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:
Miles Smiles
Abby Patterson

2023 Finalist
39 Pages
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Children - Preschool

Going to the dentist to have your teeth cleaned can be scary for some children, especially if it is their first time. However, it doesn't have to be that way. Abby Patterson shares a story that will teach little ones how much fun this procedure can be. Miles Smiles is a story that takes place on a special day because Julia, an adorable girl, is going to the dentist for teeth cleaning. It is her second visit of the year. However, her little brother is going for the first time and he is nervous. Julia reassures him, showing him that there is nothing to fear. She even agreed to be treated first to allow her little brother to observe the whole process. After reading this book young readers will feel comfortable during their visits to the dentist.
I enjoyed Miles Smiles because it explains what the teeth cleaning procedure involves. I found it an excellent way to approach the topic with children because it will help them overcome their concerns. Abby Patterson uses melodious sentences with basic ideas. Young readers can practice reading at the same time that they learn about visiting the dentist. The illustrations are beautiful, with soft colors, conveying a congenial mood. The relationship between the siblings is also a positive aspect because it shows supportive interaction. At the end of the book, there is a Tooth Loss Chart with a diagram. It mentions the approximate age at which each baby tooth falls out so that readers can keep track. The book is perfect for demonstrating that going to the dentist can be a painless experience.
Recommend this book:
Henrietta Hedgehog's Prickly Problem
Carole P. Roman

2023 Honorable Mention
44 Pages
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Children - Preschool

Henrietta Hedgehog’s Prickly Problem by Carole P. Roman shares a beautiful story about self-acceptance. Henrietta is a charming hedgehog who is unhappy with her spiky quills and feels they keep her fellow critters from becoming close friends. While at school, some of the animals tease her about her prickly appearance. Wanting to fit in, Henrietta tries to change how she looks. The response from the animals at her school is not what Henrietta had expected. Adorable and detailed illustrations by Mateya Arkova highlight the emotions Henrietta experiences as she begins to understand how special she is. This poignant tale conveys a vital message about having the courage to be yourself and appreciate that our differences make each of us one of a kind.
Carole P. Roman’s Henrietta the Hedgehog’s Prickly Problem presents a situation that many children will easily relate to; everyone wants to feel included and loved for who they are. This uplifting story acknowledges that different attributes are essential to creating individuality. Henrietta’s sharp quills protect her from harm, while Bella the beaver’s teeth allow her to chew wood. Parents, teachers, and caregivers will enjoy the positive lessons promoting self-confidence. Henrietta and her friends are highly likable and demonstrate kindness, compassion, and empathy for one another. Children will be engaged and curious as they follow Henrietta while she discovers her inner strength and becomes more self-assured. This heartwarming tale will encourage young readers to embrace their extraordinary qualities. It is a highly recommended book.
Recommend this book:
Nervous Nolan Bison Goes Poopy on the Potty
In this rhyming story, Nolan, who is often anxious, discovers that going poop on the toilet is not scary at all!
Kevin Christmann

2023 Honorable Mention
24 Pages
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Children - Preschool

Nervous Nolan Bison Goes Poopy on the Potty is an encouraging rhyming story. Kevin Christmann did a wonderful job of crafting this book for youngsters who may have trouble pooping on the potty. The story is engaging, educational, and entertaining. It's about Nolan, a tiny bison who is too nervous and scared to go poopy on the potty. Nolan loves diapers because they feel safe, but now that he has to poop, he wishes he had the courage to try the potty. Luckily, his mother offers him some encouraging words, and then his friend, Nina (a deer), tells him she doesn't wear diapers anymore. Their words motivate Nolan to be brave and overcome his fear. Nolan's accomplishment calls for a big celebration.
Nervous Nolan Bison Goes Poopy on the Potty is a great book encouraging little ones to try the potty. It shows children that being nervous is okay when going on the potty. It will convince them that pooping on the toilet is not scary as they may think it is, and they can try the potty at their own pace. Kevin Christmann's book contains vibrant, action-packed illustrations featuring activities that perfectly mix fun and learning. This rhyming story will capture any toddler's attention, especially those who love animals. It's a must-have for parents or grandparents having a bit of a struggle with potty training. It shows how to offer the gentle support and encouragement a toddler may need during potty training.
Recommend this book:
Petunia the Unicorn's Magically Marvelous Ballet
A Petunia Cupcake Fluffybottom Book
R.L. Ullman

2023 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Preschool

We can’t all be good at everything and we can’t expect to love doing everything. That’s a very difficult lesson for everyone to learn, especially Petunia. She enjoys participating in activities at school, but the problem is: Petunia’s a unicorn. Her horn pierces the soccer ball and when she’s jumping on the trampoline, her horn gets stuck in the ceiling, with Petunia dangling below. Frustrated, she asks Auntie Sprinkles for advice. She’s surprised when Auntie suggests she takes up ballet and starts dancing around the house to demonstrate her agility and grace. Petunia goes along, but she’s not very good – at first. Then she works hard between classes and starts to improve. The only problem is Madison. She’s the best and she lets everyone know it. So, when auditions for the lead in the upcoming performance approach, Madison convinces everyone she’ll get the lead. Should Petunia try out anyway? She had improved, but has she improved enough to outshine the obvious star dancer? Sometimes we just need a little bit of encouragement, a whole lot of hard work, and a lot of faith in ourselves to prove to the world (and to prove to ourselves) that we’re always good enough!
R.L. Ullman’s picture book story, Petunia the Unicorn’s Magically Marvelous Ballet, is another exciting book in the Petunia Cupcake Fluffybottom series. Petunia has a lot of lessons to learn and she’s about to find her niche in a very difficult world where appearances matter and pride can easily become one’s downfall. The plot follows Petunia’s journey to discover her talents and the lessons she learns along the way. The language is simple and there’s lots of dialogue to help the story move forward with ease. The illustrations, as always, are bright, bold, and spectacular, just like the main character, Petunia. The entire story is magical and full of charm. And you can’t have a spectacular Petunia adventure without a little bit of humor and a little bit of unicorn magic. It’s not always about winning, but rather about being the best you can be, being proud of your own accomplishments, and being a good friend at all times, even to those who don’t always demonstrate friendly attitudes. Absolutely beautiful!
Recommend this book:
My Bumpy Lumpy Belly Button
Cindy Ninni Grant

2023 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Preschool

My Bumpy Lumpy Belly Button by Cindy Ninni Grant is a funny and uplifting picture book for young children. Does your child have an outie belly button and do they ever think that they're strange because of it? This book will help change that by explaining where belly buttons come from and providing them with the reassurance they're looking for. A young girl named Charli has an outie belly button, and she hates it! She thinks it is weird and gross and it makes her feel insecure. Charli has many questions about belly buttons and doesn't understand why they exist in the first place. After a beautiful explanation and kind words from her dad, Charli soon realizes how belly buttons are made and how special they are. Charlie learns that her belly button is a part of her mom and that it is how she was able to grow when she was in her tummy. Charli no longer sees her belly button as weird; she now loves her outie!
My Bumpy Lumpy Belly Button was a joy to read. I love books that promote self-acceptance, and even more so when they are aimed at children. Body shaming is still a huge issue and needs to be tackled from a young age so that it becomes a thing of the past, and with books like this, that may become a reality sooner rather than later. As well as learning from the story, children will laugh their socks off as it is full of fun and silly belly button comparisons. My favorite was the giant coconut! I adored every word Cindy Ninni Grant has written and I hope to see more soon. Keep up the good work; children are going to love this book!
Recommend this book:
Little Aiden
A Feelings Book for Toddlers (Little Aiden Series)
Albert Choi

2023 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Preschool

Little Aiden, written by Albert and Anna Choi and illustrated by Bettina Braskó, is a story about the various emotions toddlers experience throughout the day. The animations depict Aiden, a cute little boy in his diaper, doing many activities and experiencing new emotions. The authors reassure us that it is okay to have feelings because babies have them too. Once upon a time, we all were toddlers and went through embarrassing, playful, sad, and frustrating moments. These special moments evoked emotions we could not explain back then, but now we have grown to understand and accept that feelings are natural, and you cannot avoid them. Aiden gets angry and cries, but sometimes he is silly and laughs. Reading this book will help you understand your child's emotions and let you know that it is okay for them to feel what they feel, just like we all do.
Emotions are an important aspect of our development, and without them, we cannot create relationships. The earlier we learn about emotions and that it is okay to express what we feel, the better. Albert and Anna Choi have written a heartwarming tribute for their son Aiden, reminding him that it is okay to have feelings. I loved the cute picture of the real Aiden in the mirror because it was unexpected and gave the book a realistic touch. The illustrations were clear, and they conveyed the message perfectly. Bettina Braskó used bright and lively colors for the images, and children will love them. I recommend parents and educators read Little Aiden with their children today and learn about children's emotions together. Amazing book.
Recommend this book:
Meet January
Book 1 of The Calendar Kids Series
April Martin

2023 Gold Medal
40 Pages
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Children - Preschool

Meet January is a picture book written and illustrated by April Martin that has admirable emotional range. January loves to snuggle up in bed and loves her sleeping bag and having pretend campfires indoors. In other words, January loves being snuggly warm and pursuing all of the warm weather activities like picking flowers, being warmed by the sun, and seeing lovely green grass. Sadly though, winter break has ended and now January must head back to school after all her excuses for not being able to go – including pretending to be sick – don’t work on her mother. As she’s walking to school, January is convinced that it’s the coldest day in the history of cold days and by the time she reaches school, the unthinkable has happened and she has no idea what to do. Luckily her teacher does…
Martin’s protagonist, January (perhaps her name was inspired by the author’s own, named after the gentler month of April) is a little girl who, like most young children, characterizes her likes and dislikes in a very straightforward manner. Despite being named after what most would consider a winter month, January intensely dislikes the cold and has closed her mind to the possibility of even liking winter activities until her two friends come to the rescue, showing a deep well of empathy for their suffering friend. The other children in the class unfortunately aren’t as kind, making fun of January’s obvious discomfort. The children eventually band together as a group to solve January’s immediate problem and, thanks to January’s two friends, who have good listening skills, they use their ingenuity and imagination to do something wonderful for their friend. Given that the author is a teacher, it’s hardly surprising that the back of the book includes fun facts about the month of January as well as a number of discussion questions and even a recipe for snowman pancakes, January’s going-back-to-school breakfast. Meet January is a story about a child with a problem. Thanks to the author’s straightforward approach, it’s less a child’s story than it is a good story to which children will be able to relate.
Recommend this book:
ABCs of Affirmation Starring The Hiccups
Positive Affirmations For Toddlers
Dave W. Ball

2022 Finalist
32 Pages
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Children - Preschool

Outstanding illustrations + wonderful story = successful book. ABCs of Affirmation Starring The Hiccups has all the ingredients to become an enjoyable classic children’s picture book. Bold, colorful images fill each page and will draw children into the book, while the non-fiction story will keep them entertained. Children will love the zany, silly images of Hiccups, the starring characters on each page. Parents and teachers will love the values and positive affirmations on each page—arranged in alphabetical order. Author Dave W. Ball has written a wonderful book full of definitions and positive words to remind us of things we can do every day without any skills. This delightful book of reminders should be on every bookshelf.
Words like kindness, generous, encourage, and respect fills the pages of ABCs of Affirmation Starring The Hiccups. Students will love the strong, colorful images created by Design Pickle. The artwork is hilarious while illustrating serious life-changing topics. Teachers and parents will enjoy sharing this story with children while asking “What positive thing did you do today or what can you do tomorrow to help someone else?” Hopefully, this book will provoke interactivity and awareness that will help create positivity and giving in children and parents! Author Dave W. Ball has created a book that will be looked at over and over again. Let’s build positive minds with these powerful affirmations. This book should be in every home, school, and public library to remind us all to encourage others and ourselves.
Recommend this book:
Scoochie & Skiddles
Scoochie's Adoption Story
Tom Tracy

2022 Honorable Mention
33 Pages
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Children - Preschool

It was one of those days at the park for Scoochie and Skiddles. The children had fun on the swing set and monkey bars. They also met up with friends. One of the new friends asked their parents’ whereabouts, and Scoochie pointed to them sitting on a bench. There were two daddies, no mommies, and that was surprising! The friend had seen nothing like that. So she asked about the mommy, but Scoochie didn’t have one. Then with pride, Scoochie launched into the story of her adoption, the process, praises for her birth mom, incoming sister, and the family dynamics. Follow this delightful kid as she narrates her story, from birth to adoption, and every adoptiversary. Scoochie & Skiddles is written by Tom Tracy and illustrated by Dustin James.
As children, schools taught us that nuclear families comprised a mother, father, and children. They also said the relationship between couples was solely heterosexual. However, Scoochie & Skiddles by Tom Tracy shows that the world has evolved and love has no barrier. Love is broad, unconfined, and inclusive. It transcends race, gender, ideologies, laws, and beliefs. In this picture book, the author explores the intricacies of adoption and the beauty of different family makeup through Scoochie’s narrative. I loved the simple grammar because it will help children grasp this complex topic. The illustrations are also excellent as they merge captivating colors with descriptive images. This book addresses LGBTQ parents, heterosexual parents, and the children born to them. They were all unique. Great work, Tom and Dustin!
Recommend this book:
Jesse True Collection Books 1-4
The Power of Emotion and How to Deal with Big Feelings
Jodi Dee

2022 Honorable Mention
112 Pages
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Children - Preschool

Jesse True is an almost normal boy. The difference between Jesse and all the other boys and girls is that Jesse glows a different color depending on his emotional state. Emotions are powerful and can control you. Part of a child’s growing up is learning how to recognize and manage their feelings. Emotions are neutral - neither good nor bad. It is what we do with our feelings that counts. If we use our emotions for good, then they will feel right. Jesse True Collection Books 1-4: The Power of Emotion and How to Deal with Big Feelings is a compilation of the first four books in the series by Jodi Dee. Join Jesse and his little sister Jillian as they embark on typical children’s adventures. Book 4 is a powerful book helping children learn how to deal with bullies. Read this worthy collection with your children and discuss their emotions and how to handle them.
Too many children don’t know how to understand and handle their emotions. Unfortunately, they often grow up into adults who don’t know how to manage their feelings. If we suppress our emotions and keep them inside, we build up pressure that can explode at the wrong time and place. Jesse has the fantastic ability to glow different colors depending on his emotional state. His wise mother helps him learn how to deal with his feelings positively. The whole range of emotions is seen in this series. Read and then share with your children. Jesse True Collection Books 1-4: The Power of Emotion and How to Deal with Big Feelings uses creativity and fun to help children learn how to identify and manage their feelings. Jodi Dee has given the world an invaluable tool for parents to use in teaching youngsters about emotions and what to do with them.
