Madison Library District

Choice Awards

Picture Books NOMINEES FOR 2025

Voting ended October 10.

Find all the nominees below.

Winners

Book cover for The First Day of School by Matt Huntley

1. The First Day of School by Matt Huntley


Alex Porter is excited for the first day of school—until his new red backpack goes missing. Can Chase, Skye, and the rest of Adventure Bay’s PAW patrol save the school day?

Get on the case with Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol ! Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, and the rest of the puppy heroes are always ready to save their friends and protect the community of Adventure Bay using their PAWsome vehicles, tools, and teamwork.

part of the PAW Patrol series

Book cover for Bluey: Butterflies

2. Bluey: Butterflies


Play Butterflies with Bluey and Bingo in this fun storybook! Based on the wildly successful animated series Bluey.

Bluey, Bingo, and Judo are playing Butterflies! But when Judo and Bluey leave Bingo behind to play another game, Bingo is heartbroken. Can Bluey make it up to her little sister? Read along to find out!

part of the Bluey series

Book cover for Bluey: The Doctor

3. Bluey: The Doctor


Honey is waiting for her appointment with Dr. Bingo, but her friends keep coming in with more exciting injuries than her. Bluey says she has to be patient, but will Honey ever get her turn to see the doctor? Read along to find out!

part of the Bluey series

Book cover for Catch That Ghost! by Matt Huntley

4. Catch That Ghost! by Matt Huntley


Is the Lookout haunted? Rubble thinks he’s seen a ghost, and it’s up to Ryder, Chase, and the rest of Adventure Bay’s heroic pups to solve the mystery. Children ages 3 to 7 will love this not-too-scary picture book that is perfect for Halloween.

Get on the case with Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol ! Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, and the rest of the puppy heroes are always read to save their friends and protect the community of Adventure Bay using their PAWsome vehicles, tools, and teamwork.

part of the PAW Patrol series

Book cover for Jungle Pups by Frank Berrios

5. Jungle Pups by Frank Berrios


Something is making big footprints in the Hidden Jungle. Could it be a dinosaur? Follow Tracker as he leads Chase, Skye, and the rest of the PAW Patrol on a journey to solve the mystery.

part of the PAW Patrol series

Book cover for Bluey: Queens

6. Bluey: Queens


Based on the wildly successful animated series Bluey.

Bluey and Bingo are playing Queens but they both want to be the butler. Who will have to wear the crown?

part of the Bluey series

Book cover for Daniel's First Airplane Ride by Haley Hoffman

7. Daniel’s First Airplane Ride by Haley Hoffman


The Tiger Family is going on an exciting vacation! But this time, they’re taking an airplane. Since Daniel hasn’t flown before, he’s a little nervous. What happens when you walk through the security line? Where does your luggage go? From finding his seat to looking out the window to experiencing turbulence, Daniel has his parents and the flight attendant to explain things and ease his fears.

part of the Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood series

Book cover for Bluey: Daddy Putdown

8. Bluey: Daddy Putdown


Based on the wildly successful animated series Bluey.

It’s Dad’s turn to get Bluey and Bingo ready for bed. Will the daddy putdown go to plan?

part of the Bluey series

Book cover for Rescue Wheels by Matt Huntley

9. Rescue Wheels by Matt Huntley


Everyone is ready for the Monster Truck Championship! But when a pup named Boomer takes his motorized mischief to the streets of Adventure Bay, will the PAW Patrol be able to get the race back on track? Join them and their new friend Roxi in a story that is sure to thrill kids 3 to 7.

It’s time for a ruff ruff rescue with Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol! Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, Rocky, and Zuma are always ready to save their friends and protect the community of Adventure Bay. With their PAWsome vehicles, tools, and teamwork, no job is too big, no pup is too small!

part of the PAW Patrol series

Book cover for Bluey: Grannies and Other Stories

10. Bluey: Grannies and Other Stories


Based on the wildly successful animated series Bluey.

Four Bluey stories in one book!

part of the Bluey series

Other Nominees

Book cover for The Berenstain Bears Stay Healthy by Mike Berenstain

The Berenstain Bears Stay Healthy by Mike Berenstain


Get the facts on healthy living with the Berenstain Bears! This year’s Annual Music Extravaganza has everyone in Bear Country excited to learn about healthy choices! Join Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear as they dance, sing, and discover healthy ways of living, from brushing your teeth twice a day, to learning about germs, to understanding how the food pyramid works. Join the Berenstain Bears in this musical 8×8 storybook, as they learn that good health is not only very important—it can also be lots of fun!

part of The Berenstain Bears series

Book cover for Scorch, Hedgehog of Doom by Cate Berry

Scorch, Hedgehog of Doom by Cate Berry


Scorch the hedgehog is determined to be ferocious. The doomsy-est, most menacing class pet ever known. She’s not just Scorch, she’s… Scorch, Hedgehog of Doom!

There’s just one problem―Scorch is kind of adorable. So adorable, in fact, that it’s all anyone ever notices. With each swirl of her cloak, each sharp claw raised high, each baring of her chilling chompers, the kids of room 402 don’t fall back in fear or quiver with tears. Instead, they cry, “Awww! Adorable!”

Tired of being seen as just one thing, Scorch flies into action, determined to show how truly terrifying she can be. But when her flipping, training, and high-flying efforts land her in true danger―the home of the classroom’s other scaled, slithering, cold-blooded animal occupant―Scorch must harness and embrace all the parts of her unique self. Put to the ultimate test, she finds power in being ferociously adorable and killer cute.

Book cover for Hen in the Bed by Katrina Charman

Hen in the Bed by Katrina Charman


There were 10 in the bed and the speckled hen said, “Roll over! Roll over!”

Count the funny animal friends as they noisily roll, flop, and tumble out of bed, one by one, in this clever split-page picture book.

Book cover for The Crayons Love Our Planet by Drew Daywalt

The Crayons Love Our Planet by Drew Daywalt


The Crayons love our planet and are proud of their contributions. White ice caps, Green trees, Blue oceans and skies, Brown soil…and more! Even Beige is proud of his Wheat! This humorous mini hardcover book shows the beauty of our plant—and why it needs all of us to be complete.

part of the Crayons series

Book cover for Pete the Cat's Wacky Taco Tuesday by Kim Dean

Pete the Cat’s Wacky Taco Tuesday by James & Kimberly Dean


It’s Tuesday, and Pete is hungry for delicious tacos. But the taqueria is closed! Pete has an idea—he and his family will make their own tacos, even if they don’t have the typical toppings. Will a scoop of creativity and a dollop of problem-solving be the right ingredients to save Taco Tuesday? Join Pete the Cat in this story full of family, friends, and wacky tacos!

part of the Pete the Cat series

Book cover for Buster and the Christmas Parade by Dale Ernhardt, Jr.

Buster and the Christmas Parade by Dale Earnhardt, Jr.


It may be chilly out, but rival race car Scuff’s mean comments make Buster’s oil run hotter than ever! When Coach Hog invites Scuff, who was alone at the holidays, to join Punchy Motorsports in the Christmas parade, Buster must navigate the difficult course of finding the true spirit of Christmas and traveling the festive parade route with his main competition.

part of the Buster the Race Car series

Book cover for Barnaby Unboxed! by Terry, Eric, and Devin Fan

Barnaby Unboxed! by Terry, Eric, and Devin Fan


Meet Barnaby, he’s half mouse, half elephant, with a dash of flamingo . . . and fully trained! When he’s brought home to be pampered and cared for by his very own little girl, life is perfect . . . until a new, even more perfect pet comes on the scene. Suddenly Barnaby is no longer the most perfect pet around, and his little girl doesn’t seem interested in him anymore. Feeling unappreciated, Barnaby runs away and finds himself swept up on a wild journey through the city and an emotional search for home in a tale of love found, lost and found again.

part of The Barnabus Project series

Book cover for Snow is... by Laura Gehl

Snow is… by Laura Gehl


From award-winning author Laura Gehl, a sparkling, lyrical picture book about the magic of an early snow.

It’s dawn and there is snow all around. The wonder of winter’s first snowfall brings the magic of changing seasons and sees a family sharing the perfect snow day with coziness and togetherness from dawn to dusk.

Book cover for Penelope Rex and the Problem with Pets by Ryan T. Higgins

Penelope Rex and the Problem with Pets by Ryan T. Higgins


Most kids have dogs and cats and fish and guinea pigs. Penelope Rex has Mittens.

Penelope wasn’t sure she even wanted a pet when Mittens came into her life. But now that he’s here, she is determined to make the best of it.

Pets, however—especially ones that are six hundred pounds with six-inch-long teeth—can cause very big, very messy problems.

book 4 in the Penelope Rex series

Book cover for The Great Christmas Rescue by Matt Huntley

The Great Christmas Rescue by Matt Huntley


It’s the night before Christmas, and Adventure Bay is ready for Santa to visit–until the mischievous Mayor Humdinger starts causing trouble. Join Ryder, the pups, and a lovable elf named Percy as they try to help Santa and save Christmas!

part of the PAW Patrol series

Book cover for Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb

Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb


I’m the Buffalo Fluffalo
I heave and I huffalo
Leave me alone because
I’ve had enuffalo.

Buffalo Fluffalo arrives on the scene puffed up with self-importance. Stomping around and raising billows of dust, Buffalo Fluffalo proclaims his superiority to the other creatures—the ram, the prairie dog, and the crow—who just want to be his friend. So Buffalo Fluffalo, who has had enuffalo, heads off to grumble to himself.

Suddenly, a rain shower pours down from the clouds and—what’s this? All of his fluffalo is a soggy mess! There Fluffalo stands, a drenched pip-squeak without his disguise. The other animals, who could see through Fluffalo’s bravado from the start, circle around to comfort him. As prairie dog says with a smile in his eyes, “You’re great how you are, no matter your size.”

Book cover for Trash Truck: Donny and Walter's Surprising Day by Max Keane

Trash Truck: Donny & Walter’s Surprising Day by Max Keane


Trash Truck is back in this second installment of the bestselling picture book series, and he’s brought along his friends Donny and Walter! Join Donny the bear and Walter the raccoon as they embark on an adventurous quest to find new companions for their playtime adventures, discovering the magic of friendship along the way.

This picture book is perfect for little fans of big adventures and even bigger trucks! Trash Truck is based on the real-life experiences of author and illustrator Max Keane and his son’s love of the local garbage truck.

part of the Trash Truck series

Book cover for Mr. Fox's Game of "No!" by David LaRochelle

Mr. Fox’s Game of “No!” by David LaRochelle


Can you beat Mr. Fox at his Game of No? The rules are simple: every time he asks a question, you must respond with “NO.” If you accidentally say “YES,” then it’s back to the beginning of the book for you, where you must start all over again. Are you ready? (Oops!) Do you live on planet Earth? Are you stronger than a baby? What does Y-E-S spell? (Argh!)

Kids will giggle uncontrollably as they gamely aim to avoid Mr. Fox’s clever traps—but just ask them if they’d like to read this book again, and they won’t be able to resist: “YES!”

Book cover for The Girl Who Loves Bugs by Lily Murray

The Girl Who Loves Bugs by Lily Murray


Evie loves bugs. And she’s fed up of having to keep up with her mums and brother on walks when she’d rather be peering under logs and examining snails. So, one day, she decides to bring the bugs inside, so she can be with them all the time. The problem is, the family is coming to stay, even fearsome Great Gran, who doesn’t stand for any nonsense. And on the day of their arrival, Evie wakes up to find her bugs have escaped . . . all over the house! What is Great Gran going to say?

A beautiful, bug-filled story about following your dreams, and the unconditional love of family. With ideas and tips at the back for looking after some of your own bugs (outside!).

Book cover for Drawn Onward by Daniel Nayeri

Drawn Onward by Daniel Nayeri


All alone
He was not so brave…
His heart needed to know
The answer.

This lyrical, heartfelt story a young boy who’s lost all hope braves the dark forest to ask, “Mom, were you glad you were mom?” Gorgeously illustrated, Drawn Onward gently guides readers through the depths of grief and provides comfort and hope to those who seek answers when it feels like all is lost.

Book cover for Even Better Than Sprinkles: A Story About Best Friends by Linda Skeers and Heather Fox

Even Better Than Sprinkles: A Story About Best Friends by Linda Skeers


When you find someone who agrees to be the back end of a unicorn costume, who names their goldfish after you, and is always willing to be the dragon when you play knights and dragons, you’ve found a best friend.

Having a best friend is the greatest feeling ever. But it’s terrible when something happens to break up that friendship. Now it feels like you are being hugged by a porcupine. Now it’s time to figure out how to repair a broken friendship. A good place to start is a homemade card with glitter everywhere and a special cupcake with lots of sprinkles. When you add an apology, it’s the best way back to being best friends.

Book cover for Little Monster Says Goodnight by David Slonim

Little Monster Says Goodnight by David Slonim


With Momster’s help, Little Monster gets ready for he brushes his fangs (leaving gobs of fangpaste everywhere), enjoys some bedtime books (as in, he eats them), and asks his parents to check if there’s a monster under the bed (there is—good!). That’s right—even monsters must get ready for bed, and Little Monster’s funny and familiar nighttime rituals will encourage all little monsters to go to sleep!

Book cover for Dinosaurs in Space by Todd Sturgell

Dinosaurs in Space by Todd Sturgell


When the narrator explains about the big boom that caused dinosaur extinction, Dakota the dinosaur and his ragtag group of friends don’t want to hear it! Taking over the story—much to the narrator’s dismay—these dizzy dinos share their spacetastic theories about moon-sauruses, Martian dinosaurs, and…zombie-sauruses?

This silly science lesson gone wrong is an amusing lesson based on real scientific theories, and includes educational backmatter and lots of dino facts!

Book cover for The Man Who Didn't Like Animals by Deborah Underwood

The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals by Deborah Underwood


Who was Old MacDonald before he had a farm? A silly and sweet origin story about the storied farmer and his animal friends.

There once was a man who loved his tidy home and who didn’t like animals. Then one day, a cat appeared. The man and the cat both liked napping and watching the rain and eating dinner precisely at six. Well, maybe this one animal could stay. Next came a dog . . . This big-hearted and funny tale with delightful artwork from Caldecott Honor artist LeUyen Pham celebrates the joy of embracing new perspectives.

Book cover for How to Catch a Mamasaurus by Alice Walstead

How to Catch a Mamasaurus by Alice Walstead


The How to Catch Kids are at it again! This time, they’re trying to trap the Mamasaurus—a wonderful creature like no other with strong spirit and a kind heart! On their quest to catch her, the kids think about all the amazing ways in which Mamasaurus is there for them, always ready to share her love and support.

We’ve heard of a creature like no other, and if the great tales about her are true— Her strong spirit and soft heart are magical, and to catch this Mamasaurus we need YOU!

part of the How to Catch series

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