Story Monsters Approved

2022 Winners

Book of the Year Winner:

Three Pockets Full: A story of love, family, and tradition 

by Cindy L. Rodriguez, illustrated by Begona Fernandez Corbalan

$100 Drawing Winner:

Big Change, Better You, Beautiful World 

by Lindsey Frank, illustrated by Tara Thelen

2022 Picture Books (Ages 3-8) Fiction

• A Messy Meeting by Irene Ishihara, illustrated by Marika Ishihara

• A Purpose for Benny by Kate Spreter, illustrated by Jiliane Vilches

• A Time To Fly by Diann Floyd Boehm, illustrated by Nancy Hoover

• Abella Gets a New Hairdo! by Zane Carson Carruth

• Benny Makes New Friends by Kate Spreter, illustrated by Jiliane Vilches

• Brody the Lion Meets the Doc by Kristin Wegner, illustrated by Fay Stayer

• Buddy and Bailey’s Alaskan Adventure by Micai Reigo Nethercott

• Cavoy, Cavah, Cavoo! by Cal Devney, illustrated by Olko Vladi

• Charlie and the Tire Swing by Diann Floyd Boehm, illustrated by Judy Gaudet

• Cherry Berry by Dante Racioppo

• Chester the Chipmunk: A Chesapeake Bay Adventure by Cindy Freland, illustrated by Javier Duarte

• Children Who Dance In The Rain by Susan Justice, illustrated by Lena Bardy

• Corbin Speaks Bee by Emma Pesis, illustrated by Divya George

• Desert Friends (Travels With The Pack) by Linda Harkey, illustrated by Mike Minick

• Euphonia Klank and the Aether Beast by Tamara Alba

• Firefly Fran's Fran-tastic Day by Kristin Ellis, illustrated by Brian Talbott

• Fishbowl by Andy Gutman

• Garden Mystery by Rachelle Jones Smith, illustrated by Milfa Saadah

• Goin' Fishin' by Terry Jackson, illustrated by Jason Fowler

• Grandpa's Lessons on Fishing and Life by Ruthie Godfrey

• Guapo’s Giant Heart: The True Story of the Calf Who Kept Growing by Janet Zappala and Wendy Perkins, illustrated by Lara Calleja

• H is for Hunting by Kimberly Ondriska, illustrated by Siddhant Jumde

• How Many Kittens Can One Girl Have? by Robin Hollo

• I Absolutely Love My Curly Hair by Miselle Goffman

• I Have Questions, Lots and Lots of Questions by David Lane, illustrated by Caleb McBee

• In Shape by Terry Jackson, illustrated by Jason Fowler

• K Is for Kindness by Rina Horiuchi, illustrated by Risa Horiuchi

• Life Lessons From Brilliant Detroit by Andy Gutman

• Lillou the Petit Chef and the New Neighbors by Laetitia Mariani, illustrated by Laura Livi

• Lulu and Malek Sail Off to Sea! by June Foster and Rob Scheer, illustrated by Gill Guile

• Lulu the Beaver by Bethany Gano

• Magnificent Matt and the Missing Coin by Debra Lenser, illustrated by Kim Sponaugle

• Magnificent Mocha Monty by Holland Jordan, illustrated by Mosaku Ogooluwa

• Mighty Mara by Carina Ho and Jesse Byrd, illustrated by Monica Paola Rodriguez

• Mira and the Mysterious Dragon by Jennifer Wang

• My Good Friend, Ted! The Sea-quel in The Ocean of Colour by Robyn Gram-Barclay

• Mysty the Mystical Unicorn by Kimberley Paterson, illustrated by Ava Jahani

• Orange Kitty and the Mouse Parade by Elizabeth Gales

• Perking Up Poe by Brian Eltz

• Pimpón, Libro para cantar y jugar by Yolanda Borrás, illustrated by David Hicock

• Please Get Your Shoe off My Brother! by Larry Gotterer, illustrated by Coraline Tran

• Princess Noa is Not Sorry by Ashley Brooke

• Shaking Up Shakespeare by Brian Eltz

• Simon's Search for the Scary Dragon by Stephen G. Bowling, illustrated by Vatali Dudarenka

• Smiley & Hugs Solve a Mystery by Diane Schweisguth, illustrated by Bonnie Johnson

• Sophie Won't Sleep by Dr. Danielle Camer

• Sora Searches for a Song by Once Upon a Dance

• Story Swapping: A Family Tradition by Vassi Rombis, illustrated by Frances Rose Español

• Teddy's "Ruff" Day! by Sandie Leigh

• Tex the Explorer Journey to the Oceans by Ellie Smith, illustrated by Eyen Johnson

• The Adventures of Princess Anyah of Antibarba: The Fishing Expedition by Eldonie Mason, illustrated by Anson J Henry

• The Fin-Tastic Rescue by Laura Mancuso, illustrated by Jenna Guidi

• The Great Adventures of Pico the Chug: Lost and Found by Jessica A. Schneider, illustrated by Mae Elizabeth Acuna

• The Lonely Pup by Iris Shay Reese

• The Longest Tongue Ever by Aiden Lee

• The Red and Black Ladybug by Bev Stone

• The Snuggabunch: The Case Of The Missing Dreamjellies by Mick Fink

• They Told Us Something Wonderful Was Coming by Bev Stone

• Three Pockets Full: A story of love, family, and tradition by Cindy L. Rodriguez, illustrated by Begoña Fernández Corbalán

• To Serve and Protect by Leslea Wahl, illustrated by Amy Klein

• Travel Rangers: Mission to Australia by Erika Bud, illustrated by Sonia Sengupta

• Where Archie Belongs by Michelle Choi

• Where is Maya’s Smile? by Bev Stone

• Wolves Aren't Welcome by Cheryl Benner, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler

• Yukon Dogs: Phil finds a friend by Kylie Campbell-Clarke

2022 Picture Books (Ages 3-8) Nonfiction

• Adventures with Pop Pop at Grant’s Farm by Warren Martin, illustrated by Kat Powell

• All Life Matters by Mary Lynne Zahler

• Dragons on the Inside (And Other Big Feelings) by Valerie Coulman

• How Your Brain Learns to Read by Denise Eide, illustrated by Ingrid Hess

• Pandemic Adventures with Pop Pop by Warren Martin, illustrated by Kat Powell

• Popoto the Maui Dolphin by Noemi Knight, illustrated by Alvin Adhi

• Rangeela Bhaarat (Colorful India): A bilingual, Hindi book about colors! by Neha Nabar

• What's Inside a Fart? by Jesse Hubbard

• Wild about the Alphabet! (and Other Tales) by Mike Crowder             

2022 Early Readers (Ages 5-9) Fiction

• Bentley's Dream by Sandra Harry, illustrated by Nikki Boetger

• Binky the Bowerbird by Barb Cromie, illustrated by Nandina Vines

• Cavoy, Cavah, Cavoo! by Cal Devney, illustrated by Olko Vladi

• Desert Friends (Travels With The Pack) by Linda Harkey, illustrated by Mike Minick

• Fishbowl by Andy Gutman

• Gaining Her Strength: Butterfly Princess Book 3 by Alisa Hope Wagner, illustrated by Albert Morales

• Hope and Fortune by Marissa Bañez, illustrated by Santiago Cornejo

• I Have Questions, Lots and Lots of Questions by David Lane, illustrated by Caleb McBee

• Just Janey's Way by Mandy Woolf, illustrated by Elmira Georgieva

• Life Lessons From Brilliant Detroit by Andy Gutman

• Lillou the Petit Chef and the Saucy Mission by Laetitia Mariani, illustrated by Laura Livi

• Mira and the Mysterious Dragon by Jennifer Wang

• Paddock by Winfield Murray, illustrated by HH Pax

• Paralights by Aiden Lee

• Silly Socks and Other Stuff by Bev Stone, illustrated by Calvin and Bev Stone

• Simon's Search for the Scary Dragon by Stephen G. Bowling, illustrated by Vatali Dudarenka

• The Adventures of the Bureau of the Missing Socks by Millicent Sutton, illustrated by Haley Moore and Mary White

• The Birdhouse Bash! Where Friends Flock Together by Christopher Freitag, illustrated by Francis Toriaga

• The Home & The Man by Lauren Kim

• The Rowdy Randy Wild West Show by Casey Day Rislov, illustrated by Zachary Pullen

• The Snuggabunch: The Case Of The Missing Dreamjellies by Mick Fink

• Where Archie Belongs by Michelle Choi

2022 Early Readers (Ages 5-9) Nonfiction

• Rangeela Bhaarat (Colorful India): A bilingual, Hindi book about colors! by Neha Nabar

• Rescuing Reed: The Little Dog Who Could by Heidi Mottin, illustrated by Stephanie Fliss

• Tay Goes to STEM Camp by Phelicia Lang

2022 First Chapter Books (Ages 6-10) Fiction

• The Secret Door by Minda Gomez

• Alpaca Ranch Fun! by Jack Rotifer

• Eddie Eats Everything by Duane Willoughby

• London Secrets by Laura Skidmore, illustrated by Giao Williams

• Pillow Palace Princess by Laura Skidmore, illustrated by Giao Williams

2022 Middle Grade Books (Ages 8-12) Fiction

• A Halloween Night Caper by Robin Hollo

• Chase Across Time: Search for the Ice Castle of Fire by Z. Altug and Tracy Gensler

• Desert Friends (Travels With The Pack) by Linda Harkey, illustrated by Mike Minick

• From Panama to New York: Jacquelina's Story by Jacqueline Atkins

• I Am Andi by J.R. Balthazar

• London Secrets by Laura Skidmore, illustrated by Giao Williams

• Malcolm Webster, (Aspiring) 5th-Grade Whiz Kid by Dakota Klaes

• Maria and the Magic of the Rainbow by Suzanna Royse

• Molly Shipton, Secret Actress by Sheri Graubert

• Pillow Palace Princess by Laura Skidmore, illustrated by Giao Williams

• Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution by Elaine Kachala, illustrated by Belle Wuthrich

• The Ick Erros by Cal Devney, illustrated by Veronika Hipolito

• The Joyous Adventures of Whizzojack by Jack Zarb Adami and David Bush

• THE S.O.U.R.C.E. by Suzanna Royse, illustrated by Jo Gershman

• Toby's Tale by Jennifer Freedman

• Turning the Corner by Ruozhen Ma

• Whispers (Extraordinary Book 1) by Feather Chelle

• Wild about the Alphabet! (and Other Tales) by Mike Crowder

2022 Tween Novels (Ages 10-14) Fiction

• Wild about the Alphabet! (and Other Tales) by Mike Crowder

• London Secrets by Laura Skidmore, illustrated by Giao Williams

• Pillow Palace Princess by Laura Skidmore, illustrated by Giao Williams

2022 Tween Novels (Ages 10-14) Nonfiction

• Gracie and the Radar Girls by Karen J. Moore, illustrated by Lyn Meredith

2022 Young Adult Novels (Ages 13+)

• Because of the Night by Muse Literary

• On a Rooftop in Beijing by Muse Literary

• Shepherd's Call: A Shepherd & Wolfe Mystery by Angie Counios     

2022 Young Author (Ages 17 and under) Fiction

• Paralights by Aiden Lee

• The Longest Tongue Ever by Aiden Lee

• Where Archie Belongs by Michelle Choi

• Sakari's Adventure Under The Sea by Ashley Nevison

• Rangeela Bhaarat (Colorful India): A bilingual, Hindi book about colors! by Neha Nabar

2022 Cultural Diversity

• Carver Park by Dr. Lynda Mubarak, illustrated by Eminence System

• Dancing Deepa by Suchi Sairam, illustrated by Vidya Vasudevan

• Finding Socksville by Jan Boydstun and Jim Brackman

• Islanders: The Pacific Chronicles by James Eldridge, illustrated by Richard Eldridge

• La Finca, Libro para cantar y jugar by Yolanda Borrás, illustrated by David Hicock

• Lillou the Petit Chef and the New Neighbors by Laetitia Mariani, illustrated by Laura Livi

• Magnificent Mocha Monty by Holland Jordan, illustrated by Mosaku Ogooluwa

• Maria and the Magic of the Rainbow by Suzanna Royse

• My Good Friend, Ted! The Sea-quel in The Ocean of Colour by Robyn Gram-Barclay

• Our Very Greek Easter by Kassi Psifogeorgou, illustrated by Laura Mocelin

• Peace In My World by Syeda Mleeha Shah

• Rangeela Bhaarat (Colorful India): A bilingual, Hindi book about colors! by Neha Nabar

• The Adventures of Princess Anyah of Antibarba: The Fishing Expedition by Eldonie Mason, illustrated by Anson J Henry

• The Arctic Quest by Minda Gomez

• The Red and Black Ladybug by Bev Stone

• Three Pockets Full: A story of love, family, and tradition by Cindy L. Rodriguez Begoña, illustrated by Fernández Corbalán

• Travel Rangers: Mission to Australia by Erika Bud, illustrated by Sonia Sengupta

2022 Education/Reference

• Lillou The Petit Chef and the Apple Orchard by Laetitia Mariani, illustrated by Laura Livi

• Morbid Alphabet Book by Gabrielle Ferrara

• Stay Safe with Ruby and Reuben by Sneha Sabu

• Wild about the Alphabet! (and Other Tales) by Mike Crowder

2022 Family Matters

• A Halloween Night Caper by Robin Hollo

• A Mother's Day Surprise by Lindsay B, illustrated by Kate Phillips

• Grandma I Don't Want To Go To Sleep: A Forever Love Tale by Richard Ceasor

• Mahalo Does Not Mean Trash by Aura Perkins

• My Grandpa's Grandpa by Greg Payne, illustrated by Narayan Baidya

• Pandemic Adventures with Pop Pop by Warren Martin, illustrated by Kat Powell

• Scoochie & Skiddles: Scoochie's Adoption Story by Tom Tracy, illustrated by Dustin James

• Some Families by Kimi Hall

• Story Swapping: A Family Tradition by Vassi Rombis, illustrated by Frances Rose Español

• Three Pockets Full: A story of love, family, and tradition by Cindy L. Rodriguez, illustrated by Begoña Fernández Corbalán

• Where Archie Belongs by Michelle Choi

2022 First-Time Author

• Bentley's Dream by Sandra Harry, illustrated by Nikki Boetger

• Corbin Speaks Bee by Emma Pesis, illustrated by Divya George

• Dancing Deepa by Suchi Sairam, illustrated by Vidya Vasudevan

• Growing Up in the Dragonfly Zone by Marlana DeMarco Hogan

• Important People by Amanda Bojja

• Magnificent Matt and the Missing Coin by Debra Lenser, illustrated by Kim Sponaugle

• Mira and the Mysterious Dragon by Jennifer Wang

• My Tiny Pet Elephant by Jessica Dailey, illustrated by Gabby Corriera

• Paddock by Winfield Murray, illustrated by HH Pax

• Paralights by Aiden Lee

• Petunia Prima Ballerina by Debbie Kay Martin, illustrated by Kat Powell

• Rangeela Bhaarat (Colorful India): A bilingual, Hindi book about colors! by Neha Nabar

• Story Swapping: A Family Tradition by Vassi Rombis, illustrated by Frances Rose Español

• Travel Rangers: Mission to Australia by Erika Bud, illustrated by Sonia Sengupta

• Turning the Corner by Ruozhen Ma

• The Snail That Wanted To Hop! by Joan Enockson

• All Life Matters by Mary Lynne Zahler

2022 Green Living/Environmental Issues

• Chester the Chipmunk: A Chesapeake Bay Adventure by Cindy Freland, illustrated by Javier Duarte

• Corbin Speaks Bee by Emma Pesis, illustrated by Divya George

• Lulu and Malek Sail Off to Sea! by June Foster and Rob Scheer, illustrated by Gill Guile

• THE S.O.U.R.C.E. by Suzanna Royse, illustrated by Jo Gershman

• Popoto the Maui Dolphin by Noemi Knight, illustrated by Alvin Adhi

• Sakari's Adventure Under The Sea by Ashley Nevison

• The Fin-Tastic Rescue by Laura Mancuso, illustrated by Jenna Guidi

• The Home & The Man by Lauren Kim

2022 Health and Wellness

• Brody the Lion Meets the Doc by Kristin Wegner, illustrated by Fay Stayer

• Chompsey Chomps Books by Candice Marley Conner, illustrated by Alaina Luise

• Earmuffs to the Moon by Hafiza Issa, illustrated by Sarah-Leigh Wills

• My Safe Place by Brittney Brackett, illustrated by Brooks Brackett

• Two Wins for Wiley by Karen Patricia Nespoli and Caitlin Bree Kennedy, illustrated by Carissa Harris

2022 Illustrations/Photography/Artwork 

• Adventures with Pop Pop at Grant’s Farm by Warren Martin, illustrated by Kat Powell

• Alessia and the Lamb by Lorre Wisham, illustrated by Jazmyn Mejia

• Bentley's Dream by Sandra Harry, illustrated by Nikki Boetger

• Gaining Her Strength: Butterfly Princess Book 3 by Alisa Hope Wagner, illustrated by Albert Morales

• Lillou the Petit Chef and the New Neighbors by Laetitia Mariani, illustrated by Laura Livi

• Lulu and Malek Sail Off to Sea! by June Foster and Rob Scheer, illustrated by Gill Guile

• My Good Friend, Ted! The Sea-quel in The Ocean of Colour by Robyn Gram-Barclay

• My Safe Place by Brittney Brackett, illustrated by Brooks Brackett

• Pandemic Adventures with Pop Pop by Warren Martin, illustrated by Kat Powell

• Petunia Prima Ballerina by Debbie Kay Martin, illustrated by Kat Powell

• Simon's Search for the Scary Dragon by Stephen G. Bowling, illustrated by Vatali Dudarenka

• The Lost Smile by Lizzie Jayne

• Where Archie Belongs by Michelle Choi

• Wild about the Alphabet! (and Other Tales) by Mike Crowder

2022 Making a Difference

• Big Change, Better You, Beautiful World by Lindsey Frank

• Billy Be Kind: The Kind Little Mouse- Honesty by Kim Adams, illustrated by Ayesha Warusavitharana

• Binky the Bowerbird by Barb Cromie, illustrated by Nandina Vines

• Brotherly Love by Ralph Tufo, illustrated by Jory Mason

• Desert Friends (Travels With The Pack) by Linda Harkey, illustrated by Mike Minick

• Flipper Feet Pete by Garz Chan

• Gaining Her Strength: Butterfly Princess Book 3 by Alisa Hope Wagner, illustrated by Albert Morales

• How Many Kittens Can One Girl Have? by Robin Hollo

• K Is for Kindness by Rina Horiuchi, illustrated by Risa Horiuchi

• Life Lessons From Brilliant Detroit by Andy Gutman

• Making Friends With Feelings by Keith Ruffner, illustrated by Kate Gleyzer

• Rescuing Reed: The Little Dog Who Could by Heidi Mottin, illustrated by Stephanie Fliss

• Sharing Is the New Cool by Jacqueline Crann, illustrated by Abira Das

• Stan and Allen: A Book About Gender by Huxley Ren Bunn

• The Lost Smile by Lizzie Jayne

2022 School Life

• A Halloween Night Caper by Robin Hollo

• Allie the Albino Squirrel by E. K. McCoy, illustrated by Ghazal Qadri

• Blooming Rose Blasts Off by Lauren Piland, illustrated by Kristen Humphrey

• Dancing Deepa by Suchi Sairam, illustrated by Vidya Vasudevan

• Ellie's First Day by RiAnne Smith

• How Your Brain Learns to Read by Denise Eide, illustrated by Ingrid Hess

• Maria and the Magic of the Rainbow by Suzanna Royse

• Petunia Prima Ballerina by Debbie Kay Martin, illustrated by Kat Powell

• Story Swapping: A Family Tradition by Vassi Rombis, illustrated by Frances Rose Español

• The Superpower of Your HEART by Lindsey Frank

• Turning the Corner by Ruozhen Ma

• Where Archie Belongs by Michelle Choi

2022 Spirituality/Religion

• A Love That Cannot Hide by Candice Mes, illustrated by Colleen Benn

• Alessia and the Lamb by Lorre Wisham, illustrated by Jazmyn Mejia

• The Christmas Gift: A Mia and Co. Adventure by Mary Alice Archer

• The Lost Smile by Lizzie Jayne