February 2026 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) is thrilled to announce that four IVP titles have received 2026 Illumination Book Awards. The honored titles include Front Porch Wisdom, Charlie Can’t Sleep!, Abigail and the Waterfall, and Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World.
The Illumination Christian Book Awards celebrate the best new Christian books from both independent and traditional publishers. The awards recognize outstanding works that thoughtfully explore faith, Scripture, and spiritual themes in today’s world.
Front Porch Wisdom: Navigating Leadership Pressures and Barriers as a Woman of Color by Froswa’ Booker-Drew was named a 2026 Outstanding Book of the Year by the Illumination Book Awards. Front Porch Wisdom is a powerful guide for women of color navigating the complex landscapes of leadership. With wisdom accumulated from a lifetime of leadership and community engagement, Dr. Booker-Drew offers a safe and reflective space for thinking, learning, and growing as a leader.
“It was a tremendous joy to work with Froswa’ Booker-Drew on Front Porch Wisdom!” said Nilwona Nowlin, IVP’s associate trade editor. “Drawing from the well of her faith, business acumen, and lived experiences, Booker-Drew created a book that readers have described as a ‘balm.’ Yet it’s so much more. In a world where women of color continue to be simultaneously ignored and exploited, Booker-Drew reminds us that God sees us and that we are precious in God’s sight. This book is both a balm and a research-based, ‘pocket-sized’ leadership coach.”
Front Porch Wisdom is also an ECPA Top Shelf Book Cover Award winner.
Charlie Can’t Sleep! Trusting God When You’re Afraid of the Dark by Rachel Joy Welcher won a gold medal in the Christian Children’s Book category. Beautifully illustrated by Breezy Brookshire, this bedtime story not only acknowledges a child’s fear but also equips them with a comforting biblical approach to tackle it. Charlie Can’t Sleep! reassures little ones that even in the quiet, scary moments, God sees them, hears their prayers, and stays by their side.
Charlie Can’t Sleep! is also the recipient of a 2026 Independent Press Award and a 2025 Moonbeam Book Award.
Abigail and the Waterfall: Loving God’s Good Earth, written by parent and university professor Sandra L. Richter, won a silver medal in the Children’s Picture Book category. Brought to life with illustrations by Michael Corsini, this story follows Abigail and her family as they hike through the lush landscapes of Appalachia. On their adventure, Abigail encounters fascinating animals, marvels at a big, beautiful waterfall, and learns about caring for creation. Abigail and the Waterfall is an invitation for families to discuss what the Bible says about caring for the environment, animals, and the beautiful world around us.
Sandra L. Richter (PhD, Harvard University) is the Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College. She is best known in the church for The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament, the video courses that have grown from that project, and Stewards of Eden: What Scripture Says About the Environment and Why It Matters.
Abigail and the Waterfall is also an Independent Press Award winner.
Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World: God Hears Every Prayer, written by Helen Lee and illustrated by Shin Maeng, won a bronze medal in the Children’s Picture Book category. This book follows Kaylee and her grandfather, Halbi, as they read the morning newspaper. While reading they look for ways to pray for the children of the world. Featuring a Korean American family, this story gently guides children to recognize the brokenness in our world and to turn their hearts to God with the assurance that He hears every prayer—even when words feel hard to find.
Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World is also a SOLA Network’s 2025 Asian American Book Awards winner, a recipient of a 2025 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, and winner of a 2026 Independent Press Award.
For a complete list of IVP award winners visit ivpress.com/award-winners.
Contact: Anna Tjernstrom, atjernstrom@ivpress.com
