2020 Winners
PRINTED BOOKS
Grand Prize Winner
Get Back in the Book! by Larry Issa, illustrated by Emma Chadwick
$100 Drawing Winner
Truth Trippers by Rochelle Ransom
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 House
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 Chadwi
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