From thoughtful picture books to empowering life stories, these BookFest Spring 2025 winners are delighting families and lighting up bookshelves.
Looking for your next feel-good favorite? This award-winning lineup from The BookFest Spring 2025 is packed with stories that uplift, inspire, and stay with you long after the last page. From imaginative children’s books and culturally rich tales to empowering nonfiction and charming slice-of-life reads, these titles captured the attention of BookFest judges—and the hearts of readers everywhere. Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring them solo, these books are a celebration of storytelling at its finest.
This charming tale captures the heart of inclusion through the story of a young boy who befriends a spider. As their unlikely connection grows, young readers are gently introduced to the values of empathy, persistence, and embracing those who are different. With vivid storytelling and a heartfelt message, it’s a delightful reminder that kindness can bridge even the smallest gaps.
Feelings by Cynthia Zingale
This vibrant picture book offers young readers a gentle guide through the wide world of emotions. From joy to sadness, fear to excitement, each page helps children recognize, name, and understand what they’re feeling—empowering them to express themselves with confidence. With colorful illustrations and simple language, Feelings turns emotional learning into a fun and affirming experience for kids and parents alike.
Bringing in the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival: Rhyming poems based on Vietnamese Legends by Kimly Hoang-Nakata
Step into a lyrical celebration of Vietnamese heritage with this beautifully illustrated story that introduces young readers to the legends and traditions of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. Through poetic rhymes and vibrant imagery, the book highlights themes of family, gratitude, and cultural pride—making it a meaningful read for children and a valuable tool for introducing diverse traditions at home or in the classroom.
Who Colored the Leaves?: A Bedtime Story for Children (and grown-ups too!) by Robert D Dean
In this tender and imaginative tale, a grandfather spins a magical story to answer a child’s simple question about autumn. Blending wonder with warmth, this book captures the beauty of storytelling across generations. It’s a gentle reminder of how everyday moments—like the changing of leaves—can become cherished memories when seen through the eyes of love and imagination.
What’s Your Name?: How to write your name in Hangul without learning the Korean language by Albert Jung
This engaging and educational book makes Korean culture accessible by teaching readers how to write their name in Hangul—the Korean alphabet—without needing to learn the entire language. It’s a fun and interactive experience for curious minds of all ages, blending cultural appreciation with personalized learning. A perfect pick for classrooms, families, or anyone interested in language and identity.
Bones is Back – A Family Tradition for Halloween: A Halloween Book for Kids by Dr. Marc Fetscherin
Meet Bones—a mischievous skeleton who adds a spark of spooky fun to a family’s Halloween traditions. This playful story invites readers to join in the laughter and light-hearted scares as Bones comes to life each October. With just the right mix of humor and heart, it’s a festive read that turns ordinary moments into cherished memories, perfect for families looking to create traditions of their own.
Finding Color: A hilarious and messy backpacking adventure in the ’90s (Back in a Year Series Book 1) by Candace MacPhie
Packed with sharp wit, cultural detours, and heartfelt self-discovery, this travel memoir chronicles a young backpacker’s unpredictable journey across Asia before the age of smartphones. As chaotic as it is charming, Finding Color is a nostalgic and laugh-out-loud reminder that sometimes the best way to find yourself is to get completely lost.
The Rebalancing Act: Wisdom from Working Women For Success that Matters by Carol Enneking
With a sharp sense of humor and a knowing nod to everyday frustrations, this satirical gem dives into the grind of modern life. It speaks to anyone who’s felt like they’re running in place—offering laughs, insight, and a bit of catharsis along the way. Never Getting Ahead turns life’s annoyances into a relatable and oddly comforting read.
Never Getting Ahead (Dazed and Confused Book 2) by Beth Gelman
This clever and offbeat sequel continues its sardonic take on modern life, navigating the daily absurdities of work, relationships, and personal growth with wit and unapologetic honesty. Whether you’re already a fan of the series or diving in fresh, Never Getting Ahead delivers a wry, relatable ride through the chaos of just trying to keep up.
The Flat Tire by Fish Nealman
A chance encounter on a roadside turns into an unexpected connection between two strangers in this quietly powerful story. The Flat Tire explores the simple yet profound ways our lives intersect—and how compassion can appear when we least expect it. Subtle, human, and thought-provoking, this BookFest winner leaves a lasting impression well beyond its final page.
The Innovative Guide to Fashion and Beauty: 2025 by Murielle Gagné
This fresh, empowering guide helps readers discover their personal style and feel confident doing it. Blending practical beauty tips with self-esteem boosters, it’s a celebration of individuality, creativity, and inner glow. Whether you’re just starting your fashion journey or redefining your look, this BookFest winner is your stylish companion to looking—and feeling—your best.
