Barnes & Noble revealed the winners of its Children's and YA Book Awards last week, with The Bakery Dragon, written and illustrated by Devin Elle Kurtz, crowned both overall winner and best in the picture book category. Vanya and the Wild Hunt by Sangu Mandanna won the young reader category and Don't Let the Forest In by CG Drews was named best young adult title.
"With so many excellent new children’s books published each year, narrowing down this list always ignites passionate debate among our booksellers," said James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble. "This year, Barnes & Noble booksellers across the country have cast their votes and these three exceptional works came out as the clear winners. We look forward to elevating these terrific authors and expanding nationwide the young audiences entertained and inspired by their books. The Bakery Dragon, a delightful story brought to life by the author's luminous illustrations, belongs on every young child's bookshelf."
The winners in each category were selected from a shortlist of 18 new titles proposed by Barnes & Noble booksellers who specialize in children's literature. Titles are eligible if they are one of the author's early works.
