AUGGIE BEAR PUBLISHING ANNOUNCES:

CLARA J. JOHNS LITERARY AWARDs 2025

Auggie Bear Publishing proudly announces the fourth annual Clara J. Johns Literary Awards 2025.

This prestigious award honors Clara J. Johns, a devoted and compassionate reading specialist who dedicated decades of service to Pennsylvania’s public schools. At 94 years young, Mrs. Johns remains a tireless advocate for literacy, inspiring children to embrace the joy of reading. She deeply understands the transformative power of literacy in shaping a child’s future and continues to champion its importance within the community. Her unwavering commitment to children's literacy is truly unparalleled.

Auggie Bear Publishing will award author(s) that share the same passion for literacy with their unique published stories. authors who continue to ignite children's curiosity and imagination through books that inspire young minds worldwide.

Categories:

  • Board Books (birth-Age 3)

  • Picture Books (Ages 3-8)

  • Early Reader (Ages 5-9)

  • Blossoming Chapter Books (Ages 6-10)

  • Most Creative

  • Religious/Spiritual (NEW)

Two winners will be awarded in each category when permitted, best story and best illustration.

Prizes:

Grand prize winner(s):

  • Cash Prize

  • Engraved Crystal award

  • An embossed seal certified certificate

  • Gold seals for the winning book(s)

  • The book review can be used for marketing and promotional purposes ( reviews will be emailed)

  • Interview with the winner(s) will be featured across all our social media platforms

  • Featured book title(s) recognition on AuggieBear.com with a link back of the winning book to the author’s preferred online retailer

Silver placed winner(s):

  • A certified certificate

  • Silver seals for the winning book(s)

  • Name and winning book title(s) recognition on AuggieBear.com with a link back of the winning book to the author’s preferred online retailer

Bronze placed winner(s):

  • A certified certificate

  • Bronze seals for the winning book(s)

  • Name and winning book title(s) recognition on AuggieBear.com with a link back of the winning book to the author’s preferred online retailer

Notable seals will be awarded for honorable mentions for an additional fee.

All of the prizes will be mailed via U.S. postal service unless otherwise specified.

early SUBMISSION BEGINS:

now until Thursday, February 13, 2025 11:59 Pm est

Submission Requirements:

  • Author and/or illustrator must be following at least one of Auggie Bear Publishing (ABP)’s social media accounts: (Instagram: @auggie_bear_publishing) ( Twitter: @AuggieBearPub) (YouTube: Auggie Bear) (Facebook: @AuggieBearPublishing) (TikTok: Auggiebear.com)

  • Children’s books must have been published between the years 2021-2024. The category for Most Creative titles does not have a restricted publication year.

  • Each author can submit up to three titles in each category.

  • Each title must be submitted separately.

  • There is an entry fee for each title submitted. *Authors submitting more than 3 titles, please email us at info@auggiebear.com for a special discount code.

  • Early submission fee is $75.00 and ends February 13, 2025. Starting Friday, February, 14, 2025 open submission fee will be $85.00.

  • Fill out the online form below, mail two copies of your book, and include the official entry form, with your email address and the best contact number. *Please note: physical books will not be returned, but will be donated to local libraries, schools, and/or charities.

  • You must email a pdf copy for each title submitted. Book covers must be included, but can be separate files.

  • You must be an independent author or represented through an established independent publishing house or enterprise.

  • We will not accept submissions published through major publishing houses and conglomerates.

  • All submissions must be accompanied by a short bio of the author, a synopsis of the book, and the category submitting.

  • All books must have an ISBN and barcode.

  • Your book will be disqualified if perjury, copied, and/or not original work is found or submitting without the author’s permission.

  • No digital e-books or manuscripts will be accepted.

  • We reserve the right to move books into another category if appropriate.

  • Clara J. Johns Literary Awards is currently available to all English language-based books, that are accessible for purchase in the marketplace. Ex: Amazon, local, your site, national and international retailers. 

  • All entries must be completed by 11:59 pm est on Friday, May 16, 2025. Entries not postmarked by or on Friday, May 16, 2025, will be disqualified, unless you notified a representative from Auggie Bear Publishing.

  • Entrants are fully responsible for making sure your physical books reach us by the specified deadline line for submission. Unless you receive an email acknowledging receipt of your physical books, your books will not be included in the judging process.

  • All shipping and handling costs are the responsibility of the entrants.

  • All payments for submissions are final. There are no refunds, no exceptions.

  • Employees of Auggie Bear Publishing are not eligible to participate.

JUDGING:

Judges’ identities will remain confidential for the purpose of remaining impartial in the process.

Acknowledgment:

By submitting to the Auggie Bear Publishing’s Clara J. Johns Literary Awards, entrants and applicants acknowledge, accept, and agree with the terms, requirements, and responsibilities set forth within the submission and entry fee process; including refund policy and non-return of physical books.