What Makes a Children’s Book Eligible for an Award?

If you’ve ever pictured a shiny sticker on the cover of your children’s book or hoped to hear your name called in a book award announcement, you are right where you need to be. 

As authors, we all hope for our books to be seen, celebrated, and remembered. We long for the moment our book receives recognition, along with the feeling that all of the hard work was worth it. 

But here’s the first “secret” I’ll share with you when it comes to book awards: 

→ You have to apply!

Yes, that’s right. Your book isn’t going to collect awards just because it’s on Amazon or at the local bookstore. Award committees only consider books that have been submitted, either by you or your publisher.

So if you want your book to be in the running, you need to raise your hand and say, “Pick me!” 

But after applying, how does an author actually win an award? What kinds of awards are the best fit for your children’s book? Let’s dive into the fun stuff!

How To Win a Children’s Book Award 

There is no specific set of eligibility requirements you need to win a book award. Every award committee will have its own unique parameters for submission. This could include publication dates, formats, author location, or whether self-published books are allowed. If you are aiming for a specific award, make sure to read their requirements carefully before submitting your work. 

What Do Judges Look For? 

When it comes to the judging portion, you’ll want to make sure your book stands out. How do you do this? While every judging panel will evaluate books on different criteria, here is a general list of what you will want to focus on: 

• Is your story of good quality? Ensure your story has a compelling narrative with relatable characters. 
• Are your illustrations high-quality? They should complement your story and elevate the overall experience for your reader.  
• Is your story original? Even if using a familiar theme, your story should still have a fresh perspective with your unique voice. 
• Is your story engaging? Use positive messages, life lessons, and learning or inclusive experiences to set your book apart from the rest. 

Types of Children’s Book Awards 

Here are some children’s book awards to note: 

Bestseller Status 

This is one award that doesn’t require a submission. Rather, it is given to those who have sold enough copies of their book within a certain timeframe or market. 

Best Seller Example:

I’m very proud to share that, at the time of writing this article, every author who has published with us through Publishing Mastermind has achieved bestseller status. You can see a full list of our books here. 

Mom’s Choice Awards

These awards recognize outstanding children's picture books that promote positive values, educational content, and entertainment. 

Mom’s Choice Example:

Publishing Mastermind author Tara Anderson won a Gold Mom’s Choice Award for her book, You Belong Too.

Readers’ Favorite Book Awards

This international competition is open to all authors who are seeking recognition and exposure. Winners will have their book promoted on the Readers' Favorite website and a chance to win one of 270 prizes totaling more than $125,000. 

Reader’s Favorite Example:

Publishing Mastermind author Brian Williams won a Reader’s Favorite for his book, Batter Up Billy. 

Purple Dragonfly Award

This is a worldwide contest that recognizes children’s books for their originality, innovation, and creativity. 

Purple Dragonfly Example:

Publishing Mastermind author Karen Nespoli won the Purple Dragonfly for her book, Gertie Saves the Day. 

BookFest Award

This international award celebrates books across all genres and is held online twice a year. 

Reader’s Favorite Example:

Publishing Mastermind author Armida Espinoza won the 2024 BookFest Award for her book, Brave Lois Learns English. 

Caldecott Medal

This award is given to the best illustrated American children’s book published in the previous year. It has been awarded by the American Library Association since 1938. 

Caldecott Medal Examples:

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak 
• Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin 
• Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans 

From Idea To Finished Draft—Your Next Step Awaits 

Yes! You can win a children’s book award—it starts with the next step you take. Whether you’re staring at a blank page or putting the final touches on your manuscript, this free training will give you the clarity, encouragement, and direction you need:

How to Write a Picture Book Children will LOVE (and Parents will Buy)

You will uncover the secrets to writing the type of story children will cherish for years to come. Not just any story either: a polished, purposeful story that goes above and beyond what award judges are looking for.  

FAQs

How can I win a children’s book award? 

You will first need to apply for the specific award you are hoping to win. There are no set eligibility requirements, so you will need to read each award’s submission requirements carefully and follow their rules. 

What do the judges look for? 

The criteria will vary, but typically judges are looking for a story and illustrations that are high quality, an original perspective, and an engaging factor that resonates with readers. 

What kinds of picture book awards could I win? 

Some of the common children’s book awards that authors pursue include Bestseller Status, the Mom's Choice Award, the Reader’s Favorite Award, the Purple Dragonfly Award, the BookFest Award, and the Caldecott Award.