Manhattan Book Group wins Bronze for The Friendship Party in 2026 awards
Manhattan Book Group says Bernie Hayne’s picture book The Friendship Party earned Bronze in the 2026 Manhattan Book Awards. The honor highlights the book’s storytelling and gives the title added visibility in independent and hybrid publishing.
Why it matters: - Bronze recognition in the Manhattan Book Awards can help a book stand out with readers, booksellers and libraries. - The award also signals attention for independent and hybrid publishers competing for visibility in a crowded market.
What happened: - Manhattan Book Group announced that The Friendship Party by Bernie Hayne won Bronze in the 2026 Manhattan Book Awards. - The announcement was made Aug. 3, 2026. - The book is a picture book aimed at young readers.
The details: - The Manhattan Book Awards is a year-round literary recognition program for books from independent and hybrid publishers worldwide. - Titles are judged by an industry-experienced panel. - Evaluation criteria include narrative strength, originality, production quality and overall impact. - Bronze honors are reserved for books that show excellence within their genre and strong craft. - The Friendship Party centers on connection, kindness and the courage to care. - The book uses heartfelt words and illustrations to frame friendship, emotional well-being, resilience and support. - A quoted review from Kidliomag calls the book a celebration of connection and kindness and says it works well for classrooms, bedtime or sharing with a best friend.
Between the lines: - The award fits Manhattan Book Group’s broader push to promote authors and strengthen the profile of its titles. - The recognition may also help position The Friendship Party as a classroom or family discussion book focused on emotional resilience.
What's next: - Manhattan Book Group is expected to continue using its publishing services, imprints and awards program to build author visibility. - The Friendship Party may see renewed attention from readers looking for children’s books about friendship and emotional growth.
The bottom line: - The Bronze win gives The Friendship Party a credibility boost and a marketing hook in children’s publishing.
Disclaimer: This article was produced by AGP Wire with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on original source content and has been refined to improve clarity, structure, and readability. This content is provided on an “as is” basis. While care has been taken in its preparation, it may contain inaccuracies or omissions, and readers should consult the original source and independently verify key information where appropriate. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or other professional advice.
Sign up for:
Book Publisher Central
The daily local news briefing you can trust. Every day. Subscribe now.
Check Your Email!
We sent a one-time activation link to: .
Confirm it's you by clicking the email link.
If the email is not in your inbox, check spam or try again.
Welcome back!
is already signed up. Check your inbox for updates.