Four exceptional children’s books have been honored with the BREW Children’s Book Excellence Awards 2025, each recognized for its unique contribution to young readers’ hearts, minds, and imaginations. From heartfelt stories of grief and healing to playful rhymes and interactive adventures, these winning titles showcase the best of contemporary children’s literature.
Table of Contents
The Winners
Best Middle Grade Novel for Healing and Resilience
Winner: Jar of Tears by Kathleen Templeton
A deeply moving middle grade novel, Jar of Tears explores the emotional journey of a young girl coping with the devastating loss of her mother. Praised for its authenticity, emotional depth, and uplifting message of resilience, the book was celebrated for offering comfort and hope to children experiencing grief, as well as tools for understanding loss.
Best Interactive Read-Aloud Picture Book
Winner: Nate’s Noisy Nose by Frances Mackay
Packed with laughter and energy, Nate’s Noisy Nose takes young readers on a riotous adventure filled with sounds, surprises, and interactive fun. Judges highlighted its originality and its power to transform storytime into a joyful, participatory experience—making it a standout for families, classrooms, and libraries alike.
Best Inspirational Picture Book on Identity and Belonging
Winner: The Puzzle Piece by Andrea Mendoza-Vasconez
The Puzzle Piece celebrates individuality and authenticity, inviting children to see themselves as a unique and essential part of the world’s “big puzzle.” With its warm narrative and colorful illustrations, the book was recognized for delivering an empowering message of self-acceptance and belonging that resonates with children and caregivers alike.
Best Rhyming Fantasy Picture Book on Quiet Strength
Winner: Doris the Dragon by Tom Morency
In a whimsical and tender rhyming tale, Doris the Dragon redefines what it means to be strong. Rather than breathing fire and inspiring fear, Doris shows that quiet strength and kindness are powerful in their own right. Judges praised the book for its engaging rhyme, charming fantasy setting, and heartfelt moral.
Celebrating Excellence in Children’s Literature
The BREW Children’s Book Excellence Awards 2025 shine a light on stories that nurture imagination, resilience, joy, and compassion. This year’s four winners remind readers of all ages that books can comfort, inspire, and entertain while leaving lasting impressions on growing minds.
To view all BREW Children’s Book Excellence Award winners, click here.
More details about the awards are on this link.
Related
Book Review: “Jar of Tears” by Kathleen Templeton
Kathleen Templeton’s Jar of Tears is a moving examination of faith, resiliency, and grief as seen through the eyes of a small child dealing with a significant loss.
Book Review: The Puzzle Piece by Andrea Mendoza-Vasconez
Have you ever felt like a puzzle piece in the wrong box—almost fitting, but not quite? The Puzzle Piece explores this feeling and reveals how to find where you truly belong.
Book Review: “Doris the Dragon” by Tom Morency
There are books that roar, and there are books that rumble gently through your heart—Doris the Dragon is one of the latter, a tender story cloaked in scales and rhyme.
Book Review: “Nate’s Noisy Nose” by Frances Mackay
A delightful story filled with laughter and lovable quirks, Nate’s Noisy Nose is a gem in children’s literature, sparking joy and self-acceptance in young readers.
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