AUGGIE BEAR PUBLISHING ANNOUNCES:
CLARA J. JOHNS LITERARY AWARDs 2026
Auggie Bear Publishing proudly announces the Fifth Annual Clara J. Johns Literary Awards 2026.
celebrating five years of excellence in children’s literature.
Founded to honor the legacy of Clara J. Johns, a devoted reading specialist who dedicated decades to Pennsylvania’s public schools, this prestigious award recognizes independent children’s book authors whose stories inspire, educate, and empower young readers.
The Clara J. Johns Literary Awards was created to carry forward the extraordinary legacy of Mrs. Johns — a tireless advocate for literacy who has transformed countless young lives through her commitment to reading education. At 95 years young, she continues to champion the belief that literacy has the power to shape a child’s future and open doors of possibility. Her compassion, dedication, and unwavering service remain the heart of this award.
Over the past five years, the awards have grown into a respected and trusted platform within the children’s literary community. Through Gold, Silver, and Bronze distinctions across multiple categories, we proudly celebrate exceptional storytelling that ignites imagination, nurtures curiosity, and leaves a lasting impact on young readers around the world.
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
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
Please note: Winners residing outside the United States will be responsible for any additional international shipping and postage fees.
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
Please note: Winners residing outside the United States will be responsible for any additional international shipping and postage fees.
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
Please note: Winners residing outside the United States will be responsible for any additional international shipping and postage fees.
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 Friday, March 27, 2026 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 2022-2025. 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 March 27, 2026. Starting Saturday, March 28, 2026 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 15, 2026. Entries not postmarked by or on Friday, May 15, 2026, 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.