Moonbeam Children's Book Awards

05/13/2026

The countdown is on! 🌙

Early-Bird pricing for the 2026 Moonbeam Awards officially ends tonight. If your book helps children dream bigger, laugh louder, learn more, or feel seen, now is the perfect time to enter.

Submit your book before midnight: https://bit.ly/3Pa7wYe

05/06/2026

✨ Meet Moonbeam Award-winning author C. Behrens ✨

For the past 16 years, Behrens has dedicated himself to writing stories that inspire young readers and spark imagination. In 2015, his book Savanna’s Treasure earned a Silver Medal in the Juvenile Fiction – Early Reader / 1st Chapter Books category in the Moonbeam Awards, a milestone that became a turning point in his journey as an author.

“The Moonbeam Award provided my book with a big boost within the industry,” Behrens shares. “Barnes & Noble placed my title on their shelf for a short time and also invited me for a signing. Several bloggers spotlighted my title, and I was able to secure a radio interview as well.”

But beyond the recognition and opportunities, the award gave him something even more meaningful: validation. “It pushed me to keep going despite many obstacles,” he says. “I have received other awards since, but the Moonbeam Award will always be the first significant award with a medal package. What a thrill that was!”

Behrens has continued to leverage his award-winning status in creative and impactful ways, from adding the award seal to his book cover and promoting the recognition across social media to helping his title gain visibility through Booklist magazine and library systems like the Indie Author Project.

His advice to authors considering entering book awards is both encouraging and honest: “Go for it! A win validates your hard work, while not winning can supply motivation to work harder and try again.”

Congratulations, C. Behrens! We’re grateful to have been a part of your journey.

04/30/2026

✨ Meet Moonbeam Award-winning author Natalie Horseman ✨

In just a year and a half, Natalie has made an incredible impact as a self-published author, writing and publishing four books while independently managing every aspect of her marketing and publicity. Her dedication and passion have not gone unnoticed. Her book The Bumpy Pumpkin earned a Bronze Medal in the Holiday category at the 2025 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, marking a meaningful milestone in her path as an author.

“Winning a Moonbeam Award has been an incredible honor and milestone in my journey as an author,” Natalie shares. “It provides meaningful validation for the work I am creating for readers of all ages.”

For Natalie, the impact goes far beyond recognition. “Some of the most touching moments have come from grandparents who share that my books have brought them closer to their grandchildren through storytime,” she says. “Hearing that my stories help create those special, lasting memories is the greatest reward of all.”

She is already putting this recognition to work in thoughtful and strategic ways. From sharing the news across social media, her website, and email list, to updating her book listings and marketing materials, Natalie is using this moment to expand her reach. She is also connecting with local media, libraries, and bookstores, while giving readers a behind-the-scenes look at her journey and the inspiration behind The Bumpy Pumpkin.

When it comes to advice for other authors, Natalie keeps it simple and sincere: “Believe in your story, trust your journey, and never underestimate the power of sharing something that comes from your heart. Every step forward is a celebration of creativity, courage, and connection.”

Congratulations, Natalie! We can't wait to see what's next.

04/23/2026

✨ Meet 5x award-winning author Melanie Hooyenga ✨

With over 17 years of experience, Melanie Hooyenga has built her career around understanding and connecting with teen readers. That dedication continues to stand out, with her books earning recognition time and again from the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards across the young adult categories:

🥈 The Quiet Unraveling of Eve Ellaway (Silver, YA, 2025)
🥇 Chasing the Moon (Gold, YAFiction General, 2023)
🥇 Chasing the Sun (Gold, YA Fiction General, 2020)
🥈 The Trail Rules (Silver, YA Fiction General, 2018)
🥇 The Slope Rules (Gold, YA Fiction General, 2017)

Looking back, her first Moonbeam Award was a turning point that continues to shape her work today. “Winning my first Moonbeam Award gave me validation as an indie author and showed me that I can excel as a writer. Each subsequent award has strengthened my determination to continue writing stories for teens that stay with them long after they finish reading.”

Today, she continues to leverage her awards across her marketing, featuring them in press releases, author bios, on her website, and throughout social media as a trusted mark of recognition.

Congratulations, Melanie! We're proud to be a part of your journey and we can't wait to see what you create next.

04/02/2026

✨ Meet award-winning author, Makida Arshi! ✨

Just three years into her writing journey, Makida is already making a meaningful impact with her heartfelt children’s book, Shining As I Am, a 2025 Moonbeam Award Bronze Medalist in the Health Issues category.

For Makida, winning a Moonbeam Award was more than a milestone. It was a turning point. “It didn’t just look good on my resume; it was a game-changer for my writing career,” she shares.

Since taking home Bronze, Makida has been leveraging her award as a powerful marketing tool, creating opportunities to connect with local media, book bloggers, and literary podcasts.

Her advice to fellow authors is thoughtful and strategic: "Don't apply broadly. Focus your efforts and money on awards that specifically match your
genre, audience, and publication type. Winning a niche award is often more impactful than being a finalist in a huge, generic one."

Makida’s journey is a reminder that when your story finds the right audience, it can truly shine. Congratulations, Makida!

03/26/2026

✨ Meet award-winning author, Hermione Lee! ✨

With a passion for storytelling that spans seven years and four years as a published author, Hermione has quickly made her mark in children’s literature. Her imaginative worlds and heartfelt narratives have earned her multiple recognitions from the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, including a Gold Medal for Where the Magic Lies in 2022, another Gold for Once Upon a Time in Wonderland in 2024, and a Bronze Medal in 2025 for Come Quietly.

For Hermione, receiving her first Moonbeam medal was a defining moment. It not only validated her work but also gave her a new sense of confidence as an author. “The Moonbeam Awards mean a lot to me because it awarded me my first medal in writing,” she shares. That milestone opened new doors, including attending her first awards ceremony and even traveling to the United States for the first time, experiences that made her journey feel even more real and rewarding.

Since then, Hermione has embraced every opportunity to celebrate and share her success. From posting across social media to incorporating her award recognition into her author presence, she continues to use her Moonbeam achievements as a way to connect with readers and build credibility around her work.

Her advice to aspiring authors is simple yet powerful: "Try everything. Explore your options, do your research, and find the genre that truly fits your story."

Congratulations, Hermione! We can't wait to see where your journey takes you next.

03/19/2026

✨ Meet award-winning author, Leslie Colburn! ✨

As a 2025 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award Silver Medalist for Best Book with Merch, her book Twinkle the Littlest Star is a heartfelt reminder that every light has a purpose.

Now five years into her journey as an author, Leslie’s path began with a childhood love of writing, but like many dreams, it was set aside as life unfolded. Years later, she returned to it with intention, sharing, “I pulled the dream off the shelf, dusted it off, and decided to finally see what would happen if I really tried.”

That leap led to Twinkle the Littlest Star, a story rooted in faith, purpose, and belonging, and ultimately to national recognition. When she received the news, it was a full-circle moment. “I sat at my kitchen table in stunned silence. I read the email three times. Then I cried. Because Twinkle wasn’t just a book, it was a dream decades in the making.”

Winning a Moonbeam Award did more than celebrate her work. It validated her message, opened doors to schools and libraries, and gave her work new credibility with families and educators. It also helped launch the Twinkle plush and strengthened her mission as a faith-based, purpose-driven author. With that momentum, Leslie gained the confidence to grow her reach and now travels to share her story with children across her community and beyond.

Looking back on her journey, her message to aspiring authors is simple. “It’s never too late. Take the next step. Write the next line. Apply for the award. Because you never know how your little light might change the world.”

Congratulations, Leslie! We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.

03/11/2026

✨ A friendly reminder for children’s book creators!

The lowest entry fee for the 2026 Moonbeam Awards ends tonight at midnight. If your book sparks imagination, curiosity, or empathy in young readers, we’d love to see it.

Enter now: https://bit.ly/3Pa7wYe

03/05/2026

A kids’ book club can turn reading into something magical. ✨

From choosing the right books to creating fun discussions and activities, a little planning can spark a lifelong love of stories.

Read our latest blog to learn how to host a successful book club for kids.
🔗 https://bit.ly/3ORTbmj

02/23/2026