Nominated Books

Cozy in Love

By Jan Brett, Illustrated by Jan Brett

After losing a test of strength to another musk ox in his herd, Cozy is convinced he’ll never impress his crush, Lofti. But while he’s sulking, he learns of a bigger concern. His friend Bella, a beluga whale, is still playing in an inlet even though it’s cold enough for ice to form and block her way out. Cozy races to the inlet and, sure enough, Bella is in trouble. Luckily, Cozy thinks of a new way to use his strong legs and tough horns that might help save Bella and win Lofti’s heart as well.

Nominated

2024-2025 Gallery Award

Reading Level: 0.5

Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

ISBN# 978-0593109854 (HB)

Buy  Cozy in Love on Amazon

Banana Dream

By Hasan Namir, Illustrated by Daby Zainab Faidhi

Growing up in Iraq after the Gulf War, Mooz didn’t always like his name, which means “banana”. But when he learns the story behind it, he’s proud, even when being teased by his classmates. Now all he yearns for is to taste a banana—a lofty dream in a time when few countries are trading with Iraq, where bananas don’t grow.

Nominated

2024-2025 Gallery Award

Reading Level: 0.0

Published by Neal Porter Books

ISBN# 978-0823451005 (HB)

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Just Gus

By McCall Hoyle, Illustrated by Vivienne To

Gus is a livestock guardian dog with one job―protecting his farm from coyotes and foxes. He likes keeping the sheep, the chickens, and his humans safe, and he’s very good at it.One day, Diego and his dad come to visit the farm, and Gus immediately connects to the small boy. They both like to sit still and enjoy the quiet, and Gus can tell that Diego likes being around a gentle giant of a dog, that it helps relieve the boy’s constant worry.When Gus detects the scent of a bear in the woods, he rushes to protect his flock, injuring his leg in a fight with the dangerous beast. Wounded, Gus needs to rest and heal away from his sheep, so he doesn’t risk reinjuring his leg. Diego suggests Gus come home with them to the North Carolina coast.Suddenly, Gus is thrust into a new world of saltwater and sand and neighbors who don’t appreciate the presence of a large guard dog, like the neighbor who reminds Gus of his first owner―the junkyard man with the heavy boots.Gus realizes Diego might need a friend as much as his sheep need a protector, but if he can’t learn to control his instincts, like barking and patrolling the neighborhood, Gus might lose his chance to stay in his new home. If he can’t protect the farm or his boy, Gus worries he might never find his place in the world.

Nominated

2024-2025 Crown Award

Reading Level: 0.0

Published by Shadow Mountain Publishing

ISBN# 978-1639930937 (HB)

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Like Me: A Story About Disability and Discovering God’s Image in Every Person

By Laura Wifler, Illustrated by Skylar White

This children’s picture book follows a sibling of a child with a disability as they go through their day. A simple story with an important message, Like Me helps kids recognize the many similarities they share with disabled kids and model a loving and understanding approach to the differences.

Nominated

2024-2025 Gallery Award

Reading Level: 0.0

Published by Harvest Kids

ISBN# 978-0736985758 (HB)

Buy  Like Me: A Story About Disability and Discovering God’s Image in Every Person on Amazon

Broken Crayons Still Color

By Toni Collier, Illustrated by Natalie Vasilica

Avery has big emotions and bubbling anxieties about changes in her life. When her crayons break as she scribbles furiously, she discovers that they have personalities and feelings too! And they can show her how to use her love of coloring to manage scary, overwhelming feelings and embrace curiosity and joy. As Avery follows the crayons’ advice, gets creative, and chooses bravery and positive thinking, she discovers that God can use her to make beautiful things, even with broken crayons.

Nominated

2024-2025 Gallery Award

Reading Level: 0.0

Published by Tommy Nelson

ISBN# 978-1400242900 (HB)

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Shermy and Shake, the Not So Nice Neighbor

By Kirby Larson, Illustrated by Shinji Fujioka

When a new kid comes to stay with his grandmother at the house next door, Shermy’s plans for a quiet, relaxing summer are completely upended. That’s because Shake is nothing like Shermy. And Shermy is nothing like Shake. Shermylikes to read quietly in the shade of a tree. He knows the proper way to do a puzzle. He collects treasures in the pouch he wears around his neck, and the books on his shelves are alphabetized by author. Shakelikes to play street hockey or space explorers. He gobbles up rocket ice pops and Toaster Tarts. He shows up unannounced and plays board games by his own rules. As the two boys are forced to spend more and more time together, will they learn how to get along? Or will it be one long countdown until Shake goes home?

Nominated

2024-2025 Gallery Award

Reading Level: 0.0

Published by Candlewick

ISBN# Shinji Fujioka (HB)

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The Brilliant Calculator: How Mathematician Edith Clarke Helped Electrify America

By Jan Lower, Illustrated by Susan Reagan

Long before calculators were invented, little Edith Clarke devoured numbers, conquered calculations, cracked puzzles, and breezed through brainteasers. Edith wanted to be an engineer—to use the numbers she saw all around her to help build America.

Nominated

2024-2025 Crown Award

Reading Level: 0.0

Published by Calkins Creek

ISBN# 978-1662680069 (HB)

Buy The Brilliant Calculator: How Mathematician Edith Clarke Helped Electrify America on Amazon

Every Little Seed

By Cynthia Schumerth, Illustrated by Elisa Paganelli

Grandpa told Mom, and Mom told me: The secret of a plant lives in every little seed. Seeds are truly amazing! Did you know that every seed, no matter how small (microscopic) or large (weighing up to 14 pounds), contains everything it needs to one day grow into a plant? Three generations of a gardening family work together to bring a backyard garden to full bloom.

Nominated

2024-2025 Gallery Award

Reading Level: 0.0

Published by Sleeping Bear Press

ISBN# 978-1534112698 (HB)

Buy  Every Little Seed on Amazon