Winner — Enchanted Lion Books

Cry Heart, But Never Break
By: Glenn Ringtved

Aware their grandmother is gravely ill, four siblings make a pact to keep death from taking her away. But Death does arrive all the same, as it must. He comes gently, naturally. And he comes with enough time to share a story with the children that helps them to realize the value of loss to life and the importance of being able to say goodbye.  Ages 4-8

Over the Ocean
By: Taro Gomi

A young girl gazes out to where the water meets the sky and wonders what lies beyond the waves. Boats filled with toys? Skyscrapers filled with people? Houses filled with families? Or, maybe, over the ocean stands someone not so different from the girl herself, returning her gaze.  Ages 3-6

As Time Went By
By: José Sanabria

Once upon a time, there was a ship, a family and a village that each underwent changes. Told in three parts through watercolor illustrations and spare text, this story follows the ship from grand to abandoned, a family from rich to poor, and a village of homeless people from despair to joy as they find a new home within the railings of the transformed ship.  Ages 4-6

The Ballad of a Broken Nose
By: Arne Svingen

Bart, a quirky Norwegian 13-year-old, faces many odds: an alcoholic, overweight mother who loves him dearly; life in a run-down apartment; classmates who bully him and break his nose; and boxing lessons he takes to toughen himself—all juxtaposed with his desire to become an opera singer!  Ages 10 and up