Awards & Reviews
As our list grows, our stories are connecting with more and more readers.
See what people are saying about the books below!
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Readers Favorite: 5 five-star review
Itch and The Critter Patrol is a children’s adventure picture book written by Billy Baldwin with illustrations by Liesl Bell. Critters love going on vacation, and when they do, they leave lookalike robocritters in their place. Unfortunately, every vacation island they inhabit is taken over by humans, who forcibly evict the critters. Cyrus Mudweaver, a critter determined to find a secret island resort for critters, partners with Zap, an alien who crash-lands on Earth, to hide the new resort island from humans. Cyrus also creates the Island Rescuers to keep everyone on the island safe, but one day, when a terrible storm strikes the island, Cyrus disappears, and the critters save a boy they name Itch. He becomes vital to the island’s protection as he creates the Critter Patrol team, and when he uncovers a scheme to let humans take control of their island, he plays a crucial role in saving everyone.
Itch and The Critter Patrol is a fun story that takes readers to an island where animals run wild, play, and just enjoy being themselves. It’s packed with drama, revenge, and plenty of teamwork—with some nice reminders about loyalty and looking after the planet. Billy Baldwin introduces readers to quirky characters with special skills and favorite foods. Children will learn to be environmental stewards, and through Itch’s journey, they will reflect on belonging, self-acceptance, and overcoming barriers. They will also see how unchecked resentment and power can become a threat not only to oneself but also to everyone around them. The illustrations are colorful, and they turn every scene and character into something memorable. Overall, this is a wonderful story that feels like it could easily grow into a series. If you’re looking to share stories about working together, being true to yourself, and building real friendships, this is a great pick for your family.
- Luwi Nyakansaila, Readers Favorite
Itch and the Critter Patrol
The Last Leaf
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Goodreads community reviews: 4.73 average rating
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Amazon.com: 7 five-star reviews
'My mind is blown by the strong and powerful messages contained within this book… The Last Leaf's tale comes complete with stunning illustrations which are bright and bold, just like Crinkle, and carry a theme to show that in Nature, nothing ends if it is nurtured.
I found myself smiling throughout each and every page of The Last Leaf, and recommend this book be stocked in school, home and kindergarten libraries, in order to teach self-empowerment at an early age.’
- Readers’ Favorite, Five-Star Review
The Last Leaf
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Goodreads community reviews: 4.73 average rating
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Amazon.com: 7 five-star reviews
'My mind is blown by the strong and powerful messages contained within this book… The Last Leaf's tale comes complete with stunning illustrations which are bright and bold, just like Crinkle, and carry a theme to show that in Nature, nothing ends if it is nurtured.
I found myself smiling throughout each and every page of The Last Leaf, and recommend this book be stocked in school, home and kindergarten libraries, in order to teach self-empowerment at an early age.’
- Readers’ Favorite, Five-Star Review
Cookie Island
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Amazon.com: 5 five-star reviews
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Benjamin Franklin Award 2024 GOLD - YOUNG READER: FICTION (8-12 YEARS)
'The stunning illustrations capture the essence of this charming, funny, and memorable story. Children will love this book instantly. The unique characters and lovable protagonists are adorable. The plot has amusing, sad, and riveting moments that hold the attention of young readers from beginning to end.
Find inside information on the plants that form the ingredients in cookies. Billy explains the production involved in the making of chocolate, where cinnamon comes from, and how people harvest it. Overall, this book is a gem. It has recipes of delicious cookies to bake and enjoy. It's a storybook, cookbook, all-in-one.'
- Readers’ Favorite, Five-Star Review
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Goodreads community reviews: 5.00 average rating
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Amazon.com: 4.3 average rating
I thoroughly enjoyed The Cookie That Saved Christmas and wholeheartedly recommend it to be read to and by children aged 5-12, so that they can also build wonderful memories of the Christmases in their days to come.’
- Readers’ Favorite, Five-Star Review
The Cookie That Saved Christmas
The Seven Snowflakes of Christmas
'Deventor has a small-town vibe in that everyone knows each other, rumors are plentiful, and secrets are abundant. Billy Baldwin carefully weaves threads in the background with darkness running through the town. Threats become more deadly as events unfold and Dirk becomes entangled in the nefarious ploy that Lord Rolf has planned. The tone has a lovely quirkiness that balances the darker elements with their plan to stop the bad guys. This keeps the stakes real and the danger authentic. The action moments happen quickly and waste no time in pulling you into Dirk’s world. Dirk is an engaging character who is creative, imaginative, and clever, and uses these qualities to create inventions and nose his way into trouble. Dirk Driftwood and the Orphan Cake Deception is a lovely and humorous story ideal for older children. However, the lighthearted charm, engaging mystery, and addictive quirkiness are great for any age.'
- Liz Konkel
Readers’ Favorite, Five-Star Review
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Readers’ Favorite: Five-Stars
'The Seven Snowflakes of Christmas by Billy Baldwin is a heartwarming tale of unexpected heroism and the power of the Christmas spirit. Baldwin's writing is really sweet, with a solid balance of hope and harmony that will tap into the feelings of readers of all ages. The story itself, full of adventure, moves swiftly while allowing the characters to shine through on their own, but also as a team. Liesl Bell’s illustrations are exceptional, capturing the mood of the story with a Dickensian sketch style that elevates the read. Her art is among the best I’ve encountered in years, with intricate details that bring the world to life. The book’s message of perseverance, kindness, and the importance of spreading joy is a beautiful one, reminding us all that even the smallest acts of goodness can make a difference. A delightful story that captures the true spirit of Christmas.'
- Jamie Michele
Readers’ Favorite, Five-Star Review
The Seven Snowflakes of Christmas
Wipeout The Wave
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Goodreads community reviews: 5.00 average rating
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Amazon.com: 4.4 average rating
'Billy Baldwin has made learning both fun and fantastic… I thoroughly enjoyed Wipeout the Wave and recommend it to children aged 5-12, so that they may learn to both love and enjoy the beauty of the oceans and what lies within them.’
- Readers’ Favorite, Five-Star Review
'Al has a new way of solving problems and mysteries. I enjoyed Al’s creative adventures. Billy Baldwin’s That’s Al is full of humor, as well as science... This book will help children understand their friends and classmates who solve problems differently. Highly recommended.'
-Readers' Favorite, Five-Star Review
That’s Al!
Story Glass
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National Indie Excellence Awards Winner
'...a sumptuous middle-grade fantasy… A vivid story for young readers with just the right amount of danger.’
‘Liesl Bell's wonderful and colorful illustrations breathe life into this adventure story and make the characters and the scenes vivid and palpable. The illustrations also add to the magic, whimsy, and enchantment of the story and will keep readers glued until the end… I enjoyed this book thoroughly and children will enjoy it too.’
- Readers’ Favorite
‘Children will love pouring over the intricate images of the fantasy world and the creatures that inhabit it.’
- Reader’s Choice Awards
‘...the most out-there children's Halloween book you're likely to see.’
- East Hampton Star
Orbit’s Monster Nebula
The Boy, the Mermaid, and the Storm
