Every year, the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards celebrate books that inspire, uplift, and spark a love of reading in young minds. But what makes a children’s book truly stand out?
While every story is unique, the books that rise to the top of our judging pile tend to excel in four key areas: content, originality, design, and production quality. If you’re hoping to win a Moonbeam medal, here are five secrets to help you shine.
1. Make Every Word Count (Content)
Great children’s books don’t just tell stories, they say something meaningful. Whether it’s an imaginative adventure or a gentle lesson in kindness, strong content is clear, age-appropriate, and engaging. Award-winning books often weave in deeper themes that resonate beyond the page.
Tip: Choose a message or emotion you want the reader to walk away with, and make sure it’s reflected on every page.
2. Be Bold, Be Fresh (Originality)
In a sea of picture books and middle-grade titles, originality sets you apart. That doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel, but it does mean avoiding clichés and bringing a new voice, character, or twist to familiar themes. Judges notice when a book feels truly one-of-a-kind.
Ask yourself: What makes my book different from everything else on the shelf?
3. Design with the Reader in Mind (Design)
From typography and layout to illustration style and color choices, strong design enhances the reading experience. For young readers, visual flow and clarity are essential. A well-designed book guides the eye naturally, supports the story, and sparks imagination.
Pro tip: Don’t underestimate white space. Clean, thoughtful layouts make a big impact.
4. Invest in Excellence (Production Quality)
The best stories deserve the best packaging. Judges look for books that feel polished and professional—think high-quality paper, sturdy binding, and crisp printing. Production quality plays a big role in how a book is experienced, especially in print.
Reminder: Great production doesn’t mean expensive, it means intentional and consistent.
5. Create from the Heart
Finally, don’t forget the magic ingredient: heart. The most memorable books are the ones that feel authentic. Whether you’re making readers laugh, cry, or dream big, your passion and purpose should come through loud and clear.
Why it matters: Judges are readers, too, and we can always tell when a book was created with genuine care.
Final Thought: You’re Building Dreams
If you’ve written or illustrated a book that you believe in, don’t keep it to yourself. The Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards were created to honor books that enrich children’s lives, and we can’t wait to read yours.
Submit your book today!
