award winning books Archives

March 1, 2024 by NAPPA Awards Team

We are celebrating our beautiful planet. These recent NAPPA Award winners bring sustainability into play, learning, creativity and imagination.

Gotta Go Green by Debi Derryberry

A musical album celebrating sustainability, going green and recycling. Debi is the voice for many beloved cartoon voices including Jimmy Neutron, Draculaura (Monster High), SharkPups (SharkDog). $11.98, debiderryberry.com

Puffin Rock and the New Friends

An action-packed movie celebrating our magnificent natural environment and featuring themes of belonging, courage and friendship. When the last Little Egg of the season disappears under mysterious circumstances, Oona and her new friends race against time to bring the Little Egg home before a big storm hits Puffin Rock. $2.99 to rent/$6.99 to buy, ages 2-5, puffinrock.com

Something Happened to Our Planet

Written to help parents begin conversations about a challenging and important topic and inspire kids to make a difference in their schools and communities. Includes a Reader’s Note with information about the impact of climate change, child-friendly definitions and more. $19.99, ages 4-8, apa.org

Happy Nappy DUO

A sustainable alternative to disposable swim diapers. This 2-in-1 design contains solids while its innovative Silver Lining is scientifically proven to kill any fecal bacteria responsible for nasty tummy bugs, once in the water. Cleaner water, reusable, reliable, and durable- perfect for stress-free baby swimming. $27, ages 0-3 years, us.splashabout.com

Baby GUND Sustainably Soft Dolls

Great for cuddlers. Each doll is sourced from 100% recycled materials (plastic bottles) and crafted with luxe ultra-soft recycled plush, fiber fill and threads. Featuring six beautiful and diverse dolls, each plush is crafted with soft floral pattern onesies in an array of colors. $20, ages birth+, gund.com

Curious Kingdom

Action-filled toys to spark imagination and encourage STEM learning. The Catapult features a gnome-launching catapult that gives the gnomes a super-fun transportation mode. The Dragon Trainer Playset introduces Binky, the baby dragon learning to fly, her trainer Connie, and Mateo, the knight-in-training whose job it is to put out all the dragon fires. And Story Starter is a fun-filled activity that encourages creative storytelling with the characters and themes. $14.99-$24.99, ages 3-6, playper.com

Out of the Fires

An inspiring journal that will help victims of a natural disaster as they follow a boy who is healing after a devastating fire in his neighborhood. Filled with drawings, news clippings, and coping strategies, this book is full of information on cultivating resilience after a natural disaster. $19.99, ages 8-12, apa.org

For more gift ideas and award-winning products for the whole family visit nappaawards.com

May 18, 2022 by

Jossy Lee is the creator and mom behind the 2022 NAPPA Award winning board book, Mommy Goes To Work.

We recently chatted with Lee about her company’s mission and parenthood.

Jossy Lee with husband Matt and sons Jeremy and Timothy

Please tell us a little about your company’s mission

Mommy Goes To Work celebrates working mothers and makes drop offs easier, one story at a time. This book series is the first offering from woom, an incubator nurturing working moms through credible insights, actionable solutions, and heartfelt inspiration.

What made you want to start this company?

Mom guilt and separation anxiety led my family to create Mommy Goes To Work. It creates a sense of togetherness, drawing connections between our days at work and at school. As we tested the story book with over 100 working moms and people who support them, we realized that there are so many opportunities to improve the working motherhood journey. We aim to drive innovation that supports working mothers so they can thrive at work, at home, and anywhere they aspire to be.

Did you have a mentor growing up? And what role did that person play in your life and your career?

My grandmother! While raising five children, she co-founded the first hospital in my hometown with my grandfather and built a successful career impacting many lives. Our next Mommy Goes To Work book is dedicated to my grandmother and all moms working at hospitals.

I was the third girl in my family and Chinese culture values boys a lot more than girls. My birth would have been a disappointment for others, but fortunately, my family was different. Grandma has always believed girls can be anything and everything. She is 93 this year and still active and curious—she has been learning bitcoin and loves using her Apple watch!

Best life advice you received growing up?

“Find your gift and give it to others.” I am a firm believer in combining your passion with your unique superpower, and using that to create things with purpose and meaning.

How has parenthood changed you?

My ability to switch from one task to another significantly increased. One time during the pandemic, I was changing a diaper the minute before I jumped into the zoom meeting room to host a board meeting—and it didn’t bother me at all! I am proud of my agility in managing my work and life to be the best I can be.

When not working, where will we find you?

Enjoying big and small things with my family in Boston or Taipei!

What would you tell your middle school self?

I spent a lot of effort trying to be like everyone else so that I could “fit in.” I would tell myself, “Stand out. Be you, be the unique you, and be the best you.”

Best advice on parenting you’ve received?

Involve kids in your work. My husband and I often talk about our work with our kids, fill them in on our projects and take them to our workplaces. We’re constantly amazed by their ability to come up with creative solutions. One time I shared with my then 4-year-old that I was worried my colleagues wouldn’t like a new idea I was about to propose. He said “Mommy, even if they don’t like your idea, I still think you are the best. You just tell them, let’s keep trying, don’t give up, and together we’ll find better ideas.” Wow!

What do you enjoy doing most with your family?

Snuggly story time. Reading together every night sparks conversations and our imaginations. Mommy Goes To Work was inspired by our love for storytelling and we hope it brings joy and inspiration to many families.

December 16, 2020 by

One of our favorite childhood memories is looking through toy catalogs and circling the ones we loved and hoped would arrive wrapped with a big bow. Flipping through the pages and dreaming about each item was a big part of the whole holiday experience – the anticipation of something wonderful. We want to give you that feeling again with our Jingle Holiday Gift Guide. We have been busy all year testing and evaluating to bring you this wonderful collection featuring more than 250 award-winning toys, games, books, family music and other unique finds. NAPPA Awards has been celebrating the best in family products for 30 years. This year’s selection includes products with positive messages of kindness, inclusion and community – products that celebrate diversity and uniqueness. This year, watching those smiles on our kids’ faces when they rip open their holiday gifts will be even more special. Happy Gifting!

Here’s what you’ll find inside:

Gifts with a Positive Message
Unique finds, including items perfect for those who love cozy and warm
Toys to spark imagination
Products that are all about creativity
Outdoor Fun
Book, music and games

April 15, 2020 by NAPPA Awards Team

One of our favorite things to do with our kids is READ! We can’t get enough books and we’re so excited to share these latest NAPPA Award winners!

A Celebration of the Shy, Introverted Kid in Us All

A Way with Wild Things by Larissa Theule and illustrated by Sara Palacios is a sweet story that celebrates the shy and introverted kids among us, as well as the other small creatures to be found if we look closely enough. Poppy loves nature and can be found playing with bugs, but around people she’s more comfortable blending into her surroundings. At a party, Poppy stays out of sight until a special bug lands on the cake and draws her into the spotlight. Soon, the rest of the guests notice the beautiful dragonfly and Poppy, too. Maybe she’s not a wallflower after all, but a wildflower.

All About Our Big Feelings

Ravi’s Roar by Tom Percival is the newest book in the Big Bright Feelings series, picture books providing kid-friendly entry points into emotional intelligence. Ravi never minded being the smallest in the family, until one day he runs into a lot of frustrations. Ravi gets so furious that he can’t control his temper anymore and he becomes a ferocious TIGER! Being a tiger is great, but when no one wants to play with him, Ravi discovers something very important about voicing his feelings.

A Hilarious Book About Potty Training and Independence

Sloth Went by Adam Lehrhaupt and illustrated by Benson Shum is a hilarious picture book about a sloth on the go. A sloth who is very slowly making his way to a major milestone: potty training! Today is Sloth’s big day. He’s excited. But he’s also nervous.What if something happens? What if NOTHING happens? More than a book about poop, this is an adventure story about facing your fears, gaining independence, and learning to do what you have to.

An Adventure of Limitless Imagination

The Girl and the Dinosaur is an evocative, enchanting picture book that celebrates one girl’s limitless imagination and takes readers on a magical journey far beyond the page, perfect for fans of the Fan Brothers. In a seaside town, Marianne often digs for buried treasure on the beach and one day finds a dinosaur skeleton! That night, Marianne wishes upon a star with all her heart that her dinosaur will come to life. When her wish comes true, Marianne’s adventures with her new friend are limited only by their imagination.

Strive & Grow with Exuberant Spirit

I Got the School Spirit is an exuberant celebration of the first day of school illustrated by award-winning Frank Morrison. This book will have every kid cheering for school to begin! Summer is over, and this little girl has got the school spirit. She hears the school spirit in the bus driving up the street–VROOM, VROOM!–and in the bell sounding in the halls–RING-A-DING! She sings the school spirit in class with her friends–ABC, 123! The school spirit helps us all strive and grow. What will you learn today?

Filled with Charm, Spunk and Kindness

From Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award winner Renée Watson comes the first book in a young middle grade series about Ryan Hart, a girl who is pure spirit, kindness and sunshine. Acclaimed author Renée Watson writes her own version of Ramona Quimby, one starring a Black girl and her family, in this start to a charming new series — Ways to Make Sunshine.

A Delightful Story of Friendship and Kindness

Lily to the Rescue is an irresistible chapter book series from the New York Times bestselling author of A Dog’s Purpose Puppy Tales featuring Lily, a rescue dog who rescues other animals!

A Witty Book to Get Things Done

Flush! And 37 Essential House Rules is the family operating manual for the next decade – a witty book of research-backed rules to help you raise calmer, happier children. By drawing upon neuroscience, academic research and focus groups around everyday family life, Flush! brings essential house rules to life with Mrs. Wordsmith’s acclaimed hilarious illustrations and witty words of wisdom that kids and parents alike won’t stop repeating.

For more award-winning books and products, visit nappaawards.com

January 29, 2020 by

Our latest NAPPA Award winners bring fun and learning together.

Bookful

A mobile app for kids that uses augmented reality to bring books to life. Choosing from an extensive library of AR books that features the best publishers such as Penguin Random House and DK, the child can learn, read and have fun at the same time. The books range from classics such as Peter Rabbit to Hasbro’s Transformers. Ages 3-8, $59.99, bookful.app

Cooking class Global Feast!

Provides a wonderful opportunity for kids to gain practical kitchen skills through preparing food from around the world. Step-by-step photography feature children from a wide range of backgrounds preparing dishes that reflect their unique food traditions. A pop-out food passport, world language flash cards, and flag stickers provide additional fun on their global food journey. Ages 8+, $18.95, www.storey.com

Heartsongs of the Rainbow

Created by a pediatric speech pathologist with the goal of uplifting, inspiring, nurturing and supporting those in the Special Needs Community. This album can also be enjoyed by all children. Each song allows children the opportunity to learn and demonstrate simple physical and gestural movements as well as to vocalize with repetitive, easy-to-make sounds. Ages 2-10, $15, theadrienneprocess.com

Busy Kid

Start the important conversations about money early with this educational app. Kids will learn about money management, including saving, spending, investing and helping others through the app. Ages 6-16, $7.99/year, Busykid.com

Be Kind: You Can Make the World a Happier Place! 125 Kind Things to Say & Do

With joyful illustrations and kid-friendly writing, this idea book serves as a delightful, easy-to-read collection of 125 concrete activities kids and their families can pick and choose from and act out in their daily lives — no special occasion required. Ages 5+, $12.95, storey.com

Kid Activists

Every activist started out as a kid—and in some cases they were kids when their activism began! But even the world’s greatest champions of civil liberties had relatable interests and problems–often in the middle of extraordinary circumstances. Features kid-friendly texts and full-color cartoon illustrations on nearly every page. Ages 9-12, $13.95, quirkbooks.com

For more book and app reviews, visit NAPPA Awards. #playlearnconnect

August 6, 2019 by Elena Epstein

Silver Dolphin Books has two new series that are perfect for your little ones. Wild Bios and the Story of Rock and Rap are filled with colorful illustrations and witty writing that will delight parents along with their kids.

The Wild Bios series introduce four iconic historical figures with a fun animal twist.

Wild Bios: Frida Catlo

Famous Meowxican painter Frida Catlo was a pioneer for female artists. She always painted from the heart, even in the face of health problems and personal struggles. $7.99.

Wild Bios: William Sheepspeare

Dive into the life of the eloquent Baa-rd of Avon and the plays that shaped our language today. William Sheepspeare’s human themes have resonated with every generation. $7.99

Wild Bios: Amelia Harehart

Learn about the extraordinary life of the brave pilot Amelia Harehart, and the glass ceilings she flew through. Breaking records and always setting new goals to achieve, Amelia Harehart was an inspiration. $7.99.

Wild Bios: Neil Armswan

With wings to the future and beak held high, Neil Armswan was a model astronaut and pioneer in space travel, leaving webbed footprints on the moon. $7.99.

The History of Rock and Rap bring to life the greatest musicians of our time.

The Story of Rap

From Grandmaster Flash to Kendrick Lamar, rap has shaped generations and brought a voice to the voiceless. Bop along with the greats in The Story of Rap, an adorable baby book that introduces little ones to the rappers that started it all. $8.99.

The Story of Rock

From Elvis Presley to Beatlemania, from Janis Joplin to David Bowie—rock has transformed through generations while ringing true with passionate sound. Rock along with the greats in The Story of Rock, a delightful baby book that introduces little ones to the rockers that started it all!

For more book and product reviews, visit nappaawards.com.

March 13, 2019 by Elena Epstein

NAPPA Awards Q & A with Mary Amato, author of News from Me, Lucy McGee

We are thrilled to introduce you to our latest NAPPA Award winning author, Mary Amato — sharing childhood memories and how she created Lucy McGee.

Mary Amato at Friendship Charter

Please share one fun memory from your childhood.

My father loved to sing and whenever we would get in the car, we would all sing together. Show tunes, pop songs, folk songs, commercials, TV theme songs . . . anything and everything. I loved it most when we were driving and singing at night. There was something magical about the idea of this car filled with music traveling along a road with darkness on either side. As I was joining my voice with my sisters and parents, I would sometimes be overcome with a joy so big and deep I would start to cry.

Tell us a little about Lucy and why you created her?

Lucy is a fourth grader with a huge heart, lots of energy, and a tendency to make mistakes. Her zest for life gets in the way of her ability to know when she is being manipulated by mean girl Scarlett Tandy. I wanted to explore a character who struggles with her desire to fit in with the “popular” crowd and her desire to be true to herself. Lucy is also a budding songwriter and ukulele player, and I wanted to offer a role model of a child who takes the risk to write and share her own music with her friends and family.

What do you hope young readers will gain most from the Lucy McGee series?

To me, the series packs a three-fold punch. It’s about friendship, family, and the joy of music.

Regarding friendship, I’m hoping that my readers will see that you have to learn how to be a good friend, how to own up to your mistakes when you hurt a friend’s feelings, and how to stand up for yourself when a friend hurts yours.
Regarding family, I’m hoping that my readers see that loving and close, relationships between family members can be strengthened with humor and honesty. Often, in order to have drama or tension in a book, authors create a negative or challenging home life for their characters: parents who don’t understand or who are absent, or siblings who are antagonists. I wanted to create a model of a healthy, happy family—one in which everybody makes mistakes, but always works together to learn and forgive.
Regarding music, I’m hoping my readers will be inspired to play and sing and write their own songs.

These books are special in that the songs that Lucy writes are available to hear and sing along. I want to encourage families to sing together. Parents can find all the songs and the karaoke versions of the songs on a special page on my site. https://www.maryamato.com/lucy-songs/

Our readers are all parents. What’s the best way for parents to encourage their kids to read and write more?

My favorite suggestion is to encourage diary writing. Instead of buying a fancy blank book, start with a very small, thin book that your child can feel good about filling up. Encourage your child to write anything and not worry about mistakes. Do your own at the same time. Once a month have a special reading where you each share a page from your diaries.