Light in the Forest, written and illustrated by East Coast–based artist and author Holly Carr, tied for GOLD in the “Picture Book—All Ages” category.

Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards launched in 2007 with the goal to focus on children’s books that inspire children to read, learn, and dream. The awards recognize how extremely important it is to inspire children and wanted to create an award for authors to honour their efforts. The award focuses on bringing attention to outstanding children’s books and their creators to celebrate reading.

Holly Carr was inspired to create this picture book of beautiful silk paintings of various woodland animals to help children with fear and anxiety because her own son struggled with anxiety as a child. She wanted to create a book that taught children that even though the darkness can seem scary, the light will always shine through. Carr illustrated the book, using the contrast of dark and light in her pictures to showcase how overactive imaginations can turn anything into fear and anxiety; she cautions children to remember that not everything is as it seems. “Do not be afraid. I am not afraid” serves as a mantra throughout the book.

Carr’s inspiring book is for children of any age who are afraid of the dark or who suffer from anxiety. Light in the Forest allows children to see that it’s okay to be afraid or unsure, but there is always something safe to see in the light. Her beautifully drawn illustrations add an additional form of comfort for the child as they read.

To see the full list of the 2021 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award winners, click here.

For more information or to purchase Light in the Forest, click here.