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Rita Mercy Award
for upcoming illustrators!
This award is given to an individual planning to pursue children’s book illustration. Artists must self-nominate by submitting 3–5 samples of their artwork and a 500–800 word personal statement introducing themselves, explaining their art style, and describing how they believe their art will make a difference in children’s books.
This award honors the legacies of two remarkable women: Rita Murphy, a special education art teacher and gifted artist who painted vibrant, blooming flowers, and Mercedes Chimento, a nurse whose serene watercolor landscapes reflected her calm and compassionate spirit. Both women passed away from cancer, but their lives demonstrated the power of art as a daily practice and a source of liberation. This award is for emerging illustrators who passionately dedicate themselves to their craft and aim to impact children’s literature with their artistry.
Rules:
- Artists must self-nominate.
- Artists must be unagented and not yet traditionally published (self-published artists welcome).
- Submit 3–5 samples of artwork (digital entries only, no physical submissions).
- Provide a 500–800 word personal statement introducing themselves, explaining their art style, and detailing how their art will make a difference in children’s books.
- Open to artists aged 15 and older.
- One winner will be selected.
Entry Fee:
- Early Bird: $35
- Final Submission: $55
Award:
- This award will have 1 winner. The winner will be awarded a digital seal & certificate, a written blog Q&A interview, and a $100 gift card to an art supplies store.
Judging:
- Based on a 2-3 person board. All entries will be based on their merits, the perspective and subjectivity of the board, and adherence to the award theme.
Entry Directions:
After completing your entry fee donation in the Shop Page, please fill out this form to enter your materials.
The Aracelis Picture Book Award
for self-starters and self-published authors!
This award commemorates the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the late Aracelis “Lisa” Lausell, who emigrated from Puerto Rico to New York as a young girl. Despite losing her mother to tuberculosis and enduring poverty while living with her single father, Aracelis overcame numerous challenges with an indomitable will. She raised six children and successfully ran her own business, embodying the essence of determination and innovation. This award is dedicated to self-published picture book authors who exemplify similar self-starting perseverance and creativity.
Rules:
- Categories: picture book ages 0–3 (board books), picture book ages 4–6, picture book ages 6–8, graphic novels for up to age 11
- Leveled readers are not eligible.
- Entries must feature human main characters.
- Books can be in English or bilingual with English.
- Books must be self-published.
- Books must include an ISBN or KDP ASIN.
- Eligible books must be published within the last two years.
Entry Fee:
- Early Bird: $55
- Final Submission: $75
*Each book entered requires a separate entry fee.
Award:
- This award will have 1 winner in each category who will receive a digital seal & certificate, a written blog Q&A interview, and an on air customized episode on The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast. One overall winner will win a $100 gift card.
Judging:
- Based on a 2 person board. All entries will be based on their merits, the perspective and subjectivity of the board, and adherence to the award theme.
Entry Directions:
After purchase and the completion of this form, you will receive an email with directions on where to send your books to solidify your entry to the award. You will be required to send (2) copies to the judges at separate locations. Please be advised, we cannot reimburse you for postage. We recommend you send them via Media Mail USPS. Please add a packing slip in your package stating “Aracelis Book Award Entry 2025”. Books cannot be returned after judging. They may be donated to other communities or causes.