friendship and kindness which helps a spoiled child to change his behavior. A fast-paced ghost adventure, Haunted is a great spooky read for all ages with a plot reminiscent of classic children's horror stories and emotional themes regarding friendship and family.
Recommend this book:
Fred Does it His Way!
Shari Lillico
2023 Honorable Mention
32 Pages
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Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Fred Does it His Way! by Shari Lillico tells us about a young dragon named Fred. While all his friends have magical abilities and are keen on the games they play, Fred is not that gifted, or so he thinks. Fred cannot fly or play hide-and-seek skillfully. Fred feels lonely, and he is always very sad. Then he finds a racetrack with other dragons competing in running. At first, he only watches the competition, but something ignites within him. Fred wants to run. He wants to participate in the competition and even dreams of winning it one day! Will Fred be able to believe in himself and fight for his dream and will he ever discover magical powers within himself?
I believe that Fred Does it His Way! is a necessary read for any kid who feels insecure or lacks confidence. I agree with Shari Lillico that adults would enjoy this amazing story too. Those of us who remember the awkward moments of our childhood or even suffer deep down because of them would find this book inspiring. Shari encourages children to go after their dreams, despite possible failure, and shows them the way. Fred's story is captivating and offers an unexpected twist at the end. Writing of the highest quality will hold 2 to 7-year-old children's attention easily. I highly appreciated the stellar editorial work. The wonderful illustrations by the gifted Chloe Helms make Fred's image, and the other characters, lovable.
Recommend this book:
Linus the Troll
Rosie Talley
2023 Bronze Medal
35 Pages
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Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Linus the Troll is written by Rosie Talley. It is the story of a young troll, Linus, who is a study in contrasts. The most outstanding aspect of the story is the way that Linus’s physical features are contrasted with his personality. Readers soon discover that he’s not at all what they would expect based on his appearance. He has fangs and long green teeth. His skin is scaly and cold. But he is so much more than all of these features. The color of his eyes would be considered off-putting, but they are, by turns, full of laughter and caring and warmth. The author, Rosie Talley, has taken advantage of the opportunity to give us a character like this to illustrate how important it is to look past the surface and beyond appearance to see the true person behind the physical attributes. How easy it would be to hurt the feelings of someone like Linus were he judged only on the way he looks.
I personally think Linus would make a beautiful, comforting, and protective stuffed animal that children could snuggle with or carry around everywhere. His favorite music is played on an instrument that totally surprises the reader, as does one of his favorite hobbies. The end of the book also includes some fun activities. My compliments to the artist, Anna Benczedi. I liked Linus from the very first image of him. His coloring of green and purple and those wonderful peach-colored ears all work together to make him delightful looking and huggable. I encourage you to meet him and see how irresistible he is. Thank you, Rosie, for your story.
Recommend this book:
The School of Failure
A Story About Success
Rosie J. Pova
2023 Silver Medal
40 Pages
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Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
In The School of Failure: A Story About Success by Rosie J. Pova, some of the fairy-tale characters in this account fail to measure up to expectations during auditions. Those that were not successful are taken to the School of Failure. While trying to figure out what they enjoy doing, they discover that they aren’t too good at some of the things they like. Someone writes a haiku that doesn’t quite fit into a magazine, and another makes cakes that turn out flat. With the Grand Ball coming up soon, will the students of the School of Failure figure out what they enjoy doing most, or will the entire event become a disaster?
The School Of Failure by Rosie J. Pova is a children’s fairy-tale that features characters like Zinderella, the Non-Evil Queen, and Wolfred, a wolf who doesn’t like to frighten anyone. I loved how the Headmaster of the School Of Failure encourages the students to explore their talents and practice the things they enjoy, even if they may not be successful at first. The illustrations by Monika Filipina are colorful and bright and will keep kids entertained as they follow the narrative. I love the messages about practicing, studying, and learning new skills woven throughout. I recommend this book to young children who love adventurous fairy-tales with an educational spin thrown in. The lesson about the significance of failure while cultivating new abilities is something any child can benefit from.
Recommend this book:
The Princess, the Knight, and the Lost God
A Chess Story
Victoria Winifred
2023 Gold Medal
216 Pages
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Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
The Princess, the Knight, and the Lost God is a children's fantasy novel by Victoria Winifred. On the day of her twelfth birthday, Princess Kassie is excited to go through her rites of passage for Goddesshood, just like her parents Mars and Caïssa, the gods of war and chess, respectively. But when Kassie's best friend and son of the gods of sports and victory goes missing, fingers are pointed at the kingdom of Chess Mountain. Kassie's parents send her through a portal to Earth to hide until the situation is solved. Stuck in an unfamiliar world with the knight Maurice and a copy of Notations of Passage, Kassie must now navigate school, teachers, friends, and bullies while keeping under the radar of the fallen Originals. In between, she will master the game she was born to play.
The Princess, the Knight, and the Lost God will entertain chess and fantasy fans alike while nurturing a love of chess among those who have never played it. Author Victoria Winifred tells a captivating fantasy adventure tale revolving around the game of chess featuring princesses, gods, and dragons that captures and holds your attention from the first page until the last. Imaginative and infused with action, humor, and mystery, the plot breezes past without a single hitch as you're turning the pages and wondering what will happen next. Kassie is a precocious child and someone you will find easy to relate to. Her kind and empathic nature make her riveting to read. This is a book that kids of all ages can enjoy. Highly recommended.