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
Search Results for: the
Recommend this book:
Marky the MAGNIFICENT Fairy
Cynthia Kern OBrien

2023 Honorable Mention
36 Pages
Check current price
Children - Educational

Children should learn about diversity from the time they first begin to socialize. At some point, they will either meet people with disabilities, or they may feel different from other children. Parents must explain the subject to them as simply as possible. Marky the Magnificent Fairy by Cynthia Kern OBrien will teach children about empathy and enable parents to discuss diversity with their children. The story concerns a fairy named Marky. Unlike her friends, she cannot fly because one of her wings is too small. However, she loves her wings and knows they are beautiful just the way they are. Some forest creatures tease her about her small wing and her appearance. But Marky begins to talk to them about her qualities and dreams. She also describes how her friends are different and are just as magnificent as she is.
It is often difficult to explain disabilities to children and answer their questions. I liked this story because it is perfect for children to learn how to relate to the world. Marky the Magnificent Fairy is focused on promoting equality and kindness. Cynthia Kern OBrien uses simple language to help children understand differences and disabilities more readily. She also includes questions to promote discussion and reflect on children's behavior in relation to others and how to get them to accept themselves. Parents are also catered for with a guide at the end of the book that will give adults ideas on how to teach their children about people with disabilities. This book will help many children to believe in themselves and to treat others equally.
Recommend this book:
The Dreamer
The Girl Who Dreamed the War Over
Tzuri King, Julie G Fox, Leonora Bulbeck, René Nel, Natali Barbalat

2023 Honorable Mention
35 Pages
Check current price
Children - Educational

The Dreamer is a children’s book by Tzuri King, Julie G Fox, Leonora Bulbeck, René Nel, and Natali Barbalat. Torria lives in a bomb shelter with her brothers, mother, and grandmother as the effects of war rage around them. The attacks are so frequent that the family cannot go outside for a few minutes before another bomb warning is issued. Her only reprieve is in her dreams, where Torria uses the subjects from her grandmother’s nightly stories to envision the people she misses and loves. Mysteriously, each time when she awakens, she finds that, in one way or another, her dreams have come true. The authors provide a place for children to draw and write about their dreams, and the book is part of a series dedicated to promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Using the thread of Torria’s innocent prayers and the vivid subjects of her grandmother’s poems, Tzuri King, Julie G Fox, Leonora Bulbeck, René Nel, and Natali Barbalat have done a brilliant job of weaving together the story. The authors speak to their readers from the copyright page to the end of the book, reflecting their own style of communication, instead of adopting common practices. The vibrant colors will catch the eyes of readers, and the book will be dear to them long after the last page. The story is comforting and gives readers a sense of safety as they understand Torria’s situation. Even though Torria seems to dream her wishes and prayers into her life, the story is realistic, and it provides a happy ending. The Dreamer is a great selection for children who fear the uncontrollable effects of war and wish they had the power to end it.
Recommend this book:
Mario and The Stones
Luna and Fortuna
Katy Sloop Roberts

2023 Gold Medal
95 Pages
Check current price
Children - Fable

Mario and The Stones (Luna and Fortuna) by Katy Sloop Roberts is a children’s book in which a man named Mario searches for a job. He is hungry and in desperate need, but so far, he has been unsuccessful. One day, Mario comes across the perfect resting place in an olive grove. His tired body slumps to the ground and he falls asleep immediately. When he wakes up, he notices a woman close by. The woman is annoyed at Mario for trespassing in her olive grove, but she offers him a job whilst also undertaking to feed him. Mario jumps at the chance of eating a good meal and soon finds himself at the woman's house. The woman then realizes that Mario isn't the nicest person, nor does he have any manners, but she has a plan for him that could change all of that. What does the woman have in store for Mario and will he change his ways? Find out in this book.
Mario and The Stones (Luna and Fortuna) was a pleasure to read. From the moment I began, I knew I was going to enjoy this book. It grabbed my attention from the very first page and kept my interest throughout. It has been written professionally, which made the story flow nicely. The story will not only be sure to entertain children, but it will also teach them an important lesson. I won't reveal what the lesson is but, trust me, it's a good one. The illustrations by Dan Dye are perfect for the storyline. They help bring the scenes to life and add enjoyment to the reading experience. I hope to read more from Katy Sloop Roberts soon. Keep up the great work.
Recommend this book:
The Arctic Quest
Martinez Kids Adventures Book 2
Minda Gomez

2023 Silver Medal
131 Pages
Check current price
Children - Fable

The Arctic Quest by Minda Gomez is the story of a young family living in Minnesota, including the eldest, Rico, eight years old; Diego, five; and the youngest, Araceli, two. They are traveling to Mexico to spend Christmas with their grandparents, Tito and Tita. Their neighbor Don Toño is a brilliant inventor who gives the three siblings a pair of virtual reality sunglasses. When wearing the glasses, they look and feel like they’re in the Arctic Circle close to the North Pole, surrounded by snow, where they transform into different animals. As they travel to Mexico and play in the Arctic with their sunglasses, they learn important lessons about playing fairly, looking after their little sister, and working as a team. The Arctic Quest is also an excellent resource for learning conversational Spanish words and phrases, including greetings and common social references.
The Arctic Quest by Minda Gomez is a creative, deeply thoughtful, and educational story for children, celebrating the Spanish language and Mexican traditions while teaching valuable lessons and the wisdom of being part of a family. I loved the use of Spanish words and phrases throughout the book and the helpful glossary. The educational aspect of the book is fun and engaging, and Gomez achieved this by maintaining the reader’s attention with an imaginative and meaningful plot. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book because it has many benefits for children. Not only do they learn Spanish, but they learn about teamwork and their role in the family. Gomez has created a heartwarming and resourceful book that celebrates Mexican traditions, the Spanish language, and the unique bond between family members.
Recommend this book:
Don't Bring Rupert To The Beach
Christer Hägglund

2023 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Children - Fable

Don't Bring Rupert To The Beach by Christer Hägglund is a short illustrated children’s story. Rupert is a polar bear who lives in the north where it’s cold. One day, he went fishing but fell asleep and when he awoke, he was somewhere completely different. It’s a warm, tropical island, a wondrous place the likes of which Rupert has never seen before. There, he meets Dot, the jaguar, and they become friends. Dot shows Rupert around the island but Rupert misses the cold and the snow, while Dot loves the warm and the sand. The two friends explore each other’s worlds and have a great adventure, becoming firm friends for life.
Don't Bring Rupert To The Beach by Christer Hägglund is a wonderful kid’s story with great illustrations that help bring the story to life. It’s a simple story but with an underlying message – we aren’t all the same and we don’t all feel comfortable when we are not in the right surroundings. With just the right amount of action and a neat plot, this book is great for younger kids to read at home and at school and could be used to help children understand why some animals live in different places and why they can’t live elsewhere. It’s an easy read, written in simple language, and engaging enough to hold attention, even when you have kids with a short attention span. Cute story, I loved it. It is ideal for all young kids, and they’ll want you to read this one to them over and over again.
Recommend this book:
The Word Dancer
Maxine Rose Schur

2023 Honorable Mention
210 Pages
Check current price
Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi

In the kingdom of Wisland, everyone waits in anticipation of the next word that will come forth from the lips of the Word Dancer. This mysterious shaman comes to the kingdom from time to time and dances his way into the king's court, finishing his strange dancing exhibition with the utterance of a single prophetic word. On this occasion, the word is an ominous warning of a rapidly approaching evil but the king and his subjects pay no heed to the Word Dancer. Salvation for the kingdom lies in the hands of a young orphan whose family once held a position of importance in King Goodliwink's court. Wynnfrith must find the courage to save her king and her home in Maxine Rose Schur's The Word Dancer.
Maxine Rose Schur's The Word Dancer offers poetry expertly integrated into a riveting children's story so fluidly that it dictates the pace of the story. The storyline is straightforward, the characters are simplistic in their initial appearances, and their motivations are visible and impressively easy to interpret. What stands out the most for me with this interesting mix of poetry and prose is the lyrical descriptions used for almost everything of interest. The result is a visually attractive story that is intent on holding a child's attention throughout. The Word Dancer exudes the promise of a delightful reading experience waiting to happen.
Recommend this book:
Aster The Spirit Talker
A middle grade fantasy
Allie Compeau

2023 Honorable Mention
199 Pages
Check current price
Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi

Aster The Spirit Talker: A Middle Grade Fantasy is a fantasy novel for children and preteens written by Allie Compeau. Aster was all sorts of excited and just a little bit scared about her family’s move to their forever home. Her dad was in the military, so she had grown up never being in one place for very long. This would be different. Her father had retired from the military and would be a commercial pilot, and the house they would be living in was theirs. When they arrived, Aster marvelled at the architecture of the new house -- it was so much like the fairytale cottages she envisioned while reading her books! Then she saw the backyard -- it was huge and filled with lush greenery and flowers. And, looking up, she saw geese honking overhead, and she was thrilled when her dad said that he had seen deer in the yard when he first saw the house. Going inside, Aster’s bedroom was perfect; the lavender tones of the walls and furnishings made her smile, and the view from the large picture window facing out on the backyard and the woodlands beyond it was mesmerizing. But Aster’s sparkling new world was soon to get even better and brighter.
Allie Compeau’s fantasy novel for children and preteens, Aster The Spirit Talker: A Middle Grade Fantasy, is a marvelous tale about a sheltered ten-year-old girl whose move to a new house is world-changing. I loved watching as the timid and insecure Aster grows into a strong and daring young heroine, one who learns that fear is normal, but acting in spite of your fear is bravery. Aster’s animal companions are a treat to get to know, and the work they do helping her prepare for her role in saving the planet makes for a grand story. Compeau’s plot is exciting and fast-paced with plenty of pitfalls and villains to make readers wonder if Aster will even survive, and her characters are credible and well developed. Allie Compeau’s animal-oriented epic fantasy for kids is well worth a read, no matter what your chronological age. Aster The Spirit Talker: A Middle Grade Fantasy is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey
Jade, The Youngest Ever Witch
Wallace E Briggs

2023 Finalist
261 Pages
Check current price
Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi

The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: Jade, The Youngest Ever Witch by Wallace E Briggs is a children's fantasy story. If your child loves witchcraft, aliens, and futuristic tales, then this book will become their new favorite in no time. Join Jimmy the alien, his friend Jade the witch, together with all their friends, co-workers, and townsfolk, as they race to save their homes and fight against multiple threats. If everyone works together, will they be able to restore peace? Find out in this thrilling book.
The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey was a pleasure to read. From the first page, you are drawn into the world Wallace E Briggs has created. I was immediately engaged by the plot and eager to get to know the characters better. Wallace certainly has a talent for writing professional content. The story read with ease and I didn't lose focus on what was going on. There are so many different characters that you will grow to love during the time it takes to read the book. I liked that there are witches and aliens all working together as it felt unusual to me. The front cover sets you up for what you are about to read. I found it useful when trying to imagine what certain characters would look like. Jimmy was my favorite of them all and he is unique! I loved the story Wallace has written and I hope to read his next book. Keep up the good work and stay creative!
Recommend this book:
The Sparkly Bun
A children's book about feelings, courage and confidence, friendship, self-esteem, individuality and creativity.
Keith Stoeckeler, Illustrated by Lana Lee

2023 Gold Medal
30 Pages
Check current price
Children - General

Keith Stoeckeler’s picture book, The Sparkly Bun, is a clever way to teach young readers not only about being creative and using their imagination but also about building their self-esteem and being comfortable with who they are. The story is told in simple language so young readers can follow along. There is lots of dialogue which helps move the story forward. The illustrations by Lana Lee are creative and add some zest to the plot development. The author takes a common theme amongst young girls, that of fashion, and makes it into a powerful statement of what’s important in life, and how being creative and imaginative can make one really stand out.
Do you like wearing the same outfit every day? Does it look like what others are wearing? Or are their outfits much cooler than yours? In The Sparkly Bun by Keith Stoeckeler, Emme has a difficult lesson to learn. She wants to wear her sparkly bun outfit every day because it makes her stand out. But then she sees her friends wearing other cool outfits and she wants to wear the same buns they’re wearing. When she asks her parents for new outfits, like her friends have, they point out that she really doesn’t need any more outfits. “It’s important to be yourself and not worry about what others are doing. … It’s what’s inside that counts, not what we wear.” So Emme gets creative with her wardrobe, making herself look and feel unique. “Being one-of-a-kind is important.”
Recommend this book:
Otto: The Not-So-Little Giant
David Mulholland

2023 Silver Medal
24 Pages
Check current price
Children - General

Are you different? Do you have a child that does not seem to fit in? Many people struggle with a part of themselves that is not like everyone else. David Mulholland, in Otto: The Not-So-Little Giant, tackles the struggles those who are different endure. Otto lives in a land populated by giants, but he is not large like all the other giants. Being different causes issues like being bullied or having fun made of you. Otto has a great friend named Lizzie. Lizzie is a normal giant but accepts Otto just as he is. They have enjoyable adventures together. While everyone else calls him little Otto, Lizzie calls him Otto. Otto’s dad reminds him that he is special, not different. Can Otto, the smallest giant ever, do anything to help the regular giants? Read and learn how Otto’s small size made him a giant hero.
Otto’s mom, Gertie, reminds her son, 'you are perfect just the way you are.' Everyone needs to hear this wisdom and pay attention to it. If we constantly seek to be something or someone we are not, we will live a life of disappointment. Otto: The Not-So-Little Giant by David Mulholland teaches children to accept themselves for themselves. This is a vital lesson for children to learn. Otto learns that being a giant is so much more than being big. He realizes that what is important is what you do each day and what you do for others. Several concerns are addressed to help children learn to cope and thrive. One has to do with bullying; Otto knows not to retaliate at being bullied. Also, children reading this book learn to accept themselves. Acceptance should not depend on being alike. We are each different, and that is what makes us special.
