I’m thrilled to share that Where’s Winnie? has been honored at the 2026 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, presented by Story Monsters Book Awards. The awards celebrate children’s books that inspire, educate and entertain young readers. They’re judged across dozens of categories and are open to traditionally published, partnership-published and independent books from around the world.
Where’s Winnie? received:
1st Place, Best Cover Design
2nd Place, New Author – Fiction
Honorable Mentions in Animals/Pets, Best Illustrations, Picture Books 5 & Younger, and Picture Books 6 & Older
A cover that tells the story
The Best Cover Design award means a great deal to me because a cover is a child’s first invitation into a book. It has to say “pick me up” from across a library or bookstore shelf. That cover came out of a true collaboration. Lucy Featherstone shaped the design, and Polya Bulba brought Winnie to life with illustrations full of warmth and movement. Thank you both for capturing Winnie’s spirit so perfectly.
A debut that began with a lost dog
Being recognized in the New Author category is especially meaningful, because Where’s Winnie? is my first book. It’s based on the true story of my rescue dog, Winnie, who went missing in La Porte, Indiana. A whole community came together to help find her. I wrote the book in awe of that kindness, and of Winnie’s own remarkable survival instincts. It has always been my thank-you to La Porte, and this award belongs to everyone who joined the search.
Thank you
Thank you to Linda F. Radke and the Story Monsters Book Awards team, and to the judges who spent time with Winnie’s story. Most of all, thank you to the parents, teachers, librarians and young readers who have welcomed Winnie into their homes and classrooms.
If you haven’t met Winnie yet, you can find Where’s Winnie? here. Teachers can also download our free classroom resources here.
