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:
The Day I Had a Dinosaur
The Day I Had, 2
Ashley Wall

2025 Finalist
36 Pages
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Children - Picture Book

The Day I Had a Dinosaur is a children’s picture book written by Ashley Wall, with illustrations by Vaughan Duck. The story follows Luke and his dog, Bobo, who enjoy playing in their backyard. One day, while having fun in the sand, a Tyrannosaurus Rex appears out of nowhere, ready to be friends and play with them. Soon, more of Luke's friends arrive with other dinosaurs: Noah rides in on a Brachiosaurus, Emma arrives on a Triceratops, and Mikey soars in on a Pterodactyl. The group decides to play a variety of games, including hide-and-seek and fetch. However, the kids quickly realize that dinosaurs can't fit in certain places and don’t understand the rules of some games. Despite these challenges, they make changes to the activities to accommodate their new friends, resulting in the most wonderful playdate ever.
The Day I Had a Dinosaur is the delightful second installment in The Day I Had series by Ashley Wall. It combines an entertaining plot and educational elements to teach children about dinosaurs. It is whimsical, encouraging children to be imaginative and kind to others, particularly during playtime when others may feel left out by activities they cannot do. Luke and his friends are adorable and welcoming. Each one has a unique personality that matches the different dinosaurs. The author emphasizes the importance of friendliness and introduces various games that children can enjoy with both old and new friends. The colorful, eye-catching illustrations beautifully complement the narrative, with each dinosaur portrayed in bright colors and with distinct features for easy identification. Additionally, the author includes pronunciation guides to help readers correctly say the names of the dinosaurs. Overall, this book is an excellent read that promotes fun, inclusivity, and kindness among children.
Recommend this book:
The Tales of Charlie Wags
New York City
Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay

2025 Honorable Mention
40 Pages
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Children - Picture Book

In The Tales of Charlie Wags, Charlie wags his tail and visits the sights, sounds, and smells of New York City. Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay guide readers through the narrative as Charlie barks in Central Park, checks out the view from the Empire State Building, and recognizes hope at the One World Trade Center. He eats pizza and hotdogs, watches a play on Broadway, sails by the Statue of Liberty, and views the lights of Times Square before he returns home. At the end of the book, Wells and Barclay outline the importance of each city sight and ask readers a question relating to it. Youngsters can follow Charlie's travels on a map as they read along, identifying each location as Charlie visits it.
Sophie Wells and Ali Barclay have written an engaging book with an adorable main character! Charlie Wags roams around New York City with wonder, reflecting the enthusiasm many children might have as they visit the same places. Children will learn about a new place from home, and the book will open up discussions about the points of interest in the city. My children were amazed that Lady Liberty used to be a copper color, and they learned why she has a "minty" appearance now. Wells and Barclay's words create a beautiful rhythm that begs to be read aloud and Sanna Sjostrom's pictures are cute and bring to mind the colorful drawings from timeless storybooks. The questions at the end of the book create interactive engagement, and young readers will love following Charlie's adventures in The Tales of Charlie Wags.
Recommend this book:
Charlie and Sophie's Great Escape
Farial English

2025 Bronze Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Picture Book

Charlie and Sophie’s Great Escape is a delightful children’s picture book written by Farial English, with illustrations by Patrizia Donaera. It follows the adventurous tale of two dogs, Charlie and Sophie, as they explore their surroundings after a rainstorm. When their owner, Nicky, returns to the house to retrieve his hat during their walk, the dogs do not follow his instructions to wait for him. Instead, they run into the woods, chasing after a deer. Even after losing sight of the deer, they continue to sniff around and look for other creatures. They encounter a large bird that scares them, and by the time they manage to escape, they realize they are lost and far from home. Using their senses, Charlie and Sophie try to find their way back. Will they be able to navigate through the unfamiliar woods and reunite with Nicky?
Charlie and Sophie’s Great Escape is a fun story with adorable characters and an engaging plot. It introduces children to Charlie and Sophie, two dogs inspired by real-life pets, while teaching readers about dogs’ sensory perceptions. The story encompasses themes of friendship, adventure, teamwork, and curiosity. Farial English’s narration is captivating, reflecting her love for animals and nature. The vibrant illustrations bring Charlie and Sophie’s adventure to life, showing the beautiful outdoors and lush greenery. The vivid colors enhance the whimsical feel of the story, making it visually appealing to young readers. It includes interactive activities that encourage readers to explore their senses. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend sharing it with animal lovers and children to help them learn about dogs’ senses.
Recommend this book:
Dolly's Ocean Rescue
An Interactive Story of Problem-Solving, Leadership, and Teamwork
Melissa Eastin

2025 Silver Medal
42 Pages
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Children - Picture Book

Can you clean every beach in the world by yourself? The simple answer is “No.” However, when you problem-solve and get everyone to do their part, the beaches and oceans can be cleaned. Dolly’s Ocean Rescue by Melissa Eastin encourages children to learn how to make a difference by applying four steps to problem-solving. Melissa teaches that when coupled with problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, good deeds, and love will make the world a better place to live. Reading this book will teach your child how to be environmentally active and help them learn how to use problem-solving techniques in all areas of life. This book is exciting and interactive, so your child will love spending time with Dolly as she does small acts of kindness that will change the world.
With the help of animals, Dolly learns valuable lessons in Dolly’s Ocean Rescue. Melissa Eastin includes reflection questions for K-2 and 3-6 graders. Along with the questions, Melissa has a section for teachers and caregivers to use as they teach the fine art of problem-solving. At the end of the book, the author has several pages of questions about how to be a problem-solver for children to answer, with lines to write their answers. Lana Lee does a wonderful job of illustrating this book, adding beauty and meaning to the story. Often, children and adults feel they can’t do enough to make a difference in the environment, so they do nothing. This book will encourage your child to do what they can and encourage others to do what they can. Little things add up to earth-changing big things when each child does their part.
Recommend this book:
Let’s Go on a Hike!
A family hiking adventure!
Katrina Liu

2025 Silver Medal
30 Pages
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Children - Picture Book

Let’s Go on a Hike! by Katrina Liu is a charming and engaging picture book that captures the simple joy of a family nature adventure. The story begins with excitement and preparation as the family sets off on a hike, equipped with boots, sunscreen, and curiosity. Along the trail, the child starts to feel discouraged, complaining of sore feet, the heat, and a lack of interest in the scenery. Everything shifts, however, when Dad hands over a pair of binoculars. With this new perspective, the child begins to discover small wonders all around: a rare blue feather, a bunny bathing, and a frog resting on a lily pad, among other woodland wonders. These discoveries gradually turn frustration into fascination, transforming the hike into a fun and memorable journey. As the sun sets, the day ends with tired feet, happy hearts, and the promise of future adventures. The illustrations by Heru Setiawan are detailed and immersive, using soft textures and natural colors to bring the outdoor scenes vividly to life.
As an educator, I found Let’s Go on a Hike! by Katrina Liu a delightful resource for encouraging observation skills, environmental awareness, and positive family experiences in nature. The vocabulary is illustrative yet age-appropriate, introducing words like “binoculars,” “lily pads,” and “nest” in context. I appreciated how the story realistically portrays a child’s shift in mindset from reluctant or maybe even bored to curious, offering a great opportunity to discuss emotions, patience, and resilience. Heru Setiawan’s illustrations are visually appealing and thoughtfully composed to support the text and maintain children's attention. The soft color palette and expressive character drawings add warmth and relatability, making each page feel inviting. This book would be a wonderful addition to any early childhood classroom, especially when introducing outdoor activities, science units, or lessons on mindfulness and gratitude. Let’s Go on a Hike! reminds us that sometimes, a simple shift in perspective is all it takes to turn a boring day into a beautiful one.
Recommend this book:
The Gift
Laura-Lee Blackmore, Paul Schultz

2025 Gold Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Picture Book

The Gift is a children’s picture book written by Laura-Lee Blackmore with illustrations by Paul Schultz. It follows the story of Loxley, a young girl scheduled for heart surgery. She is scared and wishes to return home, but after receiving a gingerbread-colored bear from a hospital volunteer, she feels less anxious. Loxley names the bear Patch, and he becomes her source of comfort and support during the surgery. After the procedure, Loxley receives encouragement from her family and finds solace in her connections with loved ones. When she has the opportunity to be there for someone else in her family, Loxley passes on the gift of Patch, ensuring that another person can experience the same comfort and support she felt during her surgery.
The Gift is a heartwarming story that beautifully illustrates themes of love, resilience, and the importance of connection. It shows how simple gestures can have a profound impact on those facing challenging times. The tale teaches children about empathy and the significance of giving and receiving support during difficult moments. Laura-Lee Blackmore's narration is straightforward, making it easy for children to follow and understand, especially for those who are learning to read. Many readers will feel inspired to face their challenges with confidence and remember that they are never alone. I particularly loved the metaphor of tears and leaves, as it was both unique and heartfelt. Additionally, the colorful illustrations enhance the narrative, making it visually engaging for young readers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to readers of all ages, as it offers valuable lessons on empathy, resilience, and the power of love during tough times.
Recommend this book:
Tabitha Fink and the Cowboy Code
Rick Felty

2024 Finalist
97 Pages
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Children - Picture Book

The Old West can teach modern society much about living. Tabitha Fink and the Cowboy Code by Rick Felty teaches young children civility in a fun way. Tabitha is a one-eyed cat who is the sheriff of the town. The town is full of kind people who care for each other. To this nice peaceful town comes Ornery the Outlaw. Many people would just avoid someone who is onery, but Tabitha wants him to feel welcome and to find out why he is ornery. Ornery the Outlaw is ornery because he feels he does not have a friend and never will. The kindness of the townspeople transforms Ornery and he becomes kind and friendly. Read this book to learn how you can use the Cowboy Code to help others learn to be kind and friendly. Learn to focus on joy and not on sadness.
Do you want your child to grow into a kind, gentle, caring soul? Then Tabitha Fink and the Cowboy Code by Rick Felty is the book for your child, which teaches that kindness can be shown in many different ways. This is a great picture book for children with wonderful illustrations and a rhyming style that add to the joy of reading the story. I love the fact that the rhymes are not contrived but flow naturally. As your child grows into adulthood, you will be glad you taught them the Cowboy Code, which teaches them to be kind and friendly, helpful, and that being unique is good. Tabitha Fink and the Cowboy Code has so many wonderful lessons, I highly recommend it for all children.
Recommend this book:
The Power of Empathy
Be the Friend You've Always Wanted
Ruth Maille

2024 Honorable Mention
35 Pages
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Children - Picture Book

The Power of Empathy: Be the Friend You've Always Wanted is a children’s book by Ruth Maille. Orbit, a personified image of our planet, gathers a group of children together to discover a superpower: empathy. Orbit explains the emotion, and gives some examples, before asking the children to describe instances where they have shown empathy. Orbit goes on by showing examples of where empathy can provide a positive experience, and the story ends with positive affirmations.
Ruth Maille has owned an early learning center for thirty-two years, and her ability to connect with children on their level is shown through her wording. Her writing is clear, and the examples are relatable. I read the book with two of my young children, and they were engaged by the content and beautiful illustrations. The material could encourage meaningful discussions about behavior and empathy, and children may find a comparable example in their lives from one of the events in the story. The note at the beginning of the book speaks positively about our world as it heals from the recent pandemic and explains the reason why Orbit is wearing two bandages.
The story is part of “The Power of…” series, which has won well-deserved awards, and parents can feel confident knowing that an experienced proponent of children’s emotional development wrote this book. It would be a fantastic fit for libraries and community centers where young children are present. The Power of Empathy is a beautiful learning tool for parents or caregivers to place in home libraries.
Recommend this book:
Tutti
A Yoga Story of Self Acceptance
Agnieszka Migew

2024 Bronze Medal
31 Pages
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Children - Picture Book

Tutti: A Yoga Story of Self Acceptance, written by Agnieszka Migew, is an inspirational children’s book about self-acceptance. Tutti, the conker tree, and his family live in a forest. One day Tutti wakes up and does his usual morning routine of stretching, yawning, and saying, “Hello, Sun! Hands together, make a cloud shape!” This particular morning, Tutti notices a white cloud coming out of his mouth, and his leaves fall off due to the cold. Tutti is confused and rushes to his mum, who calms him and explains that Autumn is coming. Tutti immediately dislikes Autumn and all its changes, until one day he wakes up to beautiful red and yellow leaves, which changes Tutti’s outlook on Autumn entirely. Tutti learns the important lesson of loving himself the way he is, no matter what changes come his way. Read Tutti’s full journey in this beautifully written book and you too will learn the message the author is trying to teach.
Talented author Agnieszka Migew has created the ideal self-love book for young children. It perfectly delivers the author's message and also demonstrates how to use yoga to control your emotions. The dialogue has been written simply for children to follow along, and the illustrations by Jo Parry are colorful and bright, which will certainly attract the young reader’s attention. The story of Tutti is beautiful and heart-warming and will fill children with love and positive thoughts about themselves. Learning self-acceptance is extremely important, and I’m so glad the author chose this topic for her book. I hope Agnieszka Migew continues to write more brilliant content like Tutti: A Yoga Story of Self Acceptance, and I wish her all the best!
Recommend this book:
Miso and Kili's Flying Adventures
New Island Friends (1) (Miso and Kili Flying Adventures)
J.M. Chrismer

2024 Silver Medal
36 Pages
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Children - Picture Book

Miso and Kili's Flying Adventures: New Island Friends is a children’s picture book written by J.M. Chrismer with illustrations by Ilya Fortuna. The story follows Miso the ragdoll and his friend Kili as they embark on a thrilling journey across the ocean. They explore the wonders of the sea and encounter unexpected surprises along the way. When bad weather forces them to make an emergency landing on a mysterious island, they meet a charming group of wild kitty cats led by a stunning green-striped tigress, who welcome them with open arms. During their stay on the island, Kili is initially skeptical while Miso is optimistic. However, their night turns out to be a truly special and unforgettable experience, filled with memories that stay with them for a long time.
Miso and Kili's Flying Adventures: New Island Friends is the first book in the Miso and Kili Flying Adventures series. It's an exciting start to the series, with a captivating storyline, lovable characters, and a perfect balance of thrills and discovery. The story takes readers on an exciting journey with Miso and Kili as they meet fun-loving friends and learn valuable lessons about friendship, optimism, and adapting to new situations. J.M. Chrismer's cheerful narration brings the adventure to life, making it an enjoyable read for children and parents alike. The illustrations are stunning, and the warm color palette creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The characters and their world feel vivid and real, making it easy to become fully immersed in the story. I enjoyed reading this book, and I look forward to reading more from the author and series. Overall, this is great work.
