2025 Monarch Award Nominees Created in 2003, the Monarch Award was “designed to encourage children to read critically and become familiar with children’s books, authors and illustrators”. The titles on this list are chosen by teachers and librarians for children in grades K-3.
Invasion of the Unicorns by David Biedrzycki Lou by Breanna Carzoo Cornbread & Poppy by Matthew Cordell Nigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady Destiny Finds Her Way: How a Rescued Baby Sloth Learned to Be Wild by Margarita Engle Norman Didn’t Do It! (Yes, He Did) by Ryan T. Higgins Rise to the Sky: How the World’s Tallest Trees Grow Up by Rebecca Hirsch I Am the Shark by Joan Holub There’s a Ghost in This House by Oliver Jeffers Every Night is Pizza Night by Kenji J. López-Alt Dragon Bones: The Fantastic Fossil Discoveries of Mary Anning by Sarah Marsh Our Planet!: There’s No Place Like Earth by Stacy McAnulty Grandpa Grumps by Katrina Moore Hidden Animal Colors by Jane Park Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots by Michael Rex Jackie and the Mona Lisa by Debbie Rovin Murphy Tig and Lily: Tiger Trouble by Dan Thompson Big Truck, Little Island by Chris Van Dusen Gibberish by Young Vo Wildfire! by Ashley Wolff Vote for your favorite in February/March 2025 at any APLD location or online! To vote for the 2025 Monarch Award: Must be in grades K-3 (or homeschool equivalent) and live in Illinois. Must have read or listened to at least 5 Monarch nominees to be eligible to vote.