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:
Hope
Kealy Connor Lonning
2022 Bronze Medal
39 Pages
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Children - Preschool
In Hope by Kealy Connor Lonning, we realize that hope is a strong word and that there are lots of things to hope for. You hope for strength when you have none; wise choices, blessings, and joy, to name just a few. Hope is something that all ages can learn about. Hope keeps you going, and it also helps others to keep pushing on as well, looking forward to better days. I thought Hope was a very uplifting and comforting read. It’s an abstract subject, but one that all readers can understand and relate to.
During these uncertain times when there’s not much to look forward to, and it feels like things are getting worse, hope is a powerful thing to have. It’s very important for young children to know this. Hope keeps dreams alive and we want our children never to stop dreaming. I found this book very well written and it gave many examples of what to hope for. The illustrations are very beautiful and colorful, which is something that will draw young readers' attention to the subject matter. It’s a simple read but has a very powerful message that I think people of all ages can appreciate and enjoy. It’s definitely a book I would recommend to my friends with young children. I’d even recommend it to my fellow adult friends who are having a rough time right now. I would love to read more of Kealy Connor Lonning’s children’s stories and overall more of her work.
Recommend this book:
Please Don't Tell Cooper That Jack is a Rabbit
Michelle Lander Feinberg
2022 Silver Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Preschool
Please Don't Tell Cooper That Jack is a Rabbit by Michelle Lander Feinberg is a lovely children’s book written from the heart. Indeed the author is a life-long animal advocate and she shares with us and our children a superbly illustrated story. The text is short, to the point, and rhymes in the best possible way, making us sing the words instead of reading them to our sons and daughters or pupils. It is perfect for a lively and fun nighttime story with an essential moral. A book to treasure, share, read again and again as its message will never be repeated enough.
Please Don't Tell Cooper That Jack is a Rabbit by Michelle Lander Feinberg is first and foremost a profound story, even if it is extraordinarily engaging and nice to read. It is the second book starring Cooper the adorable dog and you immediately want to read the first one. Cooper is a tender, kind at heart, lively dog and he cannot see a rabbit without running after it, scaring it to death, while he only wants to make friends. In fact, Cooper is not interested in appearances and is not frightened by differences. Quite the contrary! He is going to become best friends with this tiny rabbit and even have him adopted. He is generous and shows us that what truly (and only) matters is who we are and not what we look like! The author urges us warmly: “Keep your mind and heart open and be yourself!” An astounding, amazing book about tolerance and friendship that I could not recommend more!
Recommend this book:
I Love You Through Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall
Junia Wonders
2022 Silver Medal
36 Pages
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Children - Preschool
I Love You Through Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall by Junia Wonders follows different animal families in various settings and seasons as the parents express their love for their children. Each page is a reminder of how much the parents care for their children, through different seasons of life and moments where happiness comes and goes. From elephants to pigs to raccoons and more, this book shows off many different animal families doing things they love. A perfect book for young children, I Love You Through Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall is a must-read with the most vibrant and detailed illustrations.
As soon as I downloaded this book and saw the cover expand on my laptop, I knew that I was going to fall in love with the story. I cannot even express in words how stunning the illustrations are; I could have read this book over and over again just to experience the different animals and settings on each page. I loved the theme of I Love You Through Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall and think it can be a true encouragement to children on the younger side. This would be a great story to read together as a family. It brought a huge smile to my face, and I loved following the different animals on each page. I would highly recommend picking up I Love You Through Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall by Junia Wonders; it is such an amazing book that children are sure to love!
Recommend this book:
The Choices I Make
(Children’s Books About Making Good Choices, Anger, Emotions Management, Kids Ages 3 5, Preschool, Kindergarten) (Self-Regulation Skills)
Michael Gordon
2022 Gold Medal
40 Pages
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Children - Preschool
The Choices I Make by Michael Gordon is the latest in his series of books on Self-Regulation. Josh is a preschooler who is learning how to deal with his emotions in a positive way. When Josh gets home from school, he discovers that his sister is playing with his favorite toy. Josh gets upset with her. His dad hears the commotion and teaches Josh a simple way to control his emotions. Throughout his week with his friends and parents, he is confronted with different frustrating situations. He thinks about what his dad said, how he has the opportunity to make each situation better or worse and proceeds to calm himself down. Attached to the end of the story are a few black and white illustrations from the book, perfect for coloring.
The Choices I Make is a story that discusses a necessary skill young children need to develop in a very kid-friendly way. By describing situations that all kids are familiar with, Gordon draws them into the story right away. The illustrations are bright and bold. Josh's expressions are easily decipherable on each page. Preschool and early childhood educators will appreciate the simple steps kids can use to gain control of their emotions. It's very clear that feeling strong emotions is normal but kids (and adults) have the choice on how to react. Being able to understand how your reactions will impact others is a valuable life skill. The Choice I Make is a stellar addition to the self-regulation series.
Recommend this book:
Mrs. Mullendeck's Big Sneeze
Suzanne Evans
2021 Finalist
30 Pages
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Children - Preschool
Mrs. Mullendeck's Big Sneeze is a children’s picture book written by Suzanne Evans and illustrated by David V. Hansford. The day that Mrs. Mullendeck had her big sneeze was one that no one in her neighborhood was likely to forget anytime soon. It was a big sneeze, a sneeze that led to events that would baffle the imagination, a street-blasting sneeze. Neighbors fell off their rockers and chairs, passersby found themselves head over heels, animals of all sizes and shapes were shaken, stirred, and upended by that mighty sneeze. And just when everyone started to feel that things might be able to return to normal again, something happened.
Mrs. Mullendeck's Big Sneeze is a sheer delight to read. It's a marvelous story of a senior with the ability to produce truly prodigious sneezes. The accompanying illustrations make each page an adventure, one to be savored slowly as the reader studies every part of the page, delighting in the surprises and creatures to be found everywhere one looks. I loved the elephant who seemed oddly at ease in just about every panel, though I did wonder how it managed to get inside the pet store at one point. David V. Hansford’s artwork is marvelous. It catches the humor of the story perfectly and somehow manages to pair classic, old-style artwork with some splendid silliness.
While this book is ideal for storytime, especially when followed by the More Fun with Mrs. Mullendeck discussion questions at the end of the story, I can’t think of a better selection for a new reader to try on their own. The rhyming story is perfectly suited for a new reader, and those eloquent and fun-filled illustrations will make for an unforgettable reading experience for a newbie. Mrs. Mullendeck's Big Sneeze by Suzanne Evans is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
A Gift for Santa
This is based on a true Christmas story.
Zuzana Svobodova
2021 Honorable Mention
21 Pages
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Children - Preschool
What a wonderful twist! I wasn’t expecting the gift that Jacob chose to give in the children’s picture book A Gift for Santa. I love the way Santa thanks him every Christmas for the gift. What would you give Santa for Christmas? I love the gift idea Jacob comes up with, but I really love how happy it makes him knowing that he gave something very special to Santa. It’s an imaginative, thought-provoking story with a twist I wouldn’t have thought of. Author Zuzana Svobodová has created a wonderful story that children—and their parents—will love. This picture book is very imaginative and should get children thinking too. Who would Santa drink a cup of hot chocolate with? Who would Santa read a bedtime story with? If you were going to make a card or gift for Santa, what would it be?
How can you resist a children’s book with big, bright eyes on the front cover? A Gift for Santa contains lovable, huggable characters that children and their parents will find adorable. Beautiful, full-color images adorn the pages, which should attract children while the story will keep their attention. Zuzana Svobodová has created beautiful artwork of people and surroundings that are well executed and realistic looking. I admire how some pages have full color in the background and others have a part of an image with a white background. This wonderful story is bound to become a seasonal classic with its thoughtful story of love and friendship with a subtle dose of giving. The main character Jacob has us all believing it's better to give than to receive. This children’s picture book may be seasonal, but I think all home libraries should have this treasured story.
Recommend this book:
The Big Adventures of a Little Tree
Tree Finds Friendship
Nadja Springer
2021 Bronze Medal
39 Pages
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Children - Preschool
The Big Adventures of a Little Tree: Tree Find Friendship is about a little tree living down by the shore with his brothers and sisters. This little tree wants to branch out, to find adventure, so he starts calling for his forest friends until the birds hear him and help him walk around on his adventure through the forest. Tree has lots of fun with many friends until it is time for winter. Oh, the tree needs to go home, but how? He can't move all by himself. Find the answers when you read The Big Adventures of a Little Tree by Nadja Springer.
Having a live talking tree is a brilliant idea for a story to teach children about love and friendships. Can trees dream? Tree, in this adorable story, dreamed and his dream came true. It was so much fun to watch Tree interact with the children throughout this book. Each page is filled with the story and the wonderful, vivid, and colorful illustrations make the perfect backdrop. Tilla Rand-Belle does an amazing job with the illustrations in this book. Each page of illustrations fits the story well. This is my first book by this author but after reading The Big Adventures of a Little Tree by Nadja Springer, I will definitely be reading more. If you know of a daycare, pre-school, or anywhere children will be, please suggest they purchase this book, or you can purchase it yourself and donate it. And your small child won't be able to read this yet, but his/her imagination will run wild as they look at the pictures and hear you read it aloud.
Recommend this book:
What Does A Caterpillar Do?
What Does Series
David McArthur
2021 Silver Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Preschool
What Does A Caterpillar Do? What Does Series is a non-fiction educational picture book for children, grades K-3, written by David McArthur and illustrated by Lucy Rogers. Through a series of questions, the author directs young readers to consider what a caterpillar actually does. He takes them through questions whose answers are fairly obvious to adult readers but may help young readers learn about caterpillars and the other insects they are apt to discover outdoors. And while most will agree that a caterpillar does not “light our way at night” or build webs to capture unwary flies, they will enjoy the question and answer opportunities the author provides as they read along.
David McArthur’s What Does A Caterpillar Do? introduces the marvels of nature in a story that quizzes the reader for their knowledge of what a caterpillar does. I loved the progression of questions and especially appreciated artist Lucy Rogers’ stunning illustrations. Each panel shows an array of insects complete with facial expressions. Her firefly panels are grand, showing a vast pine forest under a star-studded sky and crescent moon, with a lantern-bearing caterpillar and a friendly firefly on one page, and two children chasing fireflies on the following page. Each question sets the reader up for another adventure into the mysteries and marvels of nature. McArthur’s book is perfect for storytime, but it’s especially suitable for a new reader to try on their own. What Does A Caterpillar Do? is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
I Love You More Than All
Kealy Connor Lonning
2021 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Preschool
A mother’s love is a powerful thing. It’s immense, limitless, boundless; there are no restrictions. So, when a child asks how much you love him/ her, how can you possibly explain? There are no words. But you can compare. “I love you more than bees love flowers” and “I love you more than the wind loves to blow.” These examples, and more, will certainly spark a young mind to relate to the depth of his/ her mother’s love. And, it might even inspire them to ask questions, like, “do you love me more than ice cream?” It could lead to a lively and humorous discussion. After all, there is no way to properly and sufficiently define a mother’s love for her child.
The opening lines really caught my attention: “Hush, sweet baby, please don’t cry.” It made me recall a popular children’s song, “Hush little baby, don’t say a word.” The flow of most of the poem that makes up I Love You More Than All by Kealy Connor Lonning, with its sentimental rhyming verse and lyrical nature, certainly follows in a similar trend to this popular song and I couldn’t help but sing these words with the old tune. The words are simple and catching, and the colorful illustrations, folkish in their presentation, suit the text. The repeated phrase, “I love you more”, at the end of the story emphasizes the point of love’s endless, limitless, almost undefinable parameters. This is a very touching tribute to the loving bond between mother and child, much like the best selling author Robert Munsch’s Love You Forever. Beautifully told and presented with, of course, love and compassion.
Recommend this book:
Boo
Jeanna Ganas
2020 Honorable Mention
46 Pages
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Children - Preschool
Boo the hamster lives in a cage on a shelf in a classroom full of children. He loves the attention he receives and he loves watching the children in all their activities. He feels safe and loved in his little home. One day, the teacher knocked his cage by accident, leaving an opening. When everyone had left for the day, Boo decided to venture through the opening and outside his cage. He wanted to explore the world the children seemed to enjoy so much. He found a hole in the wall and peeked through, excited to discover a real maze of twisty tubes, like the one he enjoyed running through in his cage. And the adventure begins. Each twisty tube leads Boo to another part of the school, further away from his home, the classroom with the children he so loves. When he tires of exploring, he realizes he’s lost and he can’t find his way back home.
Based on a true story, Jeanna Ganas’ picture book story, Boo, is a fun read. It also contains an important message for young readers about temptation and wandering away from home, looking for adventure and excitement, and, in the process, getting lost in the maze of unknown paths. The story is told in rhyming verse with lovely, colorful illustrations to help carry the story along. The plot develops with ease, leading the young reader forward with eager anticipation as Boo explores further and further away from home. A charming story that will definitely appeal to young readers.