Winners of the 2022 Penelope's Prize Children's Picture Book Awards
Mermaids Don't Wear Floaties By Rachelle Jones Smith |
Billy the Badger is sad! Compost the Cat God is Everywhere Grammie's Suitcase Life Lorelei the Firefly Lucky the Leprechaun Reach for the Stars Tears & Tulle Who is Singing? |
Growing Gents
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Links to these wonderful books can be found on our Instagram page: rdf_book_reviews
Winners of the 2021 Penelope's Prize Children's Picture Book Awards
Mouse Adventures By K.C. Murphy |
The Light Within Me The Man on The Street Caleb's Adventures with Grandad Carlisle's Trumpet Bartleby the Brave Toofus Whirl of a Girl 52 - A Tale of Loneliness My Time with Papa The Girl Who Dances with Skeleton's: My Friend Fresno |
Diego The Dodo and The Island Race |
Links to these wonderful books can be found on our Instagram page: rdf_book_reviews
Penelope's Prize Children's Picture Book Awards
2023 Contest Rules and Information
Contest:
RDF Book Reviews will be hosting its 3rd Annual Children’s Picture Book Contest! The spirit of the contest is to bring light to the wonderful world of early childhood literacy! With thousands of books entering the children’s book space each year, RDF Book Reviews is committed to sharing, and highlighting, these remarkable stories. All children deserve to experience the gift of great storytelling.
Awards:
Rules:
Judging Process:
Timeline:
January 1, 2023 - Contest Opens
March 31, 2023 - Contest Closes
April 1, 2023 - Contest Judges Announced
May 1, 2023 - Top 25 Notified
May 10-20, 2023- Fan Favorite Voting
May 21, 2023- Fan Favorite Notified
May 25, 2023- Top 10 Honorable Mention Notified
June 1, 2023- Judge’s Selection Notified
Awards and Recognition:
Registration Fee Submission:
Venmo - @Robert-DeFinis
PayPal - rdefinis@hotmail.com
Please contact me at rdefinis@gmail.com with any questions.
NOTE: When submitting to the contest, you assume all responsibility that the work is yours to submit and fully authorized to participate in the contest. There will be no refunds of registration fee once work is submitted.
RDF Book Reviews will be hosting its 3rd Annual Children’s Picture Book Contest! The spirit of the contest is to bring light to the wonderful world of early childhood literacy! With thousands of books entering the children’s book space each year, RDF Book Reviews is committed to sharing, and highlighting, these remarkable stories. All children deserve to experience the gift of great storytelling.
Awards:
- Judge’s Top Selection 2023 (Top Prize, 1 selected overall by judges)
- Honorable Mention 2023 (10 selected overall by judges)
- Fan Favorite 2023 (Top 25 selected overall by judges and then fans will be given 10 days to vote for their overall favorite)
Rules:
- Children’s Picture Books (only).
- Published on or after April 1, 2021.
- Indie or traditional publication accepted.
- Submissions must be digitally submitted (PDF) via email (rdefinis@gmail.com) before midnight (US EST) March 31, 2023. Watermark is fine. All submissions are destroyed post contest. However, winners may have selected content (such as cover) used for promotional reasons by contest organizers.
- $15.00 registration (early bird) fee before/on February 1, 2023 per book entry. $20.00 after February 1, 2023 per book entry. All registrations must be submitted before midnight (US EST) March 31, 2023.
- Registration fee will only be accepted through Venmo Or PayPal and BEFORE you submit your PDF book file.
Judging Process:
- Three panel jury will review top 50 entries narrowed down by Dr. Robert F. DeFinis (RDF Book Reviews).
- Three panel jury will narrow 50 to top 25 for “Fan Favorite.” Those authors will be notified. Fan Favorites will be posted on RDF Book Reviews Instagram Page for ten calendar days (TBD) and fans will be able to vote (“like” on Instagram). The most likes will be awarded “Fan Favorite 2023.”
- Three panel jury will narrow the top 25 to 10. These ten will receive “Honorable Mention 2023.”
- Three panel jury will select one overall book to be awarded “Judge’s Top Selection 2023.”
- All judges will use a rubric for official scoring and evaluation of each book.
Timeline:
January 1, 2023 - Contest Opens
March 31, 2023 - Contest Closes
April 1, 2023 - Contest Judges Announced
May 1, 2023 - Top 25 Notified
May 10-20, 2023- Fan Favorite Voting
May 21, 2023- Fan Favorite Notified
May 25, 2023- Top 10 Honorable Mention Notified
June 1, 2023- Judge’s Selection Notified
Awards and Recognition:
- Official contest award seal to use on your books and/or for other promotional purposes.
- Official certificate/medal of distinction (Judge’s Top Selection, Honorable Mention, Fan Favorite).
- Press Release with a distribution of over 100 publications.
- Recognition on RDF Book Reviews social media account.
Registration Fee Submission:
Venmo - @Robert-DeFinis
PayPal - rdefinis@hotmail.com
Please contact me at rdefinis@gmail.com with any questions.
NOTE: When submitting to the contest, you assume all responsibility that the work is yours to submit and fully authorized to participate in the contest. There will be no refunds of registration fee once work is submitted.
| pp_contest_flyer_2021.pdf |
Children's Books by Dr. Robert F. DeFinis
The Class Election
Molly and Samuel are running against each other for 5th Grade Class President! They’ve been best friends since the 1st grade, but things are about to change. Can these two work together to make things better, or will the election divide the entire 5th grade class?
It’s hard to find candidates and politicians today that demonstrate the qualities we want in our elected officials. Should we be demanding more from them? Should candidates and politicians be setting a better example for our youth? The Class Election is a rhyming book that reminds us that civility, ideas, and working together should be the basic standards for our system of democracy.
The Class Election is the third book by Dr. Robert F. DeFinis in which he takes on contemporary issues facing educators, parents, and children. Like his first two books, How to Defeat the Icky, Filthy, Creepy, Slimy CORONA MONSTER! and Lady P’s First Day, Dr. DeFinis writes to help children make sense of what they are experiencing in today’s world.
It’s hard to find candidates and politicians today that demonstrate the qualities we want in our elected officials. Should we be demanding more from them? Should candidates and politicians be setting a better example for our youth? The Class Election is a rhyming book that reminds us that civility, ideas, and working together should be the basic standards for our system of democracy.
The Class Election is the third book by Dr. Robert F. DeFinis in which he takes on contemporary issues facing educators, parents, and children. Like his first two books, How to Defeat the Icky, Filthy, Creepy, Slimy CORONA MONSTER! and Lady P’s First Day, Dr. DeFinis writes to help children make sense of what they are experiencing in today’s world.
eBook Available on Amazon
Lady P's First Day
Lady P and her older brother Robbie are in for a BIG surprise! School is CANCELED! How can this be? Lady P has waited her whole life to go to kindergarten and now it might not happen!
A child’s first day of school is a treasured memory. It symbolizes a new journey of learning, developing, and personal growth. With over 50 million children returning to school this fall, we know that things will be a little different in the new Coronavirus world we’ve had to adjust to. Lady P’s First Day introduces readers to a little girl that’s entering kindergarten. She’s waited so long for her moment to go to school, and now her time has come. However, things don’t exactly go to plan. Lady P soon comes to understand what school really means and how change isn’t always bad. Author Dr. Robert F. DeFinis writes a timely tale about the uncertainty of a new school year. This book is primarily written for early childhood readers, parents, and educators.
A child’s first day of school is a treasured memory. It symbolizes a new journey of learning, developing, and personal growth. With over 50 million children returning to school this fall, we know that things will be a little different in the new Coronavirus world we’ve had to adjust to. Lady P’s First Day introduces readers to a little girl that’s entering kindergarten. She’s waited so long for her moment to go to school, and now her time has come. However, things don’t exactly go to plan. Lady P soon comes to understand what school really means and how change isn’t always bad. Author Dr. Robert F. DeFinis writes a timely tale about the uncertainty of a new school year. This book is primarily written for early childhood readers, parents, and educators.
eBook Available on Amazon
Official Trailer: Lady P's First Day
Windchime Storytime - Lady P's First Day
Lady P's First Day Book Activities
Back to School Book Launch at the Lansdale Public Library
Dr. DeFinis Receives Proclamation from Mayor Garry Herbert
Lady P's First Day Blog Tour (Dates and Bloggers)
2020 National Read a Book Day
In The News
Articles, Blogs, Interviews, Podcasts, Letters, and Reviews
Lady P's First Day
Montco Children's Author Touches On School In The Age Of COVID (8/20/20)
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Author Interview - Ramona Portelli Blog (8/22/20)
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Book Review - The Book Badger (8/31/20)
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Book Review - Johnny Oddsocks Blog (9/2/20)
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Book Review - My Kidz Bookshelf Instagram Bog (9/1/20)
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Book Review - Y.Y. Chan Blog (9/3/20)
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Author Interview - The Sassy Writer (Audio 9/3/20)
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Book Review - Jacquelyn Dodd Blog (9/4/20)
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Book Review - The Spoonie Mummy (9/5/20)
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Interview - Pink Cloud 9 Podcast (9/5/20)
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Author Interview - Deborah Kalb (9/7/20)
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Book Review - Language During Mealtime (9/7/20)
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Book Review - Luna's Library (9/8/20)
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Interview - C.Q.P. Moments Podcast (9/23/20)
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How to Defeat the Icky, Filthy, Creepy, Slimy CORONA MONSTER!
"How to Defeat the Icky, Filthy, Creepy, Slimy CORONA MONSTER!" is my new children's book in response to the current global COVID-19 pandemic. This short rhyming eBook helps children to learn the importance of making healthy choices such as washing their hands, covering their cough and sneeze, and practicing social distance so we can defeat the CORONA MONSTER. Parents are searching for ways to help their children make sense of what's going on in the world, and this book allows them to create that space.
eBook Available on Amazon, Apple, Smashwords, and Kobo
Video Book - YouTube Channel (Subscribe)
"Can't Catch Me!": Original Song by Deb Krol
Official Song of "How to Defeat the Icky, Filthy,Creepy, Slimy Corona Monster!"
Chilliwack music teacher pens children’s song about COVID-19 (9/6/20)
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Corona Monster Song – In Time For School From “Tiny Tinkles” (9/7/20)
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'Can't Catch me': Chilliwack music instructor teaches kids about
COVID-19 through song (9/8/20)
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World Book Day 2020
RDF Books celebrated 2020 #WorldBookDay all across the globe! A special thanks to Mrs. Stevens for sharing my book with her students at Maedgen Elementary (Texas), and James-Martin (South Africa) for demonstrating how to keep the #CORONAMONSTER away!
National Superhero Day 2020
RDF Books celebrated National Superhero Day by sending out the signal to all superheroes to help defeat the CORONA MONSTER! Children had the chance to read their NEW favorite book and learn what they can do to help stop the virus!
2020 Teacher Appreciation Week
RDF Books and Scoops 'N' Smiles Ice Cream partnered on May 10, 2020 to honor area teachers. Scoops has become a local favorite over the last four years in the Malvern (PA) area. Owners, Akain and Yusef, were also former students of Dr. DeFinis. Customers received a FREE eBook of "How to Defeat the Icky, Filthy, Creepy, Slimy CORONA MONSTER!" Check out SCOOPS here!
Virtual Storytime - May 29, 2020
It was great seeing all my new friends on Friday, May 29, 2020 as we read my new picture book, “How to Defeat the Icky, Filthy, Creepy, Slimy CORONA MONSTER!” All attendees received an Activity Book (PDF), FREE eBook code to download their very own CORONA MONSTER book, and a Video Book reading!
Here are some of the questions we considered while reading the book...
- Is it okay to be mean? How does it make you feel when someone is mean to you?
- What is fear? What are some of the things you fear? How can we overcome our fears?
- When should you wash your hands?
- Do you know what social distance means?
- What does it mean to be brave?
- Can you tell me what doctors and nurses do?
- Why is it important to be thankful?
- Do you miss seeing family and friends?
Keep exploring and discussing what’s happening with your children. We aren’t completely in the clear, and there will certainly be changes to what life and school could look like in the fall.
I'm looking forward to my virtual classroom visits all next week, and during the month of June! If you are interested in having a virtual visit for your class or organization, please feel free to contact me!
Here are some of the questions we considered while reading the book...
- Is it okay to be mean? How does it make you feel when someone is mean to you?
- What is fear? What are some of the things you fear? How can we overcome our fears?
- When should you wash your hands?
- Do you know what social distance means?
- What does it mean to be brave?
- Can you tell me what doctors and nurses do?
- Why is it important to be thankful?
- Do you miss seeing family and friends?
Keep exploring and discussing what’s happening with your children. We aren’t completely in the clear, and there will certainly be changes to what life and school could look like in the fall.
I'm looking forward to my virtual classroom visits all next week, and during the month of June! If you are interested in having a virtual visit for your class or organization, please feel free to contact me!
Authors Unite To Fight COVID-19
Authors Unite To Fight COVID-19 is made up of several children’s book authors that have written new books to assist children with the complexity of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Through words and illustrations, these authors provide comfort and some good advice.
Check them out TODAY!
Check them out TODAY!
In The News
Articles, Blogs, Interviews, Podcasts, Letters, and Reviews
How to Defeat the Icky, Filthy, Creepy, Slimy CORONA MONSTER!
Area Author's Children's Book Helps Kids Cope With Corona Crisis (5/5/20)
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Scoops 'N' Smiles is offering free copies of the new children's e-book "How to Defeat the Icky, Filthy, Creepy, Slimy CORONA MONSTER!" (5/8/20)
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A Monster That All Can Defeat - Johnny Oddsocks - Guest Blog (5/8/20)
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Chat and Spin Radio Interview - Inspiration for New Book - Host Ron Clark (5/8/20)
Interview Starts @ 1:48:00
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Warrior Book Mom - Instagram - Blog Review (5/14/20)
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ENYI Foundation for Community Development - Letter and Video (5/14/20)
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Dove and Dragon Radio Interview - Host M.L. Ruscsak (5/16/20)
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Book Review - BookishBearx Blog (5/17/20)
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Author Interview - ARYEMANSAYSSO.com (5/19/20)
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Book Review - Proof Positive Blog (5/20/20)
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Book Review - K's Mum YouTube Channel (5/20/20)
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Book Review - FILMYLOOP.com (5/20/20)
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Author Interview - Living & Thriving with Rustie - Blog Talk Radio (5/21/20)
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Author Interview - A Cup of Coffee with Nydia Raquel - Blog (5/24/20)
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Book Review - Jhbooksblog - Julie Haiselden (5/25/20)
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ALUMNUS’S CHILDREN’S BOOK ABOUT CORONAVIRUS A VIRAL HIT (5/26/20)
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Author Interview - The Sassy Writer (5/28/20)
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Books in Homes Australia - Letter (5/29/20)
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Book Review - The Children's and Teens' Book Connection (5/31/20)
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Kidliophile - Kids Magazine: Must Read Book For Kids - June 2020 Issue (6/1/20)
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Book Review - Twirling Book Princess (6/4/20)
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Book List & Review - 5 COVID-19 Books for Kids-The Book Badger (6/4/20)
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Author Interview - Amazing Grace Podcast with Tamala Coleman (6/5/20)
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Book Review - Adi Etc YouTube Channel (6/6/20)
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Author Interview - Let's Get Literary Podcast (6/10/20)
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Author Interview - Ridenour Publishing (6/12/20)
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Book List & Review - 5 Books About COVID-19 to Read With Your Child (6/15/20)
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Author Interview - The Brian Shepard Show (6/19/20)
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Special Thanks
RDF Books would like to thank those that have continued to support this new project. Your generosity is helping to get this book in the hands of thousands of children!
- National Library of South Africa
- FunDza Literacy Trust (South Africa)
- FreeKidsBooks.org (Online)
-University of Louisiana Monroe (Online)
- Learning Stewards (Magic Ladder e-Picture Books)
- Milford Public Children's Library (Delaware)
- Poolville Library (Texas)
- Giant Leaper Learning Solutions for Children (United Kingdom)
- STG Global (Australia)
- ENYI Foundation for Community Development (Nigeria)
- New York City School Library System (New York)
- Books in Back Bookstore (Michigan)
- Make Way For Books (Arizona)
- Rad Child Podcast (Online)
- Tbeeillustrations.com (Online)
- Books in Homes (Australia)
- Early Childhood Education Network (Online)
- SECC Spiritual Life Connect (Online)
- Smart Kids Playground (Vietnam)
- Smart Learning Centre (Maldives)
- Scoops 'N' Smiles (Pennsylvania)
- Dr. Mary Kay Keller (online)
- Norah Reads (YouTube Channel)
- The Cozy Chair (YouTube Channel)
- Adi Etc (YouTube Channel)
- Storytime With Mr. Read (YouTube Channel)
- Ruthy's Reading Room (YouTube Channel)
- Read Aloud For Kids (YouTube Channel)
- Judy's Books (YouTube Channel)
- Popcorn and Books (YouTube Channel)
- Brainiac Builder - Kids TV (YouTube Channel)
- Mr. Will Turner - Educator (YouTube Channel)
- Reading With Tony (YouTube Channel)
- Schools Out (YouTube Channel)
- Storytime with Shamita (YouTube Channel)
- Brown Newsprint (YouTube Channel)
- Story Time with Ms. Danielle (YouTube Channel)
- The Book Brothers (YouTube Channel)
- JJ Story World (YouTube Channel)
- Let's Read! (YouTube Channel)
- Planet Liberty (YouTube Channel)
- National Library of South Africa
- FunDza Literacy Trust (South Africa)
- FreeKidsBooks.org (Online)
-University of Louisiana Monroe (Online)
- Learning Stewards (Magic Ladder e-Picture Books)
- Milford Public Children's Library (Delaware)
- Poolville Library (Texas)
- Giant Leaper Learning Solutions for Children (United Kingdom)
- STG Global (Australia)
- ENYI Foundation for Community Development (Nigeria)
- New York City School Library System (New York)
- Books in Back Bookstore (Michigan)
- Make Way For Books (Arizona)
- Rad Child Podcast (Online)
- Tbeeillustrations.com (Online)
- Books in Homes (Australia)
- Early Childhood Education Network (Online)
- SECC Spiritual Life Connect (Online)
- Smart Kids Playground (Vietnam)
- Smart Learning Centre (Maldives)
- Scoops 'N' Smiles (Pennsylvania)
- Dr. Mary Kay Keller (online)
- Norah Reads (YouTube Channel)
- The Cozy Chair (YouTube Channel)
- Adi Etc (YouTube Channel)
- Storytime With Mr. Read (YouTube Channel)
- Ruthy's Reading Room (YouTube Channel)
- Read Aloud For Kids (YouTube Channel)
- Judy's Books (YouTube Channel)
- Popcorn and Books (YouTube Channel)
- Brainiac Builder - Kids TV (YouTube Channel)
- Mr. Will Turner - Educator (YouTube Channel)
- Reading With Tony (YouTube Channel)
- Schools Out (YouTube Channel)
- Storytime with Shamita (YouTube Channel)
- Brown Newsprint (YouTube Channel)
- Story Time with Ms. Danielle (YouTube Channel)
- The Book Brothers (YouTube Channel)
- JJ Story World (YouTube Channel)
- Let's Read! (YouTube Channel)
- Planet Liberty (YouTube Channel)
Commitment to Building Strong Communities
Programs, Projects, and Recognition
The greatest impact we can have on others is by serving our community and creating opportunities. Dr. DeFinis has been heavily involved with several nonprofit organizations that provide literacy initiatives, early childhood programs, scholarships, workforce development training, technology resources, after school programs, and advocacy. Officially, Dr. DeFinis has served on the Board of Directors for Reading Recycled, Team Children, Teach Rwanda, THANKS Society, The Asherah Foundation, St. Mary Catholic School, and the Boston Legacy Foundaion.
Literacy Programs
Philadelphia SMART CEO Award
Philadelphia READS 20th Year Celebration
Reading Recycled
Read-A-Bot
Champion For Literacy
Philadelphia Phillies Literacy Night
Philadelphia Reading Olympics
Philadelphia Social Innovations Awards - Education
Boston Legacy Foundation
Boston
By Robert F. DeFinis
