2018 Winners
PRINTED BOOKS
Grand Prize Winner
The Hugsmiler’s Hugs: A Story About Learning Values by Jessica L. Simons
$100 Drawing Winner
The Lost Celt by A.E. Conran
Activity Books
1st Place: Dino Mazes: The Colossal Fossil Book by Elizabeth Carpenter
2nd Place: Mindful Me Activity Book by Whitney Stewart, illustrated by Stacy Peterson
Animals/Pets
1st Place: Looking for Lola/Taco by Jennifer Kuhns, illustrated by Gabrielle Pate and Edward Luena
2nd Place (tie): Penny the Pink Nose Poodle by Dana DiSante, illustrated by Ingrid Lefebvre
2nd Place (tie): Bubby’s Puddle Pond: A Tortuga’s Tale of the Desert by Carol Hageman, illustrated by Nathaniel Jensen
Honorable Mention:
Cloud the Horse: Cloud and Reddy the Red-Shouldered Hawk by Elizabeth Goodman Hardwick, illustrated by Lindsey Rowland
Ellie the Wienerdog: It’s Hard to Swim by K.J. Hales, illustrated by Serene Wyatt
Judah’s Promise by Irene Maslowski
Noname The Feral Cat! by Cynthia O’Brien, illustrated by Anne Berry
Tamara Turtle’s Life So Far by Regan W.H. Macaulay, illustrated by Javier Duarte
Chuck’s Journey Home by Anne E. Soares, illustrated by Randy Jennings
Miles and Jax by Kimber Iverson, illustrated by Jill Pearson
Quincy the Quail Saves a Life by Barbara Renner, illustrated by Amanda M. Wells
Tales From A Crowded Pet Room by Theresa Cones
The Tortoise Tales by Sally Scott Guynn
Tootsie McPeezalot by Sharon P. Stanley, illustrated by Jack Foster
Don’t Feed the Elephant by Sherry Ellis, illustrated by Md. Anwar
Miles and Jax: Master Planners by Kimber Iverson, illustrated by Jill Pearson
Wings and Feet by Lisa Reinicke, illustrated by Scot McDonald
Look Out, Gentry! by Elizabeth Moerschel, illustrated by Eve Funnell
Adelita by Dorothy F. Potash
Super Rooster and Wonder Cat by Alma Hammond, illustrated by Hugh Keiser
Bart’s Escape out the Gate by Lisa Reinicke, illustrated by Analise Black
Bob’s Spiritfly by Laura Kristi Cronin, illustrated by Dominic Glover
The Twin Dolphin’s Adventure: Meet Dusk and Dawn by V.A. Boeholt
Cody the Pony Goes to Pony Club by Michelle Path
Gifts of Spirit 2: Animals and Their Natural Gifts by Kimberly Heil
Why are the Pigs Purple? by Sharon P. Stanley, illustrated by Eugene Ruble
Fenix: The Fearless Feline by Corey Seemiller, illustrated by Kacey Seemiller-Mitchell
Arts/Music
1st Place: Los pajaritos by Yolanda Borras, illustrated by David Hicock
2nd Place: Charlie the Caterpillar by Andy Gutman
Honorable Mention:
Pop Lullaby by Andy Gutman
Singing Bird: A Child’s Story by Naejh, illustrated by Natalya Kharitonova
Best Cover Design
1st Place: Ellie the Wienerdog: It’s Hard to be Good by K.J. Hales, illustrated by Serene Wyatt
2nd Place: Castle in Danger by Karen Rita Rautenberg, illustrated by Valierie Sokolova
Honorable Mention:
Grandpa! Grandpa! What Will I See? by William P. Bahlke, illustrated by Lothar Speer
Sonya Dor: Child Extraordinaire & Dreamer Galore by Saul Stoogenke, illustrated by Yoga D.C. Ariesta and Saul Stoogenke
Red Boots: Landis and his Magical Birthday! by Adam Wacker, illustrated by Aaron Boyd
A Very Squeaky Mystery by Laura Angelina & Randy Williamson
Charlie the Caterpillar by Andy Gutman
The Very Loving Caterpillar by Sean Browne, illustrated by Doan Trang
Pop Lullaby by Andy Gutman
Why Can’t Uncle Come Home? A story for children struggling with the wrongful conviction of a loved one by Christiane Joy Allison, illustrated by Liz Shine
Best Illustrations
1st Place (tie): Gifts of Spirit 2: Animals and Their Natural Gifts by Kimberly Heil
1st Place (tie): Lily Pond by Shelley Daniels Lekven
2nd Place (tie): Ellie the Wienerdog: It’s Hard to Swim by K.J. Hales, illustrated by Serene Wyatt
2nd Place (tie): Bubby’s Puddle Pond: A Tortuga’s Tale of the Desert by Carol Hageman, illustrated by Nathaniel Jensen
Honorable Mention:
Los pajaritos by Yolanda Borras, illustrated by David Hicock
Sonya Dor: Child Extraordinaire & Dreamer Galore by Saul Stoogenke, illustrated by Yoga D.C. Ariesta and Saul Stoogenke
Bart’s Escape out the Gate by Lisa Reinicke, illustrated by Analise Black
Howl of the Lambergoon by Anthony Spaeth, illustrated by Marta Stawska
Pop Lullaby by Andy Gutman
Bill and the Little Red Plane by Jonathan Walker
Miles and Jax by Kimber Iverson, illustrated by Jill Pearson
Sammy’s Flame by Sam Ashkenas, illustrated by Dorene Uhrich
A Very Squeaky Mystery by Laura Angelina & Randy Williamson
Grandpa! Grandpa! What Will I See? by William P. Bahlke, illustrated by Lothar Speer
Why Can’t Uncle Come Home? A story for children struggling with the wrongful conviction of a loved one by Christiane Joy Allison, illustrated by Liz Shine
Red Boots: Landis and his Magical Birthday! by Adam Wacker, illustrated by Aaron Boyd
Miles and Jax: Master Planners by Kimber Iverson, illustrated by Jill Pearson
Charlie the Caterpillar by Andy Gutman
Cowboy Cody by Becky Wigemyr, illustrated by Dane Larocque
Best Interior Design
1st Place: Sonya Dor: Child Extraordinaire & Dreamer Galore by Saul Stoogenke, illustrated by Yoga D.C. Ariesta and Saul Stoogenke
2nd Place: The Twin Dolphin’s Adventure: Meet Dusk and Dawn by V.A. Boeholt
Book Series
1st Place (tie): Other Life Lessons series by Meaghan Hadwyn and Niki Snjaric
1st Place (tie): If You Were Me and Lived in... A Child’s Introduction to Cultures Around the World series by Carole P. Roman, illustrated by Kelsea Wierenga
2nd Place: If You Were Me and Lived in... An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time series by Carole P. Roman, illustrated by Mateya Arkova
Honorable Mention:
Junior Lifeguards series by Elizabeth Doyle Carey
The Legend of Dragonfly Pond series by Alene Adele Roy
Talking Tales series by Erica Graham
The Centaur Chronicles series by M.J. Evans
The Engirlneers series by Shannon DeVivo and Heather DeVivo-Winz
Book Trailer
1st Place: Daisy, Bold & Beautiful by Ellie Collins
2nd Place: The We Belong Bunch: Pookie J.’s School Day by Dr. Samuel and Angela Johnson, illustrated by Fanny Liem
Honorable Mention:
Lily Pond by Shelley Daniels Lekven
Bookmark
1st Place: Martina Ballerina by Imelda Sobiloff, illustrated by David Pfendler
Chapter Books
1st Place (tie): Castle in Danger by Karen Rita Rautenberg, illustrated by Valierie Sokolova
1st Place (tie): Oh Susannah: It’s in the Bag by Carole P. Roman, illustrated by Mateya Arkova
2nd Place: The Tooth Collector Fairies: Batina’s Best First Day by Denise Ditto, illustrated by Gabhor Utomo
Honorable Mention:
Seaper Powers: In Search of Bleu Jay’s Treasure by Kim Cameron, illustrated by Rebekah Phillips
Seaper Powers: The Mystery of the Blue Pearls by Kim Cameron, illustrated by Rebekah Phillips
The Ghosts of Stony Manor by Roberta Hoffer, illustrated by Madison Gaines
Gross Heroes: The Snot Free Zone by D. W. Dawson
Nerdi Bunny and the Busy Bee Bully Bear Business by Aisha Toombs, illustrated by Michael Morris
Hare ‘n’ There by Jenny Morris, illustrated by Sarah Hardy
The Tooth Collector Fairies: Home from Decay Valley by Denise Ditto, illustrated by Gabhor Utomo
Seaper Powers: The Riddle by Kim Cameron, illustrated by Rebekah Phillips
Seaper Powers: The Rescue by Kim Cameron, illustrated by Rebekah Phillips
Charity/Making a Difference
1st Place (tie): Dynomike: Love Bug by Frankie B. Rabbit
1st Place (tie): The Lost Celt by A.E. Conran
1st Place (tie): When a Child Cries by Cassie Lee, illustrated by Reginald Byers
1st Place (tie): Justice Makes a Difference: The Story of Miss Freedom Fighter, Esquire by Dr. Artika Tyner and Jacklyn Milton
2nd Place: Sesame Street: Celebrate You! Celebrate Me! by Leslie Kimmelman
Honorable Mention:
Chuck’s Journey Home by Anne E. Soares, illustrated by Randy Jennings
The THING on Mount Spring by Jenny Morris, illustrated by Sara Hayat
The Bubble in Me by Dr. J. Alvarez
The Very Loving Caterpillar by Sean Browne, illustrated by Doan Trang
Children’s Nonfiction
1st Place: Super Rooster and Wonder Cat by Alma Hammond, illustrated by Hugh Keiser
2nd Place: Buckets, Dippers, and Lids: Secrets to Your Happiness by Carol McCloud, illustrated by Glenn Zimmer
Honorable Mention:
Sammy the Seahorse by Martha Driscoll & Ann Driscoll, Ed.D, illustrated by Susan Andra Lion
I’ve Got Dibs! A Donor Sibling Story by Amy Dorfman, illustrated by Darren Goldman
Cultural Diversity
1st Place: A Recipe for Home by Ghenwa Yehia, illustrated by Inna Ogando
2nd Place: My Brown Skin by Thomishia Booker, illustrated by Jessica Gibson
Honorable Mention:
The We Belong Bunch: Pookie J.’s School Day by Dr. Samuel and Angela Johnson, illustrated by Fanny Liem
The Shapeless Shape by Victor Saad & David Kelley, illustrated by Edu Vea
Pola’s Flower by Diana Lynne Nadeau, illustrated by Lobsang Gyatso
Super Rooster and Wonder Cat by Alma Hammond, illustrated by Hugh Keiser
Freedom for Me: A Chinese Yankee by Stacie Haas
Bonjour! Let’s Learn French by Judy Martialay
Fenella and the Enchanted Forest by K.M. Ryant Hutzel, illustrated by Denis Proulx
Educational
1st Place: Ellie Rae Discovers Eight Ways to be SMART: A book about Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences by Mary R. Massey, Ed.D., illustrated by April Bensch
2nd Place: Little Katie Goes to the Moon by Carmela Dutra
Honorable Mention:
Talking Tales: Catch that Chinchilla by Erica Graham
So You Want to Learn: Juggling by Matthew Wall
Family Matters
1st Place: A Recipe for Home by Ghenwa Yehia, illustrated by Inna Ogando
2nd Place: The Tiny Mouse by Nakita Foreman, illustrated by Mary Ann Clawson
Honorable Mention:
I’ve Got Dibs! A Donor Sibling Story by Amy Dorfman, illustrated by Darren Goldman
Daddy’s Family Tree by Kenneth Braswell, illustrated by Merve Terzi
Stuck in Bed: The pregnancy bed rest picture book for kids ... and moms by Jennifer Degl & Angela Davids, illustrated by Jennifer Lynn Becker
A Family Just Like Mine by Barbara-Anne Puren
Why Mommy Works by Meaghan Hadwyn and Niki Snjaric
Bobby Birthday by Larissa Juliano, illustrated by Joshua Allen
Why Can’t Uncle Come Home?: A story for children struggling with the wrongful conviction of a loved one by Christiane Joy Allison, illustrated by Liz Shine
Fiction: Collection of Short Stories
1st Place: Winter Wonder: A Collection of Stories for Children & Young Adults by C.M Huddleston, Katherine Ladny Mitchell, D.G. Driver, M.J. Evans, Joyce McPherson, Catherine McCarran, Meg Trotter, Cassandra Davis, Rebecca Hammond Yager
2nd Place: The Tortoise Tales by Sally Scott Guynn
Food Related
1st Place: What’s On Your Plate? by Whitney Stewart, illustrated by Christiane Engel
2nd Place (tie): A Recipe for Home by Ghenwa Yehia, illustrated by Inna Ogando
2nd Place (tie): Maddy & Cole (Vol. 1): The Food Truck Grand Prix by Richie Frieman
General
1st Place: The Shapeless Shape by Victor Saad & David Kelley
2nd Place: Mason’s Messy Room by Chris McClean
Honorable Mention:
Aimee and Divine Inspiration: On a Journey by Diane Bourgeois
Graphic Novel
1st Place: The Hidden Loch by Marlaine Maddux White, illustrated by Claude St. Aubin
2nd Place: Audrey’s Magic Nine: The Pencil and the Fuzzy, Book One by Michelle Wright, illustrated by Courtney Huddleston
Green Books/Environmental
1st Place: The Natural Storyteller by Georgiana Keable, illustrated by Shirin Adl
2nd Place: The Mystical Magical Abracadabracal Daniel McDougal McDouglas McFly by Sheryl Davis, illustrated by Eric Summers
Honorable Mention:
Sweet T and the Turtle Team by Cat Michaels, illustrated by Irene Jahns
I Am a Butterfly: A Story About Big, Beautiful Changes by Sally Stone
Magic Moon: Bears Ears by Shirley Moulton, M.S.
Growing Pains
1st Place: The Shapeless Shape by Victor Saad & David Kelley
Health
1st Place: Mindful Me: Mindfulness and Meditation for Kids by Whitney Stewart, illustrated by Stacy Peterson
2nd Place: Jayla Spreads Loving Kindness by Antonia Aviles, illustrated by Lovyaa Garg
Honorable Mention:
Planet Scrabbage and the Vegerons by Paul Ian Cross, illustrated by Philip Wills
The Kool Kids & The Land Of The Giants by James Tate, illustrated by Jay Reed
Historical Fiction
1st Place: A Family for Leona by Beverly Stowe McClure
2nd Place: Castle in Danger by Karen Rita Rautenberg, illustrated by Valierie Sokolova
Honorable Mention:
Freedom for Me: A Chinese Yankee by Stacie Haas
Wanted: Bronco Charlie Rides the Pony Express by Alexandra Parsons, illustrated by Beatrice Favereau
Holiday
1st Place: Catching The Christmas Spirit by Bob Outman, illustrated by Dave Franks
2nd Place (tie): Dancing Dreidels by Alva Sachs, illustrated by Patricia Krebs
2nd Place (tie): The Very Best Christmas Tree EVER! by Mark Edgar Stephens
Honorable Mention:
George by Roxy Morgan, illustrated by Laura Winslow
Spivey’s Web by Sandra Warren, illustrated by Susan Fitzgerald
Felice the Christmas Fairy by Irene Mathias, illustrated by Anja Uhren
Humor
1st Place: Cinderella’s Other Shoe by Philippa Rae, illustrated by Tevin Hansen
LGBT
1st Place: Xander’s Story by Alejandro and Christopher Garcia-Halenar
Media Kit
1st Place: Martina Ballerina by Imelda Sobiloff, illustrated by David Pfendler
Middle Grade Fiction
1st Place: The Lost Celt by A.E. Conran
2nd Place (tie): The Centaur Chronicles: The Stone of Integrity by M.J. Evans
2nd Place (tie): The Crystilleries of Echoland by Dew Pellucid
Honorable Mention:
Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend by Cheryl Carpinello, illustrated by Zyad Kadri
Gross Heroes: The Snot Free Zone by D. W. Dawson
The Longest Halloween: Gabbie Del Toro and the Mystery of the Warlock’s Urn by Frank Wood
Danny and the DreamWeaver by Mark Poe
Castle in Danger by Karen Rita Rautenberg, illustrated by Valierie Sokolova
The Villains of Splazat by Jesse Arrington III
The Tortoise Tales by Sally Scott Guynn
Mystery
Honorable Mention: Some Dude Fell Overboard by Grant Fieldgrove
Outdoor Recreation
1st Place: Cowboy Cody by Becky Wigemyr, illustrated by Dane Larocque
Picture Books 5 & Younger
1st Place (tie): Half-Cat by DJ Corchin, illustrated by Tyler Hawx
1st Place (tie): How to Move an Elephant by AJA
1st Place (tie): Never Have I Ever Seen by MaryKate Cohane, illustrated by Bonnie Wiegand
1st Place (tie): The Hugsmiler’s Hugs: A Story About Learning Values by Jessica L. Simons
2nd Place: Pop Lullaby by Andy Gutman
Honorable Mention:
5,4,3,2,1 Ka-Boom! by Sarah Stevenson, illustrated by Ozzy Esha
Cassie Pup Takes the Cake?? by Sheri Poe-Pape
Los pajaritos by Yolanda Borras, illustrated by David Hicock
Cowboy Cody by Becky Wigemyr, illustrated by Dane Larocque
Every Month I Love You More by Ashley West
Grandpa! Grandpa! What Will I See? by William P. Bahlke, illustrated by Lothar Speer
I Am a Butterfly: A Story About Big, Beautiful Changes by Sally Stone
Little Mouse’s Sweet Treat by Shana Hollowell, illustrated by Jennifer Finch
Brayden’s Magical Carousel Horse by Anita A. Caruso, illustrated by Randy Jennings
Brayden’s Magical Forest by Anita A. Caruso , illustrated by Randy Jennings
More Than A Princess by Shaista Pabla, illustrated by Drew Maunula
Sir Walter Farluba by Donna LeBlanc, illustrated by Anton Servetnik
Brayden’s Magical Jungle by Anita A. Caruso, illustrated by Randy Jennings
Bronson Has A Toothache by Cynthia Ng
Peggy Pelican Goes Fishing by Janet Givens
Why Can’t Uncle Come Home?: A story for children struggling with the wrongful conviction of a loved one by Christiane Joy Allison, illustrated by Liz Shine
The Twin Dolphin’s Adventure: Meet Dusk and Dawn by V.A. Boeholt
A Very Squeaky Mystery by Laura Angelina & Randy Williamson
Things Can Grow Between Your Toes! by Laurie L. Bolanos
Sonya Dor: Child Extraordinaire & Dreamer Galore by Saul Stoogenke, illustrated by Yoga D.C. Ariesta and Saul Stoogenke Growing Up Tobey: The First Year by Caroline Barthen, illustrated by Blueberry Illustrations
Bart’s Escape out the Gate by Lisa Reinicke, illustrated by Analise Black
Martina Ballerina by Imelda Sobiloff, illustrated by David Pfendler
Gillie Can Share by Sarah-Leigh Wills
Charlie the Caterpillar by Andy Gutman
Ellie the Wienerdog: It’s Hard to be Good by K.J. Hales, illustrated by Serene Wyatt
Talking Tales: Puppy’s Bubble by Erica Graham
Sammy’s Flame by Sam Ashkenas, illustrated by Dorene Uhrich
I Don’t Like Vegetables! by Mrs C, illustrated by Crosland Jennings
Oogie’s Rainy Day Adventure by Michael Weinbergrer, illustrated by Steve Bonham
Picture Books 6 & Older
1st Place (tie): Dancing Dreidels by Alva Sachs, illustrated by Patricia Krebs
1st Place (tie): Ellie the Wienerdog: It’s Hard to Swim by K.J. Hales, illustrated by Serene Wyatt
1st Place (tie): Grandpa! Grandpa! What Will I See? by William P. Bahlke, illustrated by Lothar Speer
1st Place (tie): I Am a Butterfly: A Story About Big, Beautiful Changes by Sally Stone
1st Place (tie): Lily Pond by Shelley Daniels Lekven
1st Place (tie): Martina Ballerina by Imelda Sobiloff, illustrated by David Pfendler
1st Place (tie): Red Boots: Landis and his Magical Birthday! by Adam Wacker, illustrated by Aaron Boyd
1st Place (tie): Sammy the Seahorse by Martha Driscoll & Ann Driscoll, Ed.D, illustrated by Susan Andra Lion
1st Place (tie): Sonya Dor: Child Extraordinaire & Dreamer Galore by Saul Stoogenke, illustrated by Yoga D.C. Ariesta and Saul Stoogenke
1st Place (tie): The Blue Footies by Joan Dee Wilson
1st Place (tie): The Hugsmiler’s Hugs: A Story About Learning Values by Jessica L. Simons
2nd Place (tie): A Tale About Ears by Joshua August, illustrated by Jonas Scott
2nd Place (tie): The Krayon Kids by Karen Márquez Morales, illustrated by Caitlyn Notaro
Honorable Mention:
Bubby’s Puddle Pond: A Tortuga’s Tale of the Desert by Carol Hageman, illustrated by Nathaniel Jensen
Gifts of Spirit 2: Animals and Their Natural Gifts by Kimberly Heil
The Smiley Face Blatoon Lady by Nefari Ydarb, illustrated by Araceli Casas
Big Fish Dreams by Lori Fisher Peelen, illustrated by Consie Powell
The Wish by Tara McCarton, illustrated by Allison Lagueux
Lester, The Scared Little Leaf by Nina Gardner, illustrated by Chad Thompson
Sammy the Station Wagon by Tal Nuriel, illustrated by Aidar Zeineshev
The Mystical Magical Abracadabracal Daniel McDougal McDouglas McFly by Sheryl Davis, illustrated by Eric Summers
Up and Down Twins by Susan Manzke, illustrated by Rachel Manzke
A Recipe for Home by Ghenwa Yehia, illustrated by Inna Ogando
Wings and Feet by Lisa Reinicke, illustrated by Scot McDonald
Planet Scrabbage and the Vegerons by Paul Ian Cross, illustrated by Philip Wills
Miles and Jax: Master Planners by Kimber Iverson, illustrated by Jill Pearson
The Most Splendidly Spectacular Circus of Starborough by Michelle Path, illustrated by Hanna Purkiss
Crazy Crab by Mark C. Evans, illustrated by Steve Page
Noname The Feral Cat! by Cynthia O’Brien, illustrated by Anne Berry
Why Can’t Uncle Come Home?: A story for children struggling with the wrongful conviction of a loved one by Christiane Joy Allison, illustrated by Liz Shine
Eli’s Magic Moment by Kevin Poplawski, illustrated by Michael Rausch
Odonata: The Flying Jewel of Maiden Grass Pond by Barbara Gervais Ciancimino, illustrated by Steve McGinnis
Veva and the Beaver by Carlos F. Tarrac
Bill and the Little Red Plane by Jonathan Walker
Xalien the Purple Alien: Xalien Goes to the Zoo by Michelle Path, illustrated by Charlotte Roberts
The Power of Me by Gibson Maximillian Sabalos, illustrated by Lisa J. Michaels
An Underwater Adventure - "Your Name" and the Dolphin by Saskia Resuens and illustrated by Katrien Van Schuylenbergh
Cody the Pony Goes to Pony Club by Michelle Path
Miles and Jax by Kimber Iverson, illustrated by Jill Pearson
Dragonfly Surprise by Theresa A. O’Kane, illustrated by Tamara R. Sayre
Adelita by Dorothy F. Potash
Buckets, Dippers, and Lids: Secrets to Your Happiness by Carol McCloud, illustrated by Glenn Zimmer
The Twin Dolphin’s Adventure: Meet Dusk and Dawn by V.A. Boeholt
Pharaoh’s Arrow by George Neeb
Clondike and Mudo’s Adventure by M.C. Armbruster
The THING on Mount Spring by Jenny Morris, illustrated by Sara Hayat
The Moon and Star by Peggy Sullivan
The One and Only Owen by Nicole Evans Haumesser
Hare ‘n’ There by Jenny Morris, illustrated by Sarah Hardy
How Christmas Got its Colors by Jim Melko, illustrated by Sammi Davis
A Dozen Differences by Kirsten Elaine, illustrated by Gabriela Alayón
Nanny in the Nursery by L.M. Azpiazu
New Jack Rabbit City: A Colorful Children’s Story by Gail Galvan & Mike Evanouski
Poetry
1st Place: Shimmer, Songs of Night by Raven Howell
2nd Place: American Days by Georgina Schroeder
School Issues
1st Place (tie): Bury the Bully by Stefanie Noonan
1st Place (tie): Kindness is Key by Alexis Bloomer
1st Place (tie): Sophie Washington: The Snitch by Tonya Duncan Ellis
1st Place (tie): The Shapeless Shape by Victor Saad & David Kelley
2nd Place: Adriann Takes a Stand by Melondy Roberson, illustrated by Roszella Roberson-Offord
Honorable Mention:
Oh Susannah: Things That Go Bump by Carole P. Roman, illustrated by Mateya Arkova
The Thumb Book of Kindness by Tevin Hansen and Nichole Hansen
Buckets, Dippers, and Lids: Secrets to Your Happiness by Carol McCloud, illustrated by Glenn Zimmer
Magic Moon: A New Beginning by Shirley Moulton, M.S.
The Big Cheese Festival by S. Jackson & A. Raymond, illustrated by Mary Schmidt
Wings and Feet by Lisa Reinicke, illustrated by Scot McDonald
Bobby Birthday by Larissa Juliano, illustrated by Joshua Allen
The CrimeFighters: The Heroes Stop a Bully by Chris McClean
Odonata: The Flying Jewel of Maiden Grass Pond by Barbara Gervais Ciancimino, illustrated by Steve McGinnis
Science Fiction/Fantasy
1st Place: The Keeper of Fire by Davina Marie Liberty
2nd Place (tie): The Aeonians by J.E. Klimov
2nd Place (tie): The Great & the Small by A.T. Balsara
Honorable Mention:
The Uncontrolled by Zachary Astrowsky
The Adventures of Biker Frog and Lady White Bear Volume Three: The Hermit by C. Kindler
Special Needs/Disability Awareness
1st Place: Sesame Street: Celebrate You! Celebrate Me! by Leslie Kimmelman
2nd Place: Dragonfly Surprise by Theresa A. O’Kane, illustrated by Tamara R. Sayre
Honorable Mention:
The A in Autism Stands For Awesome by Lindsay James, illustrated by Jamie Wolenter
A Very Tubie Christmas by Meikele Lee, illustrated by Rebecca Robertson
Arianna’s Magic Boots by Karen Gasperini, illustrated by Deanna McRae
Arianna’s Magic Boots VOL 2: Underwater Sea Adventure by Karen A. Gasperini, illustrated by Deanna McRae
Sophie and the Magical Wheelchair by Kari Kadrmas
Spiritual/Religious
1st Place (tie): The Kool Kids & The Land Of The Giants by James Tate, illustrated by Jay Reed
1st Place (tie): Bob’s Spiritfly by Laura Kristi Cronin, illustrated by Dominic Glover
2nd Place: Sometimes Someone Dies by Meaghan Hadwyn and Niki Snjaric
Honorable Mention:
Dear Diary: My Brother Died Today by Suzanne Gene Courtney
Noname The Feral Cat! by Cynthia O’Brien, illustrated by Anne Berry
An Angel from Above / Un angel desde arriba by Dr. Ma. Alma Gonzalez Perez, illustrated by Patricia Gonzalez
Stella’s Story: Dealing With Sibling Loss by Amanda Seefeld Markle, illustrated by Christopher Bowman
The Tiny Mouse by Nakita Foreman, illustrated by Mary Ann Clawson
Judah’s Promise by Irene Maslowski
After ‘While, Crocodile by Jack Runion, illustrated by Emmalee Ellison
Pola’s Flower by Diana Lynne Nadeau, illustrated by Lobsang Gyatso
When a Child Cries by Cassie Lee, illustrated by Reginald Byers
Sports
1st Place: Skating Forward: Olympic Memories, Olympic Spirit by Joanne Vassallo Jamrosz
2nd Place: Junior Lifeguards by Elizabeth Doyle Carey
Honorable Mention:
Lionel Messi: A Soccer Star Who Cares by Kimberly Gatto
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)
1st Place: Geometry is Fun for Me by Vicky Owyang Chan, illustrated by Crystal Ferguson
2nd Place: Little Katie Goes to the Moon by Carmela Dutra
Honorable Mention:
The Engirlneers Protect the Ground Water by Shannon DeVivo and Heather DeVivo-Winz
My Mummy is a Scientist by Kerrine Bryan & Jason Bryan, illustrated by Marissa Peguinho
Unpublished Manuscript
1st Place: Drifty; Broken to Beautiful. A (Mostly) True Story by Dave Ives, illustrated by John Loyer
2nd Place: The Tale of Tyriii by Bianca Staines
Honorable Mention:
Brutal Hackage: A Young Adult Thriller by Jane Frances Ruby
Young Adult Fiction
1st Place: A Drop of Blue by Isa Briarwood
2nd Place: The Great & the Small by A.T. Balsara
Honorable Mention:
The Crystilleries of Echoland by Dew Pellucid
IF by Mike and Renee Winterbauer
Young Adult Nonfiction
1st Place: Skating Forward: Olympic Memories, Olympic Spirit by Joanne Vassallo Jamrosz
Youth Author Fiction
1st Place: The Power of Me by Gibson Maximillian Sabalos, illustrated by Lisa J. Michaels
*E-BOOK AWARD WINNERS*
Arts/Music
1st Place: Mr. Hoopeyloops and His Amazing Glass by Andi Cann, illustrated by Fabrice Bertolettp
Best Illustrations
1st Place: Theseus by Simon Spence
Chapter Books
1st Place: Sweet T and the Turtle Team by Cat Michaels, illustrated by Irene Jahns
2nd Place: The Girl by Leeah V, illustrated by Sammy Jay
Charity/Making a Difference
1st Place: From Riches to Rags by Jaclyn Howell
Children’s Nonfiction
1st Place: If You Were Me an Lived In... Cuba: A Child’s Introduction to Cultures Around the World by Carole P. Roman
Cultural Diversity
1st Place: Alabama Oh by Andi Cann, illustrated by Micaela Stefano
2nd Place: If You Were Me and Lived in...the Ancient Mali Empire: An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time by Carole P. Roman, illustrated by Mateya Arkova
Family Matters
1st Place: Selah’s Painted Dream by Susan Count Hastings, illustrated by Elena Shved
2nd Place: Can A Princess be A Firefighter? by Carole P. Roman, illustrated by Mateya Arkova
Honorable Mention:
Someone You Love Has Cancer: A Child’s Guide to Understanding by Robin Martin, illustrated by Kalpa Joshi
The Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name: Short Stories by Fiza Pathan
Green Books/Environmental
1st Place: Mermaids on a Mission to Save the Oceans by Janet Balletta, illustrated by Alyssa Figueroa & Alexander C. Appello
2nd Place: The Futurevators by S. Thomas, illustrated by G. Thomas
Honorable Mention:
Nuclear! (The Rosemary Series Book 1) by Alan French
The Plastic Pollution Adventure by Monty J. McClaine, illustrated by Abira Das
Wide as the Wind by Edward Stanton
Growing Pains
1st Place: Captain No Beard: An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate’s Life by Carole P. Roman
Health
1st Place: Special Food for Sam by Dr. Nicole Audet, illustrated by Mylène Villeneuve
2nd Place: Felix Is Curious About His Body by Dr. Nicole Audet, illustrated by Mylène Villeneuve
Humor
1st Place: Dragon Breath by Dixie Phillips and Jacob Gibson, illustrated by K.C. Snider
LGBT
2nd Place: The Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name: Short Stories by Fiza Pathan
Middle Grade Fiction
1st Place (tie): Jake, Lucid Dreamer by David J. Naiman
1st Place (tie): Special Food for Sam by Dr. Nicole Audet, illustrated by Mylène Villeneuve
2nd Place (tie): Felix Is Curious About His Body by Dr. Nicole Audet, illustrated by Mylène Villeneuve
2nd Place (tie): Daisy, Bold & Beautiful by Ellie Collins
Honorable Mention:
Hedda Stein-Sun’s UnRemembered Islands by Anthony Nordvik-Nash
Picture Books 5 & Younger
1st Place (tie): Mother’s Day with Snowman Paul by Yossi Lapid, illustrated by Joanna Pasek
1st Place (tie): Rocket-Bye by Carole P. Roman, illustrated by Mateya Arkova
2nd Place: Cub’s Wish by Angie Flores, illustrated by Yidan Yuan
Honorable Mention:
Snuggle, Sniggle, and Sometimes, Snickle by Stephen Spivey, illustrated by Adam Hembrough
Picture Books 6 & Older
1st Place: Theseus by Simon Spence
2nd Place: A Flag for the Flying Dragon: A Captain No Beard Story by Carole P. Roman
Honorable Mention:
Sarah’s Shadow by Nick Jones, illustrated by Si Clark
School Issues
1st Place: Daisy, Bold & Beautiful by Ellie Collins
2nd Place: From Riches to Rags by Jaclyn Howell
Science Fiction/Fantasy
1st Place: Esme’s Wish by Elizabeth Foster
Special Needs/Disability Awareness
1st Place: My Special Mind by Laura and Trey Day
Spiritual/Religious
1st Place: From Riches to Rags by Jaclyn Howell
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)
Honorable Mention: The Beedog by Addie Broussard, illustrated by Joyeeta Neogi
Young Adult Fiction
1st Place: My Crunchy Life by Mia Kerick
2nd Place: Adele and the Giant King by Izzy Beisiegel
Honorable Mention:
Owl Eyes: A Fairy Tale by Molly Lazer
Lucid World by Denise Lammi