Categories

Dive Into the Award Categories

Dive into the magical world of the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, where stories come to life and young imaginations soar! With over 45 exciting categories, there’s a place for every kind of children’s book—whether it’s about bedtime adventures, science discoveries, heartfelt friendships, or big dreams. Authors and publishers, join us in celebrating the art of storytelling and the joy of reading. Share your amazing work with readers everywhere and get the recognition it deserves. Submit your children’s book today and let’s make magic happen!

General Categories

1. Board Book/Cloth Book
2. Alphabet/Counting Book
3. Activity Book 1 – Games, Arts & Crafts, etc.
4. Activity Book 2 – Educational, Science, History
5. Best Illustrator
6. Picture Book – Preschool
7. Picture Book – 4-8 Year Old
8. Picture Book – All Ages
9. Juvenile Fiction – Early Reader/1st Chapter books
10. Pre-Teen Fiction – General
11. Pre-Teen Fiction – Fantasy
12. Pre-Teen Fiction – Mystery
13. Pre-Teen Fiction – Historical
14. Pre-Teen Fiction – Mature Issues
15. Young Adult Fiction – General
16. Young Adult Fiction – Fantasy/Sci-Fi
17. Young Adult Fiction – Horror/Mystery
18. Young Adult Fiction – Historical
19. Young Adult Fiction – Mature Issues
20. Fiction – Religion/Spirituality
21. Children’s Poetry
22. Non-Fiction – Picture Book
23. Non-Fiction – Chapter Book
24. Animals/Pets – Fiction
25. Animals/Pets – Non-Fiction
26. Social Activism
27. Comic/Graphic Novel
28. Religion/Spirituality
29. Holiday
30. Book with Merchandise (plush toy, etc.)
31. Spanish Language Book
32. Environmental Issues
33. Health Issues
34. Mind-Body-Spirit/Self-Esteem
35. Best First Book – Picture Book
36. Best First Book – Chapture Book
37. Best Book by Youth Author (under 18)
38. Best Book Series – Picture Book
39. Best Book Series – Chapter Book
40. Best Book Series – Non-Fiction
41. Best Writer/Illustrator
42. Cultural Experience

eBook Categories

E1. Children’s Picture Book
E2. Picture Book – Enhanced*
E3. Pre-Teen Fiction
E4. Young Adult Fiction
I am happy to report I am now on my second printing of Tator’s Swamp Fever after selling out over 4,000 copies! There is no doubt the Moonbeam Award I won has helped my sales. I have taken advantage of you’re marketing, your plaques and use your gold sticker seals on my books.
 

Medalist

Explore award-winning children’s books and join us in celebrating the authors, illustrators, and publishers who have made a magical impact with their imaginative works. These creators shape stories and adventures, providing young readers with joy, inspiration, and a love for reading that lasts a lifetime.

Guidelines

With entries open to authors, illustrators, publishers, and self-publishers of children's books published from 2023 to 2025, submissions are evaluated based on creativity, storytelling, and design quality, emphasizing originality and impact. Continue reading for details on eligibility, categories, entry fees, and deadlines!

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