Awards

A lonely goldfish named Eddy is longing for a friend. When he spots a yellow "fish" outside his bowl, he is overjoyed! But after taking a daring leap, Eddy learns that sometimes, with friendship, there is more than meets the eye! Imagine Eddy’s surprise when he discovers that his new “friends” are actually the eyes of a curious CAT. Instead of danger, Eddy finds kindness as the cat gently returns him to his bowl. This delightful story shows that friendship can be found in the most unexpected places, and on the most unexpected faces!   

Bookie and Cookie are the best of friends and live on different pages of the book. Bookie lives on the left page, and Cookie on the right. Bookie loves quiet time and reading, while Cookie is full of energy and loves baking. The two friends usually enjoy their pages (and their friendship) in harmony; however, Bookie starts to notice that every time they visit, it is on Cookie’s page. After some tense communication, both friends reflect on their long-lasting friendship, and Cookie wonders if it might be time to step out of his comfort zone and turn the page on a new chapter. 

Jack, Jill, and a little dog named Rex play a fun game together called “Go and Get.” After a quick countdown, the trio are off to quickly find something that starts with a specific letter of the alphabet. While Jack and Jill find items that seem to be the perfect fit for each announced letter, Rex is a bit more creative with his selections. While “Duck” doesn’t start with the letter “F,” Rex points out that “Friend” sure does! Readers will like joining in the fun and going to get their own items to share.

Through beautifully illustrated images that include panels, double-page spreads and limited text, readers will connect with the emotions of Jun, who is starting a new school after moving to America from Hong Kong. As Jun navigates the discomfort of a new place and a brand-new language, a peaceful pause occurs at lunchtime. When Jun opens her lunchbox, she gratefully takes in the aroma, taste and connection to her favorite foods, like bao, bok choy, and dumplings. Caring classmates reach out to Jun and friendship begins to blossom.

The end of gray days finally comes when a lonesome cat is adopted by a special family…or so Cat thinks. At first, things are ideal; and then the rules begin. Our feline narrator starts to realize that the days of lounging, snacking, and chasing are coming to an end, so Cat decides to quit! The path to independence becomes less exciting when nightfall comes, and Cat feels wet and cold and alone. Suddenly, though, there is a (flash)light in the darkness and a warm reunion saves the day. Sometimes the purr-suit of happiness leads a person right back home. 

In this book, a canine companion supports a young girl who has moved to a new home with her mother and prefers the comfort of home. The anxious feelings she experiences when encountering new social situations begin to lessen after welcoming Millie, a rescue dog, into the family.

Susan the duck is having an unlucky day. Her roller skates don’t fit, her light bulb went out, and there is a hornet’s nest outside, just to name a few of the things going wrong!  She feels like her luck is about to change when Wolf arrives with the grand announcement that she has won a new soup pot! As Wolf’s visits and donations of delicious soup ingredients continue to grow, so will the reader’s suspicions. When Wolf finally reveals his true intentions, Susan finds out that luck really is on her side.

Set in the Appalachian landscape of western Pennsylvania, “Sidle Creek” is a striking debut short story collection that captures the raw beauty and quiet struggles of rural life in Pennsylvania. With poetic precision and deep compassion, author Jolene McIlwain explores themes of class, work, trauma, and personal connection in a close-knit rural community simultaneously shaped and impacted by the forces of industry and natural resources. 

A tidy man keeps his home neat and clean and has no desire whatsoever to share it with an animal. Things start to change, however, when a cat appears on his doorstep. Despite his attempts to shoo the cat away, the cat persists, and the tidy man determines that having one cat is not quite so bad. Readers will giggle as one cat leads to TWO cats, followed by a dog, a duck, chicken(s), and the list goes on and on! What happens when some unhappy neighbors complain that the animals must go? The surprise ending will have you saying E-I-E-I-Oh! 

In this quiet and heartfelt story, the author describes the life history of a yellow school bus, using black, white, and gray illustrations with pops of color that instantly convey the warmth and joy of the yellow bus. Through each life transition, the yellow bus feels joy in its purpose, whether it is taking young children to school, connecting community members to local experiences, or serving as a playground for a group of goats.

Toad is a helpful friend to all, always ready to hop to the rescue in his trusty tow truck when animals have vehicle trouble. When Stanley Snout’s engine falls out, Toad is there. When Davey Dog hit a log, who else would he call but Toad?  Playful text and illustrations with creative use of rhyme sprinkled in will have readers smiling as they ride along with Toad in his truck. Sometimes, however, even the helpers need some help. Check out this book to find out what happens when our friend Toad faces a challenge on the road! 

Explore nature, and opposites, through beautiful illustrations and the story of a fallen tree in the forest. A loud “thunk!” in a quiet forest draws curious animals that were once separate together. The animals, both small and large, realize that this fallen tree has created a bridge! A delightful double-page spread shows the newly created bridge covered in pawprints from all the travelers who have crossed it. Bold text highlights the opposite concepts as animals float under and run over the log, traveling by night or building in the light.

Seeking security and a better view of the city while walking through a busy street, a little boy asks his dad to lift him onto his shoulders, where the world that once felt so big and overwhelming suddenly transforms into an exciting and accessible wonder. When they arrive at their destination, however, he takes in the world below and beside him, and marvels at how he had felt so small, and now relates to a giant! Whether soaking in the world above or appreciating the small details below, this heartfelt book about a father and son takes the reader’s experience to new heights.

In Eric Smith’s “With or Without You,” a fresh and engaging young adult romantic comedy set on the streets of South Philadelphia, rival teen food truck employees Jordan Plazas and Cindy Ortiz are internet-famous for their explosive feud—and secretly in love. What started as a staged rivalry to boost the respective family cheesesteak businesses suddenly goes national when a reality TV crew offers them a shot at fame. But as their fake feud grows bigger than ever, Jordan and Cindy must choose between chasing their dreams or risking it all for the truth—and each other.