Story Monsters® Press continues to serve as a trusted resource for quality children’s books

CHANDLER, Ariz. (April 2023) Story Monsters Press is an imprint of Story Monsters LLC and the publisher of children’s books that offer hope, value differences, and build character. Under the leadership of Linda F. Radke, Story Monsters LLC includes a team of skilled professionals who bring more than 35 years of experience to the industry.

“We focus on edu-taining children’s books and have built a team that has become a trusted resource for our clients,” said Linda F. Radke, president of Story Monsters LLC and publisher of Story Monsters Press. “We want young readers and their caregivers to be inspired when they read a book published by Story Monsters Press.” 

Radke, a former special education teacher for grades K-12, is dedicated to helping kids develop a love for reading and writing. That is why every book published by Story Monsters Press includes a curriculum or resource guide. 

“Curriculum guides give parents, teachers and librarians the tools to have meaningful discussions about the book,” said Radke. “They also encourage kids to have fun while learning more about a subject.”

Most recently, Story Monsters Press has teamed up with award-winning author Cynthia Kern OBrien on her latest children’s book, Marky the MAGNIFICENT Fairy, a story about a woodland fairy who cannot fly because she has one small wing. In this story, OBrien helps young readers understand that having differences is what makes them unique and lovable. This is a book about kindness, compassion, and believing in yourself. 

“Working with Story Monsters has been invaluable to me throughout this process,” said OBrien. “It has been a wonderful experience working with Linda and her talented team.”

Marky the MAGNIFICENT Fairy is scheduled to be released in January 2023.

In addition to books by Story Monsters Press, Story Monsters also provides authors with a wide range of services, including book contests, manuscript evaluation, book marketing, book production, website creation and book consulting. 

For more information about Marky the MAGNIFICENT Fairy, other titles by Story Monsters Press or the services Story Monsters provides to authors and publishers, please visit www.storymonsters.com.

To purchase Marky the MAGNIFICENT Fairy click here or buy on Amazon.

2022 Royal Dragonfly Book Award Winners Announced

CHANDLER, Ariz. (January 2023) Story Monsters LLC has announced the winners of the 2022 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, including Grand Prize Winner The Chocolate Clouds by Marc Remus, and First Place Drawing Winner The Stress Book: Forty-Plus Ways to Manage Stress & Enjoy Your Life by D. Terrence Foster, MD.

The annual Royal Dragonfly Book Award contest is a global competition that honors excellence in all types of literature and book marketing, recognizing a comprehensive list of genres in 68 categories—from Pets to Poetry and LGBT to STEM.

The grand-prize-winning author is Marc Remus, who is also a painter and illustrator. The Chocolate Clouds, which features 150 of Remus’s drawings, has won six other literary awards. Additionally, it received first place in the Middle Grade Fiction category. The Chocolate Clouds is not only visually appealing, but it also explores critical issues like weight loss, nutrition and friendship. The book has been translated into several foreign language editions, including Danish, German, Japanese and Portuguese.

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D. Terrence Foster, MD, winner of the first place $100 drawing, also received second place in the How-To category, as well as first place in the Other Nonfiction category and the Psychology category. The Stress Book: Forty-Plus Ways to Manage Stress & Enjoy Your Life has received numerous other literary recognitions. The book highlights a comprehensive approach to stress management and prevention, and shares ways to modify your lifestyle and take practical steps to reduce your stress. 

A complete list of this year’s award winners is available on the Dragonfly Book Award contest website. “What an exciting year for the 2022 Dragonfly Book Award contest,” said Linda F. Radke, president of Story Monsters LLC. “Judges reviewed and selected winners in 68 book and marketing categories, from Best Cover Design and Book Trailers to Humor and Graphic Novels. We are thrilled with the number of submissions we received from across the globe and want to share a sincere congratulations to all our award-winning authors.”

For complete rules and submission forms for the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, or the Story Monsters Approved program, visit DragonflyBookAwards.com. To learn more about Story Monsters LLC visit StoryMonsters.com, email info@storymonsters.com or call 480-940-8182.

Introducing Studio Story Monster and the Story Monster Theme Song

CHANDLER, Ariz. (January 2023) — Studio Story Monster, a division of Story Monsters LLC, recently released “The Story Monster Theme Song.” The song is available to listen to on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, and DISTROKID.

“The Story Monster Theme Song” is produced by Linda F. Radke, President of Story Monsters LLC and publisher of Story Monsters Ink® magazine, with lyrics written by children’s book author Conrad J. Storad and music composed by Zachary (ZR) Simpson.

Zachary (ZR) Simpson

Erin Rementer

Conrad J. Storad

Simpson has been a professional performer for nearly a decade and has seen many different aspects of the music and entertainment industries. His roles as a singer, dancer and actor led him to a passion for telling his own stories through writing and arranging his own music. He successfully pursued a degree in Music Composition for Film, TV and Video Games from the prestigious Berklee College of Music while working full-time at Walt Disney World. He has used his education and talents for projects with theatrical productions, short films, podcasts and Ed Through Story. 

The Story Monster Theme Song is sung by Erin Rementer, an international voiceover artist with a background in professional theatre. Past clients of hers include Disney, Delta, Cisco, Hasbro Toys, Mattress Firm, NumberBlocks, The Learning Company, Storypod, Universal Studios, Summit Checking, and more. She performs daily at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, has been a cruise ship singer for Disney and Norwegian Cruise Line, sings with several bands, and is a corporate singer for conventions all over the country.

Conrad J. Storad is the national award-winning author or editor of more than 50 science and nature books for children and young adults. In July 2018, the Book Publicists of Southern California presented Storad with the IRWIN Award for Storyteller of the Year. In March 2017, Storad achieved a career goal during an author visit in Tempe, Arizona. He has now read stories to more than one million students and teachers. Storad has conducted writing workshops and presentations at more than 1,500 schools, libraries, and author events in 17 states to promote reading and science literacy. Conrad is now entering the world of song writing and “The Story Monster Theme Song" is his debut song. 

The two other vocalists in the song include four-year-old Miles Rementer, who loves singing with his mom. He also loves math, numbers and planets. His favorite number is “one infinity,” and his favorite planet is “Jupiter because it’s the biggest planet.” He recently played “The Dog” "A Bird Doesn't Wait," his school play. Leanora Legg, a five-year-old who enjoys singing, dancing, painting and the color blue, is the other vocalist. She recently painted a huge rainbow on her bedroom wall!

“I am thrilled to welcome all these talented individuals to Team Story Monster,” said Linda F. Radke. “Their creativity and spark greatly helps Studio Story Monster come to life.”

Studio Story Monster is now open! Let us help create the music and graphics to help bring your story to life.

Contact Linda F. Radke at Linda@storymonsters.com for more information or call (480) 940-8182. Click here to set up a consultation time. 

Book Spotlight: Thomas the Turkey

Get ready for some feather-filled fun!

Help Thomas retrace his steps around the house, picking up a feather at each location until you have found all seven of his brightly colored feathers!

(The secret of this book is this: The child's parents or older siblings must first hide the feathers for the child to find, making the hunt easy or hard depending on the child's age.)

Children will love taking part in this feather hunt, and families will adore this new Thanksgiving tradition.

Available on Amazon.com

Book Spotlight: Sanctuary

"A heart-pounding, nerve racking, action thriller!"

In the midst of looking for sanctuary in the badlands, Sonny and his friends make it to Fort Gold Rush. A militarized city providing protection from the zombies and predators beyond its walls. However, the military leaders recognize the city’s safety as a sanctuary is only temporary unless they train the next generation of defenders.

It’s there that Sonny is introduced to Grim, an unlikely anti-hero who becomes the singularly most important influence in Sonny’s life. As he and his friends adapt to their new life, they are conscripted to train rigorously as the city’s soldiers and defenders in competing units.

This second installment in the Dark Days series shows there are significantly more lessons awaiting Sonny and his friends than just learning to be lethal fighters.

Check out the author:

AllAuthor Goodreads BookBub

Purchase a copy today!

Amazon & BarnesandNoble

Book Spotlight: Can Bears Ski?

This #ownvoices debut children's book by award-winning poet Raymond Antrobus tracks a father-and-son journey into the discovery and management of deafness.

Is Little Bear ignoring his friends when they say hi, or is something else going on? All around him Little Bear hears the question, “Can bears ski?” What does it mean?

One day, Dad Bears takes him to the audiologist, and Little Bear learns that he has been experiencing deafness and will start wearing hearing aids. Soon he figures out what that puzzling refrain is: “Can you hear me?”

In this lyrical picture book, award-winning creators Raymond Antrobus and Polly Dunbar draw on their own experiences to tell Little Bear's story in a tale that will delight kids with deafness and all children learning to navigate their world.

“All young readers will enjoy figuring out just what “Can bears ski?” is supposed to mean and will benefit from learning about being hard of hearing, including how to talk to a hard-of-hearing person. Gently and thoughtfully teaches about being a hard-of-hearing kid.” —Kirkus Reviews

Purchase a copy today on Amazon and Bookshop!

Follow Raymond Antrobus and Polly Dunbar on Instagram!

Book Spotlight: This is a Book of Shapes

From the creator of Green Pants comes a very slyly silly introduction to shapes!

First comes the circle. Then the square and the triangle.

Then … an emu pushing a pancake wagon down a hill?!

What begins as a concept book about everyone’s geometric favorites soon defies expectations with a series of funny and imaginative twists.

Kenneth Kraegel pairs a deadpan text with simple wood-grained shapes, interspersed with vibrant illustrations of animals engaged in hilariously absurd pastimes. Each page turn builds on the delicious anticipation the contrast creates to make this a unique and rollicking story-time hit.

“Mastering basic shapes is a key element for preschool readiness, and everybody knows that. Kraegel breaks, most delightfully, from the program, throwing his audience off balance with one change-up and then another, until this rudimentary lesson is so swamped with giggles that tykes might forget they’re learning.” —Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books

Purchase a copy today on Amazon or Bookshop!

Follow Kenneth Kraegel on Instagram!

Book Spotlight: I Deserve More!

When magic meets therapy…

I Deserve More! is a story about the adventures of Claire and her cat Archie. One day, they find a magic wand which gives them a chance to change their lives. Claire and Archie go on the amazing journey of self-exploration and self-reflection.

This book is based on the concept of therapeutic exercises for children and parents to practice at home. 

Children are able to comprehend and learn better when therapeutic information is presented in a storytelling format.

It allows children to learn the important concepts of taking responsibility and to become competent in controlling their anger, anxiety, insecurities, and other emotions.

It teaches the importance and value of emotional regulation and intelligence with coping and adapting skills for children and parents.

Purchase your copy today on Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com!

About the Author: Anna Svetchnikov is a mother of three boys and a licensed marriage and family therapist. She has extensive experience working with children and their parents. She seeks to enrich the lives of children and enlighten the lives of parents through prevention, support, and education. Anna is an Executive Director of a registered 501(c)3 mental health non-profit organization Longwood Care www.longwoodcare.org.

2020 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winners Announced

2020 Purple Dragonfly Award Winners

Grand Prize Winner:

$100 Drawing Winner:

Activity Books

1st Place: This is Me! Your Book of You by Lynne Healy, illustrated by Sarah-Leigh Wills

2nd Place: READ: A Basic Teaching Tool For Parents by Naejh, illustrated by Natalya Efremova

Honorable Mention:

Gifts of Spirit: Animals and their natural gifts Field Guide by Kimberly Heil                        

Grandman Dean Goes “Big Shopping” Companion Coloring Book by Warren Martin, illustrated by Star Huddleston
 

Animals/Pets

1st Place (tie): A Big Change for Daisy by Keri T. Collins, illustrated by Cynthia Baker-Gusman

1st Place (tie): Georgette’s Day in the City by Monica McGue, illustrated by Toby Cowan

1st Place (tie): Georgette’s Day in the Country by Monica McGue, illustrated by Toby Cowan

1st Place (tie): Georgette’s Day in the Mountains by Monica McGue, illustrated by Toby Cowan

1st Place (tie): Little Jewel’s Remarkable Journey by Susanne Strauss

1st Place (tie): Love Me Gently: A Kid’s Guide for Man’s Best Friend by Lisa Wiehebrink, illustrated by Eleanor Harbison

1st Place (tie): Uh Oh Kenzo! by Devin Alphin and Erica Doggett Alphin, illustrated by Elena Aiello

2nd Place: Goldy the Puppy and the Missing Socks by Kim Ann, illustrated by Nejla Shojaie

Honorable Mention:

Luna, The Mare with the Sky Blue Eyes by Dora Dillistone, illustrated by Jonathan Warm Day Coming Gomez

Dragonflies: Water Angels and Brilliant Bioindicators by Marta Magellan, illustrated by Mauro Magellan         

Gracie (Spanish/English): A bilingual adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains by Kathryn Leslie, illustrated by Anita Morra  

Most Wanted! The Ball Bandit by Nancy Binger                              

The Legend of Santa’s Sleighbells by Marianne Andresen Magin                            

Weaver the Diabetic-Alert Retriever by Billie Holladay Skelley, illustrated by James Paul Skelley

Dreams of Zugunruhe by Michael Kinsey, Ph.D., illustrated by Ros Webb          

The Day My Kids Stayed Home: Explaining COVID-19 and the Corona Virus to Your Kids by Adam Wallace, illustrated by Adam Riong          

Please Love Me Like I Love You by Kip Fechner, illustrated by Janis Dillon          

ROXI the Rescue Dog Helps the Elephants by Carolyn Drew, illustrated by Debi Pirie   

Princess Nutterbutter Learns to Share by Karen Nicksich, illustrated by  Pam Sharp         

Behind the Secret Garden Door by Sandie Leigh             

Arts/Music

1st Place: Jazz Fly 3: The Caribbean Sea by Matthew Gollub, illustrated by Karen Hanke

2nd Place: The Studio Tree by Janet Tlachac-Toonen      

Honorable Mention:

Bailey Brings Her Friends Together with Music by Kali Bate

Best Cover Design

1st Place: Get Back in the Book! by Larry Issa, illustrated by Emma Chadwick

2nd Place: A Flock of Fun by Raven Howell, illustrated by David Barrow

Honorable Mention:

Castle in Danger by Karen Rautenberg, illustrated by Valerie Sokolova

Mia: Ripples in the Water by Debbie Jennings, illustrated by Victoria Huling    

The Enchanters’ Child by Navya Sarikonda                         

Solar Coaster by Yi Ou                 

Doubloon! by Bruce Rougraff, illustrated by Rebecca and Olivia Rougraff          

Anna’s Pink and Purple Glasses by Marlene Bryenton, illustrated by Leanne Bowlan                    

Jazzy And Kettle by Rick Quinn, illustrated by Sefira Lightstone               

The Adventures of Abigail Rosebud & A Frog Named Stink! by Andrea Robertson, illustrated by Trevor Lucas

Beignets for Breakfast by Jeanette Weiland, illustrated by Allison Lemon

Best Illustrations

1st Place (tie): Get Back in the Book! by Larry Issa, illustrated by Emma Chadwick

1st Place (tie): Georgette’s Day in the City by Monica McGue, illustrated by Toby Cowan

1st Place (tie): Georgette’s Day in the Country by Monica McGue, illustrated by Toby Cowan

1st Place (tie): Georgette’s Day in the Mountains by Monica McGue, illustrated by Toby Cowan

1st Place (tie): Willoughby and the Lumpy Bumpy Cake by Pam Halter, illustrated by Kim Sponaugle

2nd Place (tie): Moonglow by Peggy Dickerson, illustrated by Cynthia Wells

2nd Place (tie): The ABC of DOG: Essential Manners for Good Dogs on a Friendly Planet by Kathleen Petitjean

2nd Place (tie): Where is My Teacher by Dalal Al - Romaihi

Honorable Mention:

The WHY-entist and the Wild Weather by Jane Lowry, illustrated by Sukarno Achmad

My Brother Came In a Train by Debra Spence, illustrated by Kinga Rypinska    

The Monster in My Basement by Dave Preston, illustrated by Heather Lynn Harris       

Beignets for Breakfast by Jeanette Weiland, illustrated by Allison Lemon          

Otis the Donkeysus by Colleen Stiles                    

Sissy Goes Tiny by Rebecca Flansburg and B.A. Norrgard, illustrated by Penny Weber                

Tex the Explorer: Journey Around the Earth by Ellie Smith, illustrated by Eyen Johnson

Reece’s Vintage Tales by N. Reece Ho-Sheffield                              

Ethan’s Healthy Mind Express by Emily Lane Waszak and Erik Bean, Ed.D., illustrated by Gail Gorske

Anna’s Pink and Purple Glasses by Marlene Bryenton, illustrated by Leanne Bowlan

Esie Explores Beneficial Bacteria by S. Kitanovic                              

When Eva Hollers by Brinkley Pound, illustrated by Paula Ingram Kiszla and B. Matthew Kiszla

What’s That Noise? by Dede Stockton, illustrated by Gaspar Sabater   

Mikey and the Dragons by Jocko Willink, illustrated by Jon Bozak          

The Cliff by Mark Phillips, illustrated by Terri Melia-Hamlin       

ZOOVERBS by Will O’Toole          

Best Interior Design

1st Place: Get Back in the Book! by Larry Issa, illustrated by Emma Chadwick

2nd Place: The WHY-entist and the Wild Weather by Jane Lowry, illustrated by Sukarno Achmad

Honorable Mention:

My Brother Came In a Train by Debra Spence, illustrated by Kinga Rypinska    

Anna’s Pink and Purple Glasses by Marlene Bryenton, illustrated by Leanne Bowlan    

Esie Explores Beneficial Bacteria by S. Kitanovic              

Best Photography

1st Place: Little Jewel’s Remarkable Journey by Susanne Strauss             

Biography/Autobiography

1st Place: Growing Up Supremely: The Women of the U.S. Supreme Court by Nichola D. Gutgold and Jessica L. Armstrong, illustrated by Rachel C. Ferguson and Karen D. Armstrong

2nd Place: Hugh Armstrong Robinson: The Story of Flying Lucky 13 by Billie Holladay Skelley, illustrated by Rachel Bowman
 

Board Books

1st Place: Shubh Raatri Dost/Good Night Friend by Nidhi Chanani

2nd Place: Finger Paintin’ by Terry Jackson, illustrated by Jason Fowler

Honorable Mention:

Baby Carrot by Terri Saville-Sewell                         

Baby Buckeyes by John Biemer, illustrated by Cynthia Meadows

Book Flyer

1st Place: Jet & Scoot: Take Manhattan by Stephanie Smith-Kenny, illustrated by Lauren Looney          

Book Trailer

1st Place: Why Stop for Tajo? by L.V.S. Baker, illustrated by M.E.B. Stottmann

2nd Place: Blueberry’s Gift by Tenney Mudge, illustrated by Erika Cummings

Honorable Mention:

Squire With Fire: When Sparks Fly by Joseph Cassis 

Chapter Books

1st Place: Hex: The Apprentice by Fran Hodgkins, illustrated by Sean O’Neill

2nd Place: Flower Power by Judy Lindquist

Honorable Mention:

Ballerina Detective and the Missing Jeweled Tiara by Karen Rautenberg, illustrated by Valerie Sokolova           

Doubloon! by Bruce Rougraff, illustrated by Rebecca and Olivia Rougraff          

Tyrone the Terrible: The Chameleon Who Decided He Was an Alligator by  Jan Lis                        

On The Little Apple by Deborah Smith Ford, illustrated by Susi Galloway           

The Little Goat in Africa by Deborah Smith Ford, illustrated by Susi Galloway  

Charity/Making a Difference

1st Place: Código 7: Descifrando el código para una vida épica (Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life by Bryan R. Johnson

2nd Place: Bubble Head by Louma El-Khoury Salloum    

Honorable Mention:

Sunny and Malcolm by Cynthia Crosson, illustrated by Carole Williams               

Gerome’s Rainbow by Stephanie Logsdon, illustrated by M.E.B. Stottmann      

Lead On! by Krista Betcher, illustrated by Kari Vick       

Blueberry’s Gift by Tenney Mudge, illustrated by Erika Cummings         

Just Bunny and the Great Fire Rescue by Jeanne LaSala Taylor, illustrated by Ana Sebastian

ROXI the Rescue Dog Helps the Elephants by Carolyn Drew, illustrated by Debi Pirie

Jared’s Last Carrot by Sara Devine, illustrated by Talitha Shipman         

All About Children by Robert Saul, illustrated by Jan Betts        

Dynomike: Pay It Forward by Frankie B Rabbit                 

Samson’s Tail by Mercy Hansen Mize, illustrated by Rachel Novel         

Children’s Nonfiction

1st Place (tie): Ivy the Very Determined Dog by Christopher and Maureen Harrington

1st Place (tie): Who’s Hiding in This Book? Meet Ten Famous Authors by Sheila Cordner, illustrated by Daniel Fiore

2nd Place: Luna, The Mare with the Sky Blue Eyes by Dora Dillistone, illustrated by Jonathan Warm Day Coming

Honorable Mention:

Robert Wadlow: The Unique Life of the Boy Who Became the World’s Tallest Man by Jennifer Phillips, illustrated by Roberta Morris          

When You Lived in My Belly by Jodi Meltzer Darter, illustrated by Caryn King and Jody King Camarra

Just Bunny and the Great Fire Rescue by Jeanne LaSala Taylor, illustrated by Ana Sebastian

There’s a Ghost in My Root Beer! by Kimberly Garland, illustrated by Chad Thompson               

What Makes Me Special! by Elizabeth McKinney, illustrated by Chiara Civati   

Little Miss HISTORY Travels to TOMBSTONE ARIZONA by Barbara Ann Mojica, illustrated by Victor Ramon Mojica               

My Brother Came In a Train by Debra Spence, illustrated by Kinga Rypinska

Collection of Short Stories

1st Place: Código 7: Descifrando el código para una vida épica (Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life by Bryan R. Johnson

2nd Place: Reece’s Vintage Tales by N. Reece Ho-Sheffield

Comic Books

1st Place: The Super Awesome Secret Adventures of Billy the Brave: Jungle Mayhem by Christian Canning, illustrated by Edison Goncalves and Len Simon

2nd Place: Family Time “Who Do You Love” by Brandon Foster, illustrated by Pía Bley

Cultural Diversity

1st Place (tie): Earthwaves by Michael Smith, illustrated by Gayle Garner Roski

1st Place (tie): Why Stop for Tajo? by L.V.S. Baker, illustrated by M.E.B. Stottmann

2nd Place: The Big Buna Bash by Sara Arnold, illustrated by Roberta Malasomma

Honorable Mention:

Voices of Diversity by Vanessa Caraveo                               

Free To Be Me: self love for all sizes by Lesley Williams-Blackwell, MD, illustrated by Penny Weber

Let’s Celebrate 5 Days of Diwali! by Ajanta Chakraborty and Vivek Kumar                             

Gerome’s Rainbow by Stephanie Logsdon, illustrated by M.E.B. Stottmann      

I’m Not A Weed! by Sonja Lange Wendt, illustrated by Manuel Nieto  

Enlightened by Judie Nance, illustrated by Rudra Bose

CLI -The Colt by Kling Johnson                 

Family Time “Who Do You Love” by Brandon Foster, illustrated by Pía Bley               

Shiloh and Dande the Lion by Ciara L. Hill, illustrated by Christian Krabbe         

Shubh Raatri Dost/Good Night Friend by Nidhi Chanani                              

Beauty Walks in Nature by Marie Theodore-Pharel, illustrated by Zeal Allen           

Fluffy and Fluffier by S.D. Becker                            

Anita and Grandma’s Dulce de leche/Anita y el dulce de leche de la abuela by Pilar Velez, illustrated by Natalia Jiménez              

ITO by Erin Rounds, illustrated by Heather Schmitz

Educational/Instructional

1st Place (tie): Spanish for Kids Set 1 by Germaine Choe, illustrated by Nancy Meyers

1st Place (tie): Spanish for Kids Set 2 by Germaine Choe, illustrated by Nancy Meyers

2nd Place: The Day My Kids Stayed Home: Explaining COVID-19 and the Corona Virus to Your Kids by Adam Wallace, illustrated by Adam Riong

Honorable Mention:

Salute to the Theatre: The 35th Anniversary Journal of Tainan Cultural Center by Cultural Affairs Bureau Tainan City Government                            

ZOOVERBS by Will O’Toole                        

Moonglow by Peggy Dickerson, illustrated by Cynthia Wells     

READ: A Basic Teaching Tool For Parents by Naejh, illustrated by Natalya Efremova       

Bullying: It Hurts by Brenda Koch           

Family Matters

1st Place (tie): A Big Change for Daisy by Keri T. Collins, illustrated by Cynthia Baker-Gusman

1st Place (tie): I’ll Lend You My Daddy by Becky King, illustrated by Valerie Valdivia

1st Place (tie): Max’s Divorce Earthquake by Rachel Brace, illustrated by Angela Perrini

1st Place (tie): Super Duper Big Heart: An Adoption Love Story by Dr. P Shiroma, illustrated by Jenkie Audrey

1st Place (tie): When You Lived in My Belly by Jodi Meltzer Darter, illustrated by Caryn King and Jody King Camarra

2nd Place: Fiona: Forever? by Erinn Uher

Honorable Mention:

Sunny and Malcolm by Cynthia Crosson, illustrated by Carole Williams               

I Smile for Grandpa by Jaclyn Guenette, illustrated by Kathryn Harrison             

Leila: The Wagners’ New Puppy by Naejh, illustrated by Aveliya Design

My Brother Came In a Train by Debra Spence, illustrated by Kinga Rypinska    

Something Lost Something Found by Natalia Paruzel-Gibson, illustrated by Laura Catrinella    

Welcome to the World by Joanna Hamilton                      

A Gift for Laura: A Christmas Story Collection (English/Spanish) by Pilar Velez Alynor Diaz

General

1st Place (tie): The Adventures of Abigail Rosebud & A Frog Named Stink! by Andrea Robertson, illustrated by Trevor Lucas

1st Place (tie): Spring Bloom by Sadia Mir and Summer Al-Jarrah Bateiha    

2nd Place: Talitha, the Traveling Skirt by Becky Van Vleet, illustrated by Courtney Smith

Honorable Mention:

Mikey and the Dragons by Jocko Willink, illustrated by Jon Bozak          

Gerome’s Rainbow by Stephanie Logsdon, illustrated by M.E.B. Stottmann      

Why Stop for Tajo? by L.V.S. Baker, illustrated by M.E.B. Stottmann     

Graphic Novel

1st Place: Marvin: Based on The Way I Was by Marvin Hamlisch by Ian David Marsden

2nd Place: Chieftain’s Daughter: Violet Moon Series Book 2 by Alisa Hope Wagner, illustrated by Albert Morales

Green Books/Environmental

1st Place: The WHY-entist and the Wild Weather by Jane Lowry, illustrated by Sukarno Achmad           

2nd Place: Sissy Goes Tiny by Rebecca Flansburg and B.A. Norrgard, illustrated by Penny Weber

Honorable Mention:

Winging it! A Monarch Love Story by Bev Davis, illustrated by Elena Stowell            

Leila’s Goal by Sarah Woodard                

The Little Green Jacket by Jodi Dee, illustrated by Steve Goad 

The Little Lost Bee by Sarah Woodard

Growing Pains

1st Place: How to Recycle Your Feelings: a Book about Reducing, Reusing and Recycling your Emotions by Amy Molloy, illustrated by Melissa Mylchreest          

2nd Place: The Treacherous Tingling Tanglelow Trial by Greg McGoon, illustrated by Jessa Orr

Honorable Mention:

Uh Oh Kenzo! by Devin Alphin and Erica Doggett Alphin, illustrated by Elena Aiello      

A Gift for Laura: A Christmas Story Collection (English/Spanish) by Pilar Velez, illustrated by Alynor Diaz           

Home by Christine Reynebeau, illustrated by Ashley Bates       

Amir’s Brave Adventure by Carmen Jimenez-Pride, illustrated by Tanja Varcelija

Health

1st Place (tie): How to Recycle Your Feelings: a Book about Reducing, Reusing and Recycling your Emotions by Amy Molloy, illustrated by Melissa Mylchreest

1st Place (tie): I Smile for Grandpa by Jaclyn Guenette, illustrated by Kathryn Harrison

2nd Place: Horace Henway Brushes It Off by Kathleen Arthur   

Honorable Mention:

Free To Be Me: self love for all sizes by Lesley Williams-Blackwell, MD, illustrated by Penny Weber

Zephyr the Dragonslayer by Christine Thomas Doran, illustrated by Tanya Garboski    

The Day My Kids Stayed Home: Explaining COVID-19 and the Corona Virus to Your Kids by Adam Wallace, illustrated by Adam Riong          

Hambuggas And Frozen Peas by Naejh, illustrated by Natalya Kharitonova          

Max’s Box: Letting Go of Negative Feelings by Brian Wray, illustrated by Shiloh Penfield           

Surgery on Sunday by Kat Harrison, illustrated by Shane Crampton      

The Cosmic Carrot: A Journey to Wellness, Clear Vision & Good Nutrition by Dr Robert Grand, illustrated by Ros Webb   

My Sister’s Super Skills by Lauren Mosback, MA, LPC, NCC, illustrated by Chiara Savarese

Historical Fiction

1st Place: PINTO! Based Upon the True Story of the Longest Horseback Ride in History by M.J. Evans

2nd Place: Two Terrible Days in May: The Rader Farm Massacre by Billie Holladay Skelley, illustrated by James Paul Skelley

Honorable Mention:

Castle in Danger by Karen Rautenberg, illustrated by Valerie Sokolova

Historical Nonfiction

1st Place: The Knock...a collection of childhood memories by Carolyn Watkins, illustrated by Lindsey Erickson 

Holiday

1st Place (tie): Let’s Celebrate 5 Days of Diwali! by Ajanta Chakraborty and Vivek Kumar

1st Place (tie): Grandma’s Halloween Stories by Joan Tenner, illustrated by Jesus Lopez

2nd Place: The Legend of Santa’s Sleighbells by Marianne Andresen Magin

Honorable Mention:

Anita and Grandma’s Dulce de leche/Anita y el dulce de leche de la abuela by Pilar Velez, illustrated by Natalia Jiménez

Where Do Elves Go on Vacation? by Kim Ann, illustrated by Nejla Shojaie       

The Quiet Crazy Easter Day by Jill Roman Lord, illustrated by Kelly Breemer    

Merry Myrrh, the Christmas Bat by Regan W.H. Macaulay, illustrated by Alex Zgud     

Humor

1st Place: ZOOVERBS by Will O’Toole

2nd Place: Silverwolf Chronicles: The Not-So-Public Library by Ruthann Johnson, illustrated by Lauren and Bethany Johnson

Honorable Mention:

The Adventures of Abigail Rosebud & A Frog Named Stink! by Andrea Robertson, illustrated by Trevor Lucas

Amelia Frump and her Billion-Cajillion Dollar Adventure by Deborah Roppolo                 

Princess Nutterbutter Learns to Share by Karen Nicksich, illustrated by Pam Sharp      

Letters, Journals, Diaries

1st Place: Flutter, Bye by Krista Betcher, illustrated by Kari Vick 

LGBT

1st Place: Truth Trippers by Rochelle Ransom

2nd Place: Eli & Jedi’s Super Sky Adventure by Lerone Landis, illustrated by Wallok Art

Middle Grade Fiction

1st Place (tie): Selah’s Stolen Dream by Susan Count, illustrated by Lori Sandford

1st Place (tie): Crime Busters, Inc.: The Alligator Alibi by Kiki Houser, illustrated by Scarlett Houser

1st Place (tie): The Proto Project by Bryan R. Johnson

2nd Place (tie): Life in the Grand Pause by Frank Saraco               

2nd Place (tie): Two Secrets by Sarah Frank

2nd Place (tie): Castle in Danger by Karen Rautenberg, illustrated by Valerie Sokolova

2nd Place (tie): Return to Komodo Island by Margaret Berkhousen       

Honorable Mention:

Dragon by Angie Rooker                             

Loukas and the Game of Chance by Anthony L. Manna, illustrated by Donald Babisch

Unwanted by Mary Sandford                   

The Visitor from 4-D by Deborah Hunt, illustrated by Adryelle Villamizer           

Mia: Ripples in the Water by Debbie Jennings, illustrated by Victoria Huling    

Silverwolf Chronicles: The Escape by Ruthann Johnson, illustrated by Lauren and Bethany Johnson    

Reece’s Vintage Tales by N. Reece Ho-Sheffield                                              

Mrs. Amazing and The Seed by Julie Lavender, illustrated by Katrina Santucci 

Squire With Fire: When Sparks Fly by Joseph Cassis                      

Ballerina Detective and the Missing Jeweled Tiara by Karen Rautenberg, illustrated by Valerie Sokolova

The Whimple Inn by Rachel Woolsey                   

Captain Hornet by Rachel Woolsey                       

Mystery

1st Place: Crime Busters, Inc.: The Alligator Alibi by Kiki Houser, illustrated by Scarlett Houser

2nd Place: The Case of the Missing Teeth by Darlinda Jacobs

Outdoor Recreation

1st Place: Gifts of Spirit: Animals and their natural gifts Field Guide by Kimberly Heil

2nd Place: The Tent Mouse and the RV Mouse  by Loretta Sponsler, illustrated by Kathrine Gutkovskiy

Honorable Mention:

My Lil’ Big Ocean by Toby Williams, illustrated by Corrina Holyoake     

Desert Catching Twilight by Lindsay Hill                               

Frog Catching Twilight by Lindsay Hill   

Picture Books 5 & Younger

1st Place (tie): A Cup of Loving Kindness by Elaine Bamford, illustrated by David Gnass

1st Place (tie): Feeling Special by Jennifer Kurani, illustrated by Valentina Jaskina

1st Place (tie): Get Back in the Book! by Larry Issa, illustrated by Emma Chadwick

1st Place (tie): Gorillas’ Night Out by Faith Goldstein, illustrated by Elizabeth Brawley

1st Place (tie): Jared’s Last Carrot by Sara Devine, illustrated by Talitha Shipman

1st Place (tie): Oliver West! It’s Time to Get Dressed! by Kelly Louise, illustrated by Rebecca Sinclair    

1st Place (tie): A Flock of Fun by Raven Howell, illustrated by David Barrow

2nd Place (tie): There’s a Ghost in My Root Beer! by Kimberly Garland, illustrated by Chad Thompson

2nd Place (tie): When the Squirrel Sings by Shana Hollowell, illustrated by Jennifer Finch

2nd Place (tie): Astaire’s Warm Day by Stephen Luk

2nd Place (tie): Brayden’s Magical Pirate Ship Adventure by Anita A. Caruso, illustrated by Randy Jennings

2nd Place (tie): Willoughby and the Lumpy Bumpy Cake by Pam Halter, illustrated by Kim Sponaugle

2nd Place (tie): For The Birds: The Audition by Avery C.J. Tucker

Honorable Mention:

Only Daddy’s Dog by Cynthia Crosson, illustrated by Carole Williams    

Sea Turtles Circle by Patricia Gleichauf, illustrated by Karen Staszko    

The Adventures of Abella and Her Magic Wand by Zane Carson Carruth, illustrated by Surajit Dutta

Ella’s Umbrella  Courtney by Shannon Strand, illustrated by Jennica Lounsbury               

Jet & Scoot: Take Manhattan by Stephanie Smith-Kenny, illustrated by Lauren Looney

Little Jewel’s Remarkable Journey by Susanne Strauss                 

Pirates Stuck at “C” by Brooke Van Sickle, illustrated by Gabriela Dieppa

Big Al’s Treasure by Christine Noyes                     

Hiccups... Again? by Dave Ball, illustrated by Design Pickle        

Nikki Durant and the Terrible Can’t by David YayGrr, illustrated by Nikki Yeager

A Big Al Bear Hug by Christine Noyes                   

Most Wanted! The Ball Bandit by Nancy Binger                              

The Monster in My Basement by Dave Preston, illustrated by Heather Lynn Harris       

Look At The Skies Second Edition by Papandopol Bogdan                          

Beignets for Breakfast by Jeanette Weiland, illustrated by Allison Lemon

Neat Freaks by John Arvai III, illustrated by Adam Walker-Parker           

Leilani Keeps Hawaii Beautiful by Karen Nicksich, illustrated by Ling Bower

Gracie (Spanish/English): A bilingual adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains by Kathryn Leslie, illustrated by Anita Morra  

When Eva Hollers by Brinkley Pound, illustrated by Paula Ingram Kiszla and B. Matthew Kiszla

Electric by Jennifer DeAzevedo, illustrated by Trini Law              

My Brother Came In a Train by Debra Spence, illustrated by Kinga Rypinska

The Dirt Girl by Jodi Dee, illustrated by Ed Espiatia        

Big Al Helps Clean The Park by Christine Noyes                               

Tex the Explorer: Journey Around the Earth by Ellie Smith, illustrated by Eyen Johnson

What Is A Birthday? by Vjolca Capri, illustrated by Tina Wijesiri              

The Case Of The Missing Cooler by Christine Noyes                      

Magic Cats: A Ramses and Tut Adventure! by LM Mann, illustrated by Ollie Oliver        

The Trekkers’ New Hope by Kevin Poplawski, illustrated by Michael Rausch     

What’s That Noise? by Dede Stockton, illustrated by Gaspar Sabater                   

Finding Color by Andrew Aiton                

Mixter Twizzle’s Breakfast by Regan W.H. Macaulay, illustrated by Wei Lu

Grandman Dean Goes “Big Shopping” (Adventures with Pop Pop) by Warren Martin, illustrated by Star Huddleston                       

Picture Books 6 & Older

1st Place (tie): Cookie & Milk by Michele McAvoy, illustrated by Jessica Gibson

1st Place (tie): Get Back in the Book! by Larry Issa, illustrated by Emma Chadwick

1st Place (tie): Jazz Fly 3: The Caribbean Sea by Matthew Gollub, illustrated by Karen Hanke

1st Place (tie): Little Jewel’s Remarkable Journey by Susanne Strauss

1st Place (tie): Mrs. Paddington and the Silver Mousetraps by Gail Skroback Hennessey, illustrated by Steve Cox

1st Place (tie): Something Lost Something Found by Natalia Paruzel-Gibson, illustrated by Laura Catrinella

1st Place (tie): The Story of The Can’t That Could by Joan C. Yingling, illustrated by Ana Sebastian

1st Place (tie): Geraldine and the Most Spectacular Science Project by Sol Regwan, illustrated by Denise Muzzio

2nd Place (tie): Cool Melons - Turn to Frogs! by Matthew Gollub, illustrated by Kazuko Stone

2nd Place (tie): Earthwaves by Michael Smith, illustrated by Gayle Garner Roski

2nd Place (tie): Sea Turtles Circle by Patricia Gleichauf, illustrated by Karen Staszko

2nd Place (tie): Jazzy And Kettle by Rick Quinn, illustrated by Sefira Lightstone

Honorable Mention:

An Elephant’s Advice by Wayne Gerard Trotman, illustrated by Nhat Hao Nguyen       

The Tooth Fairy’s Tummy Ache by Lori Orlinsky, illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre        

Goldy the Puppy and the Missing Socks by Kim Ann, illustrated by Nejla Shojaie          

The Little Green Jacket by Jodi Dee, illustrated by Steve Goad 

Willoughby and the Lumpy Bumpy Cake by Pam Halter, illustrated by Kim Sponaugle 

Charlie Wants to Play by Alison Mays, illustrated by Evan Clagg              

Cinder Yeti by Precious McKenzie, illustrated by Edward Tanzosh          

Dynomike: Pay It Forward by Frankie B Rabbit                 

I Think I Can by Karen Robbins, illustrated by Rachael Brunson               

The ABC of DOG: Essential Manners for Good Dogs on a Friendly Planet by Kathleen Petitjean

Cozmo’s Wish by Janet Tlachac-Toonen                              

Grandma’s Halloween Stories by Joan Tenner, illustrated by Jesus Lopez          

Most Wanted! The Ball Bandit by Nancy Binger                              

The Adventures of Abigail Rosebud & A Frog Named Stink! by Andrea Robertson, illustrated by Trevor Lucas

Woulda Been by Penny Ledbetter, illustrated by Krystal Smith

Don’t Play With Your Food: Pitaya’s Market by Giddy Gragert                 

When You Lived in My Belly by Jodi Meltzer Darter, illustrated by Caryn King and Jody King Camarra  

The Cat Who Loved The Moon by Jennifer Lea Reynolds, illustrated by Glendon Haddix            

Super Max and the Math Menace by Heather E. Robyn, illustrated by Zoe Mellors            

There’s a Ghost in My Root Beer! by Kimberly Garland, illustrated by Chad Thompson               

Wings to Fly by Jarnell Stokes and Howard Flamm, illustrated by Eunsoo Jeong             

Stay Warm Tonight by Joan Dee Wilson                              

ZOOVERBS by Will O’Toole                        

A Little Goat in Africa by Deborah Smith Ford, illustrated by Susi Galloway       

The WHY-entist and the Wild Weather by Jane Lowry, illustrated by Sukarno Achmad

Otis the Donkeysus by Colleen Stiles                    

Wendel the Wizard by D.J. Dammeyer, illustrated by Mikayla Beasley

Ruby the Rainbow Witch: A Picture-Perfect Rainbow Day by Kim Ann, illustrated by Nejla Shojaie      

The Little Apple by Deborah Smith Ford, illustrated by Susi Galloway  

The Tooth Fairy and the Baby Elf by Cynthia Kern OBrien, illustrated by Rosemarie Gillen

Where Are We? A Field Trip to Paradise by Dr. Qooz, illustrated by Irena Urosevic       

J is for Jackalope by Teal Blake                 

Tex the Explorer: Journey Around the Earth by Ellie Smith, illustrated by Eyen Johnson             

Yazzy’s Amazing Yarn by Cathey Nickell, illustrated by Emily Calimlim  

My Name is Musky! A Ferret’s Story by Matty Giuliano, illustrated by Morgan Spicer  

Achoo! Why Pollen Counts by Shennen Bersani                              

The Dragon Who Got the Fairy Godmother to Like Vegetables by Karen Magnan, illustrated by Colleen Stiles

Princess Nutterbutter Learns to Share by Karen Nicksich, illustrated by Pam Sharp      

Ethan’s Healthy Mind Express by Emily Lane Waszak and Erik Bean, Ed.D., illustrated by Gail Gorske

Amir’s Brave Adventure by Carmen Jimenez-Pride, illustrated by Tanja Varcelija           

Akia’s Adventure by George Neeb         

Poetry

1st Place: The Trickster: Poems for Very Clever Children & Silly Adults by Daniel Klawitter, illustrated by Robyn Crowell

2nd Place: Grandma’s Halloween Stories by Joan Tenner, illustrated by Jesus Lopez

Honorable Mention:    

One Trillion Bright Futures by Kellen Pierson                    

Milt Millville and the Magic Harpsichord by Dave Alden Hutchison                       

The Strange Bride by Anthony Spaeth, illustrated by Nicolas Lavalle

School Issues

1st Place (tie): Código 7: Descifrando el código para una vida épica (Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life by Bryan R. Johnson

1st Place (tie): Free To Be Me: self love for all sizes by Lesley Williams-Blackwell, MD, illustrated by Penny Weber

1st Place (tie): David’s ADHD by Sherrill S. Cannon, illustrated by KJ Kalpart      

2nd Place: Earthly Angel: Michael’s First Day of School by Carolyn Benjamin

Honorable Mention:

Gerome’s Rainbow by Stephanie Logsdon, illustrated by M.E.B. Stottmann      

Poppy the Star: A Star Is Born by Bindu Adai, illustrated by Tze Chiang Lim       

Freddie the Fly Truth or Care by Kimberly Delude, illustrated by Brian Martin 

The Dirt Girl by Jodi Dee, illustrated by Ed Espiatia        

Why Stop for Tajo? by L.V.S. Baker, illustrated by M.E.B. Stottmann     

Life in the Grand Pause by Frank Saraco                              

Lead On! by Krista Betcher, illustrated by Kari Vick       

Better Than A Bully: Carrot Top’s Surprise by Tina Levine, illustrated by Ned Levine    

Wings to Fly by Jarnell Stokes and Howard Flamm, illustrated by Eunsoo Jeong             

Dragon by Angie Rooker                             

A Cup of Loving Kindness by Elaine Bamford, illustrated by David Gnass            

Bullying: It Hurts by Brenda Koch                           

Ethan’s Healthy Mind Express by Emily Lane Waszak and Erik Bean, Ed.D., illustrated by Gail Gorske

Joining God’s Gang by Shirley Gholston Key                     

Wendel the Wizard by D.J. Dammeyer, illustrated by Mikayla Beasley

Elizabeth Makes A Friend by Carmen K. Jimenez, illustrated by Claudia Tenorio Pearl 

How Our Skin Sparkles by Aditi Wardhan Singh                               

Metal Like Me by D. W. Saur, illustrated by Danielle Green      

Leilani Keeps Hawaii Beautiful by Karen Nicksich, illustrated by Ling Bower

Science Fiction/Fantasy

1st Place: Leo Gray and the Lunar Eclipse by K.J. Kruk

2nd Place: Chieftain’s Daughter: Violet Moon Series Book 2 by Alisa Hope Wagner, illustrated by Albert Morales

Honorable Mention:

Squire With Fire: When Sparks Fly by Joseph Cassis                      

The Proto Project by Bryan R. Johnson                

The Secrets of Hawthorne House by Donald Firesmith

Special Needs/Disability Awareness

1st Place: Ivy the Very Determined Dog by Christopher and Maureen Harrington           

2nd Place (tie): Only Daddy’s Dog by Cynthia Crosson, illustrated by Carole Williams

2nd Place (tie): Valiance by Vanessa Caraveo

2nd Place (tie): Hi, It’s Me! I have ADHD by Katelyn Mabry, illustrated by Charles Friedel

2nd Place (tie): My Buddy Bryant: A Story of Friendship and Dyspraxia by Elizabeth McKinney, illustrated by Chiara Civati

Honorable Mention:

David’s ADHD by Sherrill S. Cannon, illustrated by KJ Kalpart    

Blueberry’s Gift by Tenney Mudge, illustrated by Erika Cummings         

I Want Tubie President by Meikele Lee               

Milton Visits the Bakery by Karen Magnan, illustrated by Heather Lawson        

Spiritual/Religious

1st Place: The First Easter Day by Jill Roman Lord, illustrated by Kimberley Barnes

2nd Place: Woulda Been by Penny Ledbetter, illustrated by Krystal Smith

Honorable Mention:

I Am, God’s Affirmations For Little Boys by Belinda N. Mays, illustrated by Stacy Hummel

The Heart Changer by Jarm Del Boccio                 

Angel Grandma by Heather Lean, illustrated by Sudipta Dasgupta         

Flutter, Bye by Krista Betcher, illustrated by Kari Vick  

Joining God’s Gang by Shirley Gholston Key                     

Qur’an Princesses by Suad Sultan, illustrated by Majd Massijeh             

Sports

1st Place: Young Kap by Kingsley Osei, illustrated by Elaine Davis

2nd Place: Wings to Fly by Jarnell Stokes and Howard Flamm, illustrated by Eunsoo Jeong        

Honorable Mention:

Charlie Wants to Play by Alison Mays, illustrated by Evan Clagg

 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)

1st Place: Cookie & Milk by Michele McAvoy, illustrated by Jessica Gibson

2nd Place: The Proto Project by Bryan R. Johnson

Honorable Mention:

The WHY-entist and the Wild Weather by Jane Lowry, illustrated by Sukarno Achmad

Unpublished Manuscript

 Honorable Mention:

Molly’s New Pony, Sir Wallace McGee by David Casentini                          

Finding Lila by Licia Chenoweth              

Young Adult Fiction

1st Place: My Skull Possession by Lisa M. Miller               

2nd Place (tie): Merged by Jim and Stephanie Kroepfl

2nd Place (tie): The Morphodons by Rachel Woolsey

Honorable Mention:

Chieftain’s Daughter: Violet Moon Series Book 2 by Alisa Hope Wagner, illustrated by Albert Morales

Gabe’s Guardian Angel by Beverly Stowe McClure                         

The Lost Temple by Alessia Dickson                      

Truth Trippers by Rochelle Ransom                       

Better Than A Bully: Carrot Top’s Surprise by Tina Levine, illustrated by Ned Levine    

You See Me by Dev Friedlander                               

Growing Up Behind the Scenes by Deborah Smith Ford, illustrated by Susi Galloway                   

Remeon’s Quest: Earth Year 1930 by J.W. Garrett                         

The Whimple Inn by Rachel Woolsey   

Young Adult Nonfiction

1st Place: The Fragrance of a Girl’s World by Donna Kristine Manley

Youth Author Fiction

1st Place: One Chance by Sarah Frank

2nd Place: The Enchanters’ Child by Navya Sarikonda

Honorable Mention:

The Wishner’s Curse by Camille Campbell, illustrated by Kelley McMorris

 * E-Book Award Winners *

Animals/Pets

1st Place: The Goose on the Roof by Sarah Sommer, illustrated by Martina Terzi

2nd Place: But The Sparrow Stayed (Bilingual With Animal Sounds) by Norman Whaler, illustrated by Yony Madera

Honorable Mention:

Oink and Gobble and the Missing Cupcakes (With Animal Sounds) by Norman Whaler, illustrated by Mohammad Shayan

 
Arts/Music

1st Place: Little Travelers by Eva Lou, illustrated by Juyeon Aizier-Kim

2nd Place: The Princess Who Loved Rose by Eva Lou, illustrated by Julie Jup

Honorable Mention:

The Mummy Speaks by Cynthia Morrison                          

If the Slipper Fits… by Lindsay DeRollo 

Best Cover Design

1st Place: My Brother Came In a Train by Debra Spence, illustrated by Kinga Rypinska

2nd Place: The Secret of the Ice Castle & Other Inspirational Tales by Heidi M. Thomas, illustrated by Susan Talbot

Best Illustrations

1st Place: Dylan’s Birthday Present by Victor Dias de Oliveira Santos, illustrated by Eszter Miklós

Honorable Mention:

Sid the Sasquatch by Wendy Elliott, illustrated by Joseph Cowman       

My Brother Came In a Train by Debra Spence, illustrated by Kinga Rypinska    

Lilly and Her Unicorn Doll: Forgiveness and Compassion by Aaron Chandler, illustrated by Vuttipat Jannak

RAFU - An African Story by Verena Prym, illustrated by Paulina Böger 

Simon My Pet Dragon And Our Unusual Adventure by David Cree        

 Best Interior Design

1st Place: My Brother Came In a Train by Debra Spence, illustrated by Kinga Rypinska

Chapter Books

1st Place: Izsabella Extraordinaire Summer Vibes by Shanta Massie      

 Charity/Making a Difference

1st Place: Lilly and Her Unicorn Doll: Forgiveness and Compassion by Aaron Chandler, illustrated by Vuttipat Jannak

 Children’s Nonfiction

1st Place: My Brother Came In a Train by Debra Spence, illustrated by Kinga Rypinska

 Collection of Short Stories

1st Place: Read & Sleep Tight, so the bed bugs won’t bite by Jinu Mathew

Cultural Diversity

1st Place: Dylan’s Birthday Present by Victor Dias de Oliveira Santos, illustrated by Eszter Miklós

2nd Place: Sid the Sasquatch by Wendy Elliott, illustrated by Joseph Cowman

Honorable Mention:

Wiggly Tooth by Eleni N. Gage, illustrated by Elise Follin             

We Can Be Anything by Bryanna Kaye Paskowitz            

Educational/Instructional

1st Place: JACK by Norman Whaler, illustrated by Nina Mkhoiani

Family Matters

1st Place: My Brother Came In a Train by Debra Spence, illustrated by Kinga Rypinska

2nd Place: Mad Max & Sweet Sarah by Ellie Collins

General

2nd Place: Simon My Pet Dragon And Our Unusual Adventure by David Cree

Honorable Mention:

Sid the Sasquatch by Wendy Elliott, illustrated by Joseph Cowman

Green/Environmental

1st Place: Sleeping Stones by Kaitlin Solimine, illustrated by Hu Yu

2nd Place: But The Sparrow Stayed (Bilingual With Animal Sounds) by Norman Whaler, illustrated by Yony Madera

Honorable Mention:

Throw It “Away” by Daniela Macaya

Humor

1st Place: Oink and Gobble and the Missing Cupcakes (With Animal Sounds) by Norman Whaler, illustrated by Mohammad Shayan      

Middle Grade Fiction

1st Place: Dwarf Story by Professor W. W. Marplot

2nd Place: Child of the Republic by Shardai Monte         

Honorable Mention:

Hawthorne Illustrated by Jerome Tiller, illustrated by Marc Johnson-Pencook

Mad Max & Sweet Sarah by Ellie Collins              

Picture Books 5 & Younger

1st Place: Sid the Sasquatch by Wendy Elliott, illustrated by Joseph Cowman

2nd Place: Betty For President by Justine Scire, illustrated by Joanna Pasek

Honorable Mention:

Counting Above the Coast by Jordyn Wear, illustrated by Tara Bushby

Be Proud to Be Blue by Diane Hull, illustrated by Jan Dolby       

Dylan’s Birthday Present by Victor Dias de Oliveira Santos, illustrated by Eszter Miklós

Llama Lu by Julia Da Rocha, illustrated by M. Judith Da Rocha 

My Brother Came In a Train by Debra Spence, illustrated by Kinga Rypinska

 Picture Books 6 & Older

1st Place: How I Made a Friend by Daniel Georges         

2nd Place: RAFU - An African Story by Verena Prym, illustrated by Paulina Böger

Honorable Mention:

JACK by Norman Whaler, illustrated by Nina Mkhoiani

Pinky the Pig by R. M. Carels                     

Amelie Gets Busy! by Agatha Rodi, illustrated by Joanna Scott

 Poetry

1st Place: But The Sparrow Stayed (Bilingual With Animal Sounds) by Norman Whaler, illustrated by Yony Madera

School Issues

1st Place: The Number Monster by Tarun Kumar Martheswaran and Ashvin Kumar 

2nd Place: Lilly and Her Unicorn Doll: Forgiveness and Compassion by Aaron Chandler, illustrated by Vuttipat Jannak

 Science Fiction/Fantasy

1st Place: Esme’s Gift by Elizabeth Foster           

Spiritual/Religious

1st Place: Remembering Tía by Mary Ellen Brown-Carrêon and AJ Morales

2nd Place: Reece’s Timeless Tales by N. Reece Ho-Sheffield       

Youth Author Fiction

1st Place: Empire of Embers by Pastel Schway

2nd Place: The Pari and Kayal Adventures: Saved by Sid by Maya Sara Karthik

Honorable Mention:

Throw It “Away” by Daniela Macaya     

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