APPROVED WINNERS

Story Monsters Approved 2025 Winners

2025 Book of the Year

$100 Drawing Winner
At the Ragtag Hotel: The Elevator Ride
by Freya Novak, illustrated by Anastasiya Halionka

Board Books

• Sniffle, Stumble, Soar by L.P. Simone, illustrated by Julio Martíne

Picture Books Fiction

• Hemi Bunny Finds a Mommy by Nicole Metas, illustrated by Nadia Ronquillo

• Caro’s Comet: The Celestial Cinderella by Robin Pullen, illustrated by Bill Ivins

• Harvey Longbody: The Disappearing Friends by Gary Hughey Jr

• The Wugamaloo by Max Ramsay

• The Amazing Journey of Reyna the Rufous Hummingbird by Pamela Cannalte, illustrated by Steven Beutler

• Brave Buddy’s Big Mission by Gianna Scipione, illustrated by Michelle Mayhall

• A Friend for Hope by Amie White, illustrated by Olena Oprich

• Ocean’s Creatures: Wellness Teachers by Annie Yu, illustrated by Maggie Chen

• A Puppy’s Tale by Grant Merritt, illustrated by Elena Ciolacu

• Santa Skips Christmas!?! by Michelle Luise Walters, illustrated by Natalie Merheb

• Life with a Tasmanian Devil by Jacqueline Priestly, illustrated by Oana Gheorghe

• Baby Cow! MOOOO! Why Parents Need a Break by Maranda Jacob

• It’s Okay to Have Feelings: A Peyton’s Palace Adventure by Patricia Miller, illustrated by Lauren Fantin

• Panda Pat Holiday Hero by Neil Ballard, illustrated by Stephanie Echevarria Flores and Steven Nosov

• Bobby Bunny’s Special Surprise Day 2nd Edition: Mommy Opens A World Full of Surprises by Carol Mueller

• Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue by David L. Gillespie, illustrated by Ronnie Rooney

• The Day Sweetie Pie Died by Laurie Sharp, illustrated by Emily Hurst Pritchett

• Hudson’s Monarch Nursery by Laurie Sharp, illustrated by Rachel Novel

• The Holy Lizard by David Lane, illustrated by Caleb McBee

• My Rainbow Days by Lena Bee, illustrated by Jesse Navarrette

• Maggie, the Dog with a Heart - The Adventures of a Jack Russell Terrier Book 3: Lessons from Puppyhood by Catherine Fitzgerald

• The Out-of-this-World Pet by Adam Kargman, illustrated by Tristan Tait

• Adventure on the Serengeti by Dorothy Potash

• Dungoolee by Lolisa Marie Monroe

• Small Flake by Anthony Evans, illustrated by Tom Burchell

• Margot and the Wise Turtle by Brennan O’Dea, illustrated by Stefi Baum

• I Love You Like Lemonade by Karine Di Cesare, illustrated by Seema Haider

• The Elf Who Didn’t Believe in Children by Sara Madden, illustrated by Hayley Helsten

• The Prince’s Dress Dilemma by Sara Madden, illustrated by Hayley Helsten

• Lola & Sophie’s ABC Adventure by Christine Devane

• Allison & Brooke Find a Home by Johnelle Floyd, illustrated by Shafayat Nirzhor

• Sweet Potato by Susan Marie Chapman

• Brunt and Eggbert Happen Upon a Wreck! by Jeff Dorrill, illustrated by Ángeles Peinador

• Kung-Fu Whiskers: Big dreams. Small paws. by Celia Sadhu, illustrated by Marcin Poludniak

• Friendly’s: A Rhyming Picture Book about Acceptance and Friendship by Olive Green, illustrated by Dainius Šukys

• No Two Families Are the Same by Bridgett Tabor, illustrated by Sandra Figueras

• Pronouns & Party Crowns by Jho Lynn, illustrated by Frannie Buenaventura

• Jack’s Train Day: An Australian Railway Adventure by Sarah Tinney, illustrated by Ricky Audi

• Moose’s Nose Knows by Stacy Taylor, illustrated by Bego Corbalan

• The Underground Hounds by Doreen Pullo-Fleisch

• Badi Blesbok Says Hello: A Lesson in Greetings by Patricia Bardina and Joanne Burgess

• At the Ragtag Hotel: The Elevator Ride by Freya Novak, illustrated by Anastasiya Halionka

• A Monster on My Trail by Silpa Kona

• Ember the Timid Fire Engine by Nick Armentrout

Picture Books Nonfiction

• Mooky & Me by Pebbles Wireman

• Colby’s Chase: Twin Roots and the Garden They Grew by J.C. Sykes

• Meteor Matter by Lena Bee, illustrated by Naudia Ronquillo

• Dear Sunshine, by Greer Bacon

• Reflections of Me: Power Words for a Super You by Natalia Fry

• All that Glitters is Not GOLD by Emily Brubaker

• My Brother in Heaven by A.C. Babbitt, illustrated by Tanya Matikiiv

Early Readers Fiction

• Maury Becomes a Super Saver! by David Maurice Sharp, illustrated by Franklin Silva

• Tomás Goes to Oliver’s House: A Story of Resilience by Xiomara Gallego-Bernard, illustrated by Irina Chasov

• Handygirl Nola Fixes Dad by Silvija Sesto, illustrated by Mila Loncar

• Vectoria Emmel Codes Her Dreams by Hanvit Lee

• The Impossible Paper by A.D. Burns

• Baby Cow! MOOOO! Why Parents Need a Break by Maranda Jacob

• Molly and Potato by Dr. Kelly Curtin and Molly Hallinan, illustrated by Aabshar Khan

• Bug in the Brain by Aiden Woosol Lee

• The Sons & The Stars by Rey Banda, illustrated by Joe Hernandez

• Lily’s Mysterious Odyssey by Anne Lacourrege, illustrated by Joshua Wichterich

• Athena’s Special Valentine by Judy Nole and Chloe Renee, illustrated by Joana Periera

• Adventure on the Serengeti by Dorothy Potash

• Treetop Tales Level One Reader by Sandra Dallon and Cynthia Glunt

• The Tales of Benny Mouse Volume One: I Wish I Were A Porcupine by Adria Chalfin

• The Tales of Benny Mouse Volume Two: Benny and Porcupine Become Friends by Adria Chalfin

• The All Wall: VI (Vision Impairment) by Viola Stefano, illustrated by Zaida Stefano

• Mighty Projecteers: Design, Plan and Build a Clubhouse by Danielle Garner, illustrated by Shani Fatim

• Skyler’s Great Adventure by Dr James P. Manning, illustrated by Irena Urosevic

• Footprints in the Snow by Alison Bellringer

• The Bronson Escapades by Alison Bellringer

• The Underground Hounds by Doreen Pullo-Fleisch

• Legends of the Old Birds: The Journeys of Duck by Ian Anderson, illustrated by Jasmine Smith

Early Readers Nonfiction

• Colby’s Chase: Twin Roots and the Garden They Grew by J.C. Sykes

• Athena the Anxious Shepherd by Judy Nole and Chloe Renee, illustrated by Joana Periera

Chapter Books Fiction

• Chris Kringle and The Jingle Squad by Sheryl Hilton, illustrated by Nia Quin

• Roxie and the Naughty Corner by Judy Nole and Chloe Renee, illustrated by Joana Periera

• The Magical Farm Mysteries: Bubble Gum Rocks by Amber Berkowitz, illustrated by Timna Green

• Footprints in the Snow by Alison Bellringer

• The Bronson Escapades by Alison Bellringer

• Whisper (Book One) by Alison Bellringer

• Animal Fairy Tales, Book 3: Touch of Adventure by Milana Anderson

Middle Grade Fiction

• The Bronson Escapades by Alison Bellringer

• Whisper (Book One) by Alison Bellringer

• Chris Kringle and The Jingle Squad by Sheryl Hilton, illustrated by Nia Quin

• Bug in the Brain by Aiden Woosol Lee

• The Adventures of Poppy and the Spy Cat: Theft at the Dead Letter Hotel by L. Ana Ellis, illustrated by Heather Friedel

• Jalina Jons and the Owenroake Treasure Hunters by M.K. McDaniel

• Kloe’s New Friendship by K.M. Selvidge

• Whiskers Around the World by S.K. RATNAM

• Footprints in the Snow by Alison Bellringer

Middle Grade Nonfiction

• Cryptid Sea Monsters: A Field Guide to 50 Fascinating Beasts by Kelly Milner Halls, illustrated by Rick Spears

• Tween Novels Fiction

• Whisper (Book One) by Alison Bellringer

• Alfie & the Bigfoot of Bluff Creek by NJ Williams

• Journey to Superhero School: An Oliver and Jessica Prequel to The Vork Chronicles by Gracie Dix

• The Bronson Escapades by Alison Bellringer

Tween Novels Nonfiction

• A Real-Life American Dream: The John H. Mcclatchy Story by Susan Marie Chapman

Young Adult Novels

• It’s Okay to be Meh by Gabriel Park

• The Deep End by Noah Park

• Darragh: Amika by Arden Erimitis

• Vork Chronicles: Welcome to Superhero School by Gracie Dix

• The Bronson Escapades by Alison Bellringer

Young Author (Ages 17 and under) Fiction

• It’s Okay to be Meh by Gabriel Park

• The Deep End by Noah Park

• Vectoria Emmel Codes Her Dreams by Hanvit Lee

• La Aventura de Albert el Tiburon by Tien Nghiem

• Gone to Where by Michelle J. Choi

Young Author (Ages 17 and under) Nonfiction

• My New Kentucky Home by Ashley Nevison

• El Mundo de Ciencias: The World of Science by Tien Nghiem

Cultural Diversity

• Singing Surya Dreams to Dance by Suchi Sairam, illustrated by Vidya Vasudevan

• Colby & Chase: Twin Roots and the Garden They Grew by J.C. Sykes

• Bea’s Balikbayan Box of Treasures by Christine Alemshah, illustrated by Dream Chen

• Lily’s Mysterious Odyssey by Anne Lacourrege, illustrated by Joshua Wichterich

• Adventure on the Serengeti by Dorothy Potash

• The Stomp-Clomp-Clump Monster Above the Bed by J.W. Zarek, illustrated by Anastasiia Panchenko

• The Prince’s Dress Dilemma by Sara Madden, illustrated by Hayley Helsten

• No Two Families Are the Same by Bridgett Tabor, illustrated by Sandra Figueras

• At the Ragtag Hotel: The Elevator Ride by Freya Novak, illustrated by Anastasiya Halionka        

Education/Reference

• Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky by Avery Davis, illustrated by Tang Wei

• Singing Surya Dreams to Dance by Suchi Sairam, illustrated by Vidya Vasudevan

• Mr. Roundbottom Science Teacher In Amazing 3D! by James H. Esker Jr.

• My Rainbow Days by Lena Bee, illustrated by Jesse Navarrette

• Bella Brown Visits a Bee Farm by J.W. Zarek, illustrated by Anastasiia Panchenko

• Mighty Projecteers: Design, Plan and Build a Clubhouse by Danielle Garner, illustrated by Shani Fatim

Family Matters

• Molly and Potato by Dr. Kelly Curtin and Molly Hallinan, illustrated by Aabshar Khan

• Gone to Where by Michelle J. Choi

• Bella-Brown—Grandma's Missing Butterfly Locket by J.W. Zarek, illustrated by Anastasiia Panchenko

• Margot and the Wise Turtle by Brennan O'Dea, illustrated by Stefi Baum

• I Love You Like Lemonade by Karine Di Cesare, illustrated by Seema Haider

• Will My Haircut Hurt? by Martha Goldner

• Allison & Brooke Find a Home by Johnelle Floyd, illustrated by Shafayat Nirzhor

• Why? by Elena Kayne

• Welcome Baby Wigglet! by Amber Berkowitz, illustrated by Nifty Illustration

• Whisper (Book One) by Alison Bellringer

• Ember the Timid Fire Engine by Nick Armentrout

• My Brother in Heaven by A.C. Babbitt, illustrated by Tanya Matikiiv      

New Author Fiction

• A Friend for Hope by Amie White, illustrated by Olena Oprich

• La Aventura de Albert el Tiburon by Tien Nghiem

• My Special Friend: Adventures at the Zoo by Cara Hyman, illustrated by Amy Zhing

• Molly and Potato by Dr. Kelly Curtin and Molly Hallinan, illustrated by Aabshar Khan

• It’s Okay to be Meh by Gabriel Park

• The Deep End by Noah Park

• Chris Kringle and The Jingle Squad by Sheryl Hilton, illustrated by Nia Quin

• Margot and the Wise Turtle by Brennan O’Dea, illustrated by Stefi Baum

• Kung-Fu Whiskers: Big dreams. Small paws. by Celia Sadhu, illustrated by Marcin Poludniak

• At the Ragtag Hotel: The Elevator Ride by Freya Novak, illustrated by Anastasiya Halionka

• Ember the Timid Fire Engine by Nick Armentrout

New Author NonFiction

• El Mundo en Peligro: Endangered World by Tien Nghiem

Green Living/Environmental Issues

• Hudson’s Monarch Nursery by Laurie Sharp, illustrated by Rachel Novel

• Leaves, Litter, and Leadership by Rodney Smith jr, illustrated by Valeria Kornus

• Meteor Matter by Lena Bee, illustrated by Naudia Ronquillo

• There is Something Happening to Our Planet and Homes by Toluwalola Kasali, illustrated by Sudipta Basu

Health and Wellness

• The Bounce Out the Stigma Buddies Present: Never Give Up! by Mike Simmel

• Noticing My Body Signals: A Science Lab Adventure by Madeline Mahler and Kelly Mahler

• Baby Cow! MOOOO! Why Parents Need a Break by Maranda Jacob

• It’s Okay to Have Feelings: A Peyton’s Palace Adventure by Patricia Miller, illustrated by Lauren Fantin

• Molly and Potato by Dr. Kelly Curtin and Molly Hallinan, illustrated by Aabshar Khan

• Meteor Matter by Lena Bee, illustrated by Naudia Ronquillo

• Cameron, the Confident and Colorful Carnotaurus by Susan Mills

• Gone to Where by Michelle J. Choi

• The Pitiful Puppy Who Can’t Have Pizza! by Michell Kidwell

Illustrations/Photography/Artwork 

• A Friend for Hope by Amie White, illustrated by Olena Oprich

• Colby & Chase: Twin Roots and the Garden They Grew by J.C. Sykes

• Santa’s Christmas Gift by Samantha Geernaert

• It’s Okay to be Meh by Gabriel Park

• The Deep End by Noah Park

• Chris Kringle and The Jingle Squad by Sheryl Hilton, illustrated by Nia Quin

• My Rainbow Days by Lena Bee, illustrated by Jesse Navarrette

• Ten Baby Foxes by Diane Nolan, illustrated by Jessica Daigle

• Lily’s Mysterious Odyssey by Anne Lacourrege, illustrated by Joshua Wichterich

• Athena’s Special Valentine by Judy Nole and Chloe Renee, illustrated by Joana Periera

• Roxie and the Naughty Corner by Judy Nole and Chloe Renee, illustrated by Joana Periera

• Athena the Anxious Shepherd by Judy Nole and Chloe Renee, illustrated by Joana Periera

• Gone to Where by Michelle J. Choi

• Adventure on the Serengeti by Dorothy Potash

• The Pitiful Puppy Who Can’t Have Pizza! by Michell Kidwell

• A Home for Steamboat by Casey Rislov, illustrated by Zachary Pullen

• Kung-Fu Whiskers: Big dreams. Small paws. by Celia Sadhu, illustrated by Marcin Poludniak

Making a Difference

• Let’s Create a Kindness Chain by Ashley Nevison

• Elephants DO Forget: How Emory Found His Memory by P.E. Shadrick, illustrated by Amanda Letcher

• A Little Potato and Hard to Peel by David Harrell

• A Friend for Hope by Amie White, illustrated by Olena Oprich

• Riley’s Garden of Kindness by Jenn Whitehead

• Carl the Catfish and the Wisdom of the Santa Hat by Anthony Maranville

• It’s Okay to Have Feelings: A Peyton’s Palace Adventure by Patricia Miller, illustrated by Lauren Fantin

• Molly and Potato by Dr. Kelly Curtin and Molly Hallinan, illustrated by Aabshar Khan

• Colby & Chase: Twin Roots and the Garden They Grew by J.C. Sykes

• Hudson’s Monarch Nursery by Laurie Sharp, illustrated by Rachel Novel

• It’s Okay to be Meh by Gabriel Park

• The Deep End by Noah Park

• Chris Kringle and The Jingle Squad by Sheryl Hilton, illustrated by Nia Quin

• The 50 Yard Challenge: How a Simple Act Became a Nationwide Movement by Rodney Smith jr, illustrated by Valeria Kornus

• Railings and Ramps by Adella Haggerty, illustrated by Caitlin Shaffer

• Dungoolee by Lolisa Marie Monroe

• We Are All Special We Are All Unique: As Flowers and Plants—Fruits and Vegetables by Adria Chalfin

• Spinning Monkey and the Missing Eggs by Devapreya Selvaraj, illustrated by Ksenia MarKevych

• The Bronson Escapades by Alison Bellringer

• Whisper (Book One) by Alison Bellringer

Music & Sound Creation

• Scuba Steve Theme Song by Sam Eichmann

School Life

• The Day Sweetie Pie Died by Laurie Sharp, illustrated by Emily Hurst Pritchett

• It’s Okay to be Meh by Gabriel Park

• The Deep End by Noah Park

• Meteor Matter by Lena Bee, illustrated by Naudia Ronquillo

• Darragh: Dragon by Arden Erimitis

• Reflections of Me: Power Words for a Super You by Natalia Fry

• Bella Brown’s Messier Than Messy Room by J.W. Zarek, illustrated by Anastasiia Panchenko

Spirituality/Religion

• Seed, Plant, Harvest by Sandy Hill, illustrated by Gene Hill

• A Puppy's Tale by Grant Merritt, illustrated by Elena Ciolacu

• The Day Sweetie Pie Died by Laurie Sharp, illustrated by Emily Hurst Pritchett

• Wolfie, What Is The Rainbow Bridge? by Dorothy Wills-Raftery and Cody Thomas

• My Brother in Heaven by A.C. Babbitt, illustrated by Tanya Matikiiv