Our Awards.
Celebrating Stories That Make an Impact
We are honored to share the recognition our books have received. Each award is a reminder of the heart, hard work, and authenticity that go into every page. These achievements reflect not only our love for storytelling and agriculture, but the amazing readers and communities who support Dairy Diaries.
2026-2027 School Year Wisconsin's Agriculture in the Classroom Award
The Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Book of the Year annual award honors a children’s book that shares the accurate story of how Wisconsin food and fiber is grown, raised, processed, packed, and produced. The Book of the Year program began in the 1990s, and has evolved to include supporting STEM activities, lesson extensions, and inspires the 4th and 5th grade essay contest themes.
In Spring of 2026 Big Farms, Little Farms was entered into a March Mania Book Bracket and with the help of our community won the event! This year as the winning book this is what we get to do during the 26-27 School year!
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Read-alouds in elementary classrooms tied to literacy and science standards
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Launch point for STEM-based agriculture lessons and activities
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Integrated into food systems, nutrition, and farm-to-school education
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Inspiration for Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom’s 4th and 5th grade essay contest themes. Over 1,200 students participate in the contest every year.
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Paired with ready-to-use lesson plans and extension activities developed by AITC
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2025 Purple Dragonfly Award
In 2025, my books received a meaningful honor in the Purple Dragonfly Awards, a prestigious contest dedicated exclusively to children’s books. The awards celebrate outstanding stories across many formats — including print, audiobooks, and eBooks — and are recognized as a trusted mark of excellence by both parents and educators.
I was thrilled to learn that Big Farms, Little Farms earned Honorable Mention in Animals/Pets and Best Illustrations. In addition, Rosco’s Sweet Treats received Honorable Mention in the Animals/Pets category.
Being recognized in a competition designed to highlight quality children’s literature was incredibly encouraging. The Purple Dragonfly seal represents creativity, educational value, and storytelling that connects with young readers — and having both books acknowledged reinforced my mission to share authentic farm stories with families and children everywhere.
2024 Story Monsters Approved Winners
May 1st, 2025
We’re incredibly proud that both Rosco’s Sweet Treats and Big Farms, Little Farms were named Story Monsters Approved winners in 2024!
Rosco’s Sweet Treats
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Early Reader Nonfiction
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New Author Nonfiction
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Illustrations
Big Farms, Little Farms
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Early Reader Nonfiction
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New Author Nonfiction
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Illustrations
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Education
The Story Monsters Approved book program honors children’s books that inspire, inform, teach, or entertain.
What makes this award so special?
✩ Books are judged on their own merit—not against each other
✩ Children help judge the books—meaning these awards reflect real approval from the kids they’re written for!
When you see the Story Monsters Seal of Approval, it means young readers are recommending these books to their peers. We’re honored to earn that trust and excited to keep sharing stories that connect children to real farm life.
