Author Feature: Kenny Loui
A creative notion can happen at any time, and author Kenny Loui always makes sure to jot them down when the moment strikes. You never know what may become an…
4 Award-Winning Children’s Holiday Books to Share This Season
Holidays are a time for gathering, laughter, and sharing stories that feel timeless. Children’s books often become the heart of these traditions, creating memories that last long after the season…
2025 Medalists – Categories 1-25
Congratulations to the 2025 Moonbeam Award medalists! Purchase Merch Download Press Release MOONBEAM SPIRIT AWARDS: Compassion | Education | Imagination | Community | Mindfulness | StorytellingGENERAL CATEGORIES:1. Board Book/Cloth |…
2025 Medalists – Categories 26-42 & eBook
Congratulations to the 2025 Moonbeam Award medalists! Purchase Merch Download Press Release MOONBEAM SPIRIT AWARDS:Compassion | Education | Imagination | Community | Mindfulness | StorytellingGENERAL CATEGORIES:Categories 1-25 | 26. Social Activism |…
Moonbeam Author Feature: Astrid Sheckels
For Astrid Sheckels, the old adage of a picture is worth a thousand words encapsulates how an illustration evolved into a full-fledged book. Her latest book, Sea Dog, began to…
Moonbeam Author Feature: Crystal J. Bell
For Crystal J. Bell, the writing process is not always a linear progression. Shaped by collective feedback and meaningful revisions, her latest title, The Lamplighter, was the culmination of rigorous…
7 Secrets to Writing Children’s Book Characters Kids Love
Creating a character that children instantly connect with takes more than luck. It requires imagination, relatability, and just the right touch of magic. When done well, your characters can spark…
5 Back-to-School Marketing Ideas for Children’s Book Creators
Back-to-school season isn’t just for students and teachers—it’s a golden opportunity for children’s book authors and illustrators to connect with classrooms, librarians, and families. With parents stocking up on supplies…
Write, Illustrate, Win: 5 Secrets to an Award-Winning Children’s Book
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…
How to Find the Perfect Illustrator for Your Book
There’s a special kind of magic in children’s books—the kind that happens when words and pictures dance together to bring a story to life. Whether you’ve written a whimsical bedtime…
7 Ways You Can Encourage a Love of Reading in Children
A lifelong love of reading begins early, and it’s one of the greatest gifts we can give the next generation. Books introduce children to new worlds, expand their vocabulary, boost…
Moonbeam Author Feature: Amulya Veldanda Vadali
For Amulya Veldanda Vadali, the writing of her new book I’ll Be Your Friend Forever was an emotional and healing process. Written after the passing of her beloved golden retriever,…
6 Ways Technology is Changing Children’s Books
The world of children’s books is evolving rapidly, thanks to technology. While traditional picture books and bedtime stories remain beloved staples, digital advancements are transforming how young readers engage with…
5 Ways to Use Social Media to Promote Your Book
In today’s digital world, social media offers an incredible opportunity to connect with your audience, share your story, and promote your children's book. By utilizing social media, you can amplify…
Moonbeam author Dr Danielle Camer with her award
Moonbeam Author Feature: Dr Danielle Camer
Dr Danielle Camer’s journey to creating her debut picture book, Sophie Won’t Sleep, is one of heart, determination, and love. In 2023, her book earned the prestigious Gold Moonbeam Award…
Moonbeam Author Feature: Meg Dendler
Meg Dendler’s journey as an author is as vibrant as the quirky cat who inspired her award-winning book. In 2013, her debut chapter book, Why Kimba Saved the World, earned…
A Moonbeam medalist giving their acceptance speech at the in-person celebration in Traverse City, Michigan
Creating a Writing Community: How Children’s Book Authors Can Find Support and Inspiration
As writers, we know the journey from idea to finished book can sometimes be a bit lonely. That’s where opportunities like the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards come in. Since 2006,…
Moonbeam Award medalist Brooke C Thomas
Moonbeam Author Feature: Brooke C Thomas
Winning an award for a children's book is about so much more than just a shiny medal—it’s a wonderful confirmation that the stories we share with young readers truly matter.…
A Moonbeam medalist gives a speech at the in-person celebration in Traverse City, Michigan
What a Moonbeam Award Can Do for Your Children’s Book
Since 2006, the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards have shined a light on the hidden gems of children’s publishing—books that might not have massive marketing budgets or famous authors but that…
Moonbeam author Dzvinka Hayda
Moonbeam Author Feature: Dzvinka Hayda
Dzvinka Hayda’s books are filled with love, warmth, and timeless messages for young readers. Her beautifully illustrated works, Little Angel's Journey and Dzvinya's Gift for Mama, have earned her not…
Moonbeam medalist Risa Nyman
Moonbeam Author Feature: Risa Nyman
Children’s literature has the incredible power to help young readers understand and navigate life’s challenging moments. Risa Nyman’s debut novel, Swallowed by a Secret, is a testament to that power.…
A woman reading an illustrated children's book to a child
A Guide to Choosing Your Children’s Book Illustrator
When it comes to creating a children’s book, there’s no denying that illustrations play an important role. The right artwork doesn’t just complement your story—it brings it to life, captures…
2024 Medalists – Categories 26-42 & eBook
Congratulations to the 2024 Moonbeam Award medalists! Purchase Merch Get Featured MOONBEAM SPIRIT AWARDS:Compassion | Education| Imagination | Preservation| Mindfulness | StorytellingGENERAL CATEGORIES:Categories 1-25 | 26. Social Activism | 27. Comics/Graphic Novel |…
Moonbeam Author Feature: James Esker
Moonbeam Author Feature: James EskerChildren’s books have a special kind of magic—they spark curiosity, nurture creativity, and inspire a lifelong love of learning. For James Esker, winning a 2024 Moonbeam…
2024 Medalists – Categories 1-25
Congratulations to the 2024 Moonbeam Award medalists! Purchase Merch Get Featured MOONBEAM SPIRIT AWARDS: Compassion | Education | Imagination | Preservation | Mindfulness | StorytellingGENERAL CATEGORIES: 1. Board Book/Cloth |…
2023 Medalists – Categories 26-42 & eBook
Congratulations to the 2023 Moonbeam Award medalists! Purchase Merch Get Featured MOONBEAM SPIRIT AWARDS: Compassion | Education | Imagination | Preservation | Mindfulness | Storytelling GENERAL CATEGORIES: Categories 1-26 | 27.…
2023 Medalists – Categories 1-25
Congratulations to the 2023 Moonbeam Award medalists! Purchase Merch Get Featured MOONBEAM SPIRIT AWARDS: Compassion | Education | Imagination | Preservation | Mindfulness | Storytelling GENERAL CATEGORIES: 1. Board Book…
2022 Medalists
Congratulations to the medalist of the 2022 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards! Purchase Merch Get Featured 2022 Special Medalist MOONBEAM SPIRIT AWARDS A handful of standouts are chosen each year for…
2021 Medalists
Congratulations to the 2021 Moonbeam Award medalists! Purchase Merch Get Featured MOONBEAM SPIRIT AWARDS: Compassion | Exploration | Imagination | Mindfulness | Preservation | Remembrance GENERAL CATEGORIES: 1. Board Book…
2020 Medalists
Congratulations to the 2020 Moonbeam Award medalists! Purchase Merch Get Featured MOONBEAM SPIRIT AWARDS: Compassion | Preservation | Exploration | Activism | Mindfulness GENERAL CATEGORIES: 1. Board Book / Cloth…
2019 Medalists
Jenkins Group is proud to announce the winners of the 2019 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards. Congratulations to all the winners! Listed below are the Moonbeam Spirit Award winners, followed by the…
2018 Medalist
Congratulations to the 2018 Moonbeam Award medalists! Purchase Merch Get Featured MOONBEAM SPIRIT AWARDS:Compassion | Mindfulness | Exploration | Imagination | PreservationGENERAL CATEGORIES:1. Board Book / Cloth Book | 2.…
2017 Medalists
Congratulations to the medalist of the 2017 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards! Listed below are the gold, silver, and bronze medal winners in each category. Purchase Merch Get Featured MOONBEAM SPIRIT…
2016 Medalists
Congratulations to the medalist of the 2016 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards! Listed below are the gold, silver, and bronze medal winners in each category. Purchase Merch Get Featured MOONBEAM SPIRIT…
2015 Medalists
Congratulations to the medalist of the 2015 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards! Listed below are the gold, silver, and bronze medal winners in each category. Purchase Merch Get Featured MOONBEAM SPIRIT…
2014 Medalists
Congratulations to the medalist of the 2014 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards! Listed below are the gold, silver, and bronze medal winners in each category. Purchase Merch Get Featured MOONBEAM SPIRIT…
2013 Medalists
Congratulations to the medalist of the 2013 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards! Listed below are the gold, silver, and bronze medal winners in each category. Purchase Merch Get Featured MOONBEAM SPIRIT…
2012 Medalists
Congratulations to the medalist of the 2012 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards! Purchase Merch Get Featured 2012 Special Medalist Moonbeam Spirit AwardsFor dedication to children’s books and literacy and for inspired…
2011 Medalists
Congratulations to the medalist of the 2011 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards! Purchase Merch Get Featured 2011 Special Medalist Moonbeam Spirit AwardsFor dedication to children’s literacy and inspired writing, illustrating and…
2010 Medalists
Congratulations to the medalist of the 4th annual Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards! Purchase Merch Get Featured 2010 Special Medalist Moonbeam Spirit AwardsFor dedication to children’s literacy and inspired writing, illustrating…
2009 Medalists
Congratulations to the medalist of the 3rd annual Moonbeam Children's Book Awards! Purchase Merch Get Featured 2009 Special Medalist Moonbeam Spirit AwardsGiven for dedication to children’s literacy and inspired writing,…
2008 Medalists
Congratulations to the medalist of the 2nd annual Moonbeam Children's Book Awards! Purchase Merch Get Featured 2008 Special Medalist Moonbeam Spirit AwardsGiven for their dedication and compassion about children, humanity,…
2007 Medalists
Congratulations to the medalist of the inaugural Moonbeam Children's Book Awards! Purchase Merch Get Featured 2007 Special Medalist These award-winning titles were chosen from the regular contest entries, nominated for…