WINNER of the 2025 SCBWI SPARK Award for excellence in a children’s book published through a non-traditional publishing route.
Maggie Keefe’s uplifting new picture book celebrates bravery, adventure, and the joy of trying again.
A delightful story that helps children see that every scrape and stumble is a badge of courage earned through exploration and growth.
Written by Maggie Keefe
Illustrated by Vaughan Duck
Text & Illustrations copyright © 2025 Margaret Keefe
2025 Winner SCBWI SPARK Award
2026 Finalist in the Readers’ Favorite Book Awards
Category: Children – Preschool
Available online from Amazon US and Amazon AU
| Book Details | ||||
| Format | Pages | Size (w x h) | ISBN | RRP |
| Hardback | 32 | 8.5 x 11 Inches | 979-8992510904 | $29.27 USD |
| Paperback | 32 | 8.5 x 11 Inches | 979-8992510911 | $15.99 USD |
| eBook | 32 | ePub | 979-8992510928 | $3.99 USD |
REVIEWS
Reviewed by Diana Helentjaris for Readers’ Favorite
The little girl starring in Maggie Keefe’s picture book, 5 Different Boo-Boos, has a rough week. On Monday, she scratches her knee while tree climbing. On Tuesday, she falls off her scooter. For five days, it’s one minor injury after another. But the child in this book sets a good example. As a retired public health physician, my heart warmed to see her respond with age-appropriate actions. She wears a bike helmet, puts on her own band-aid, spends time with her dad, and knows that the minor boo-boos of childhood heal. She shows us what resilience and family support can look like. Vaughn Duck’s illustrations in 5 Different Boo-Boos are lively and vibrant. The characters reflect multiple races and ethnicities.
Maggie Keefe has written 5 Different Boo-Boos entirely in rhyme. It is done in the little girl’s voice, using simple but charming language. Keefe keeps the message positive and very much in tune with the needs of picture-book-age children and their parents. For them, scrapes, bumps, and bruises are a familiar part of the landscape. Keefe confirms their ability to respond to this normal part of growing up. She also presents a multicultural world where fathers are actively involved with their children. The illustrations support the story. They are full of action as well as the pet dogs, stuffed toys, and playgrounds familiar to little ones. Children will be able to find reflections of their lives in the poetry and images. Those with little ones in the boo-boo age range will appreciate having Maggie Keefe’s 5 Different Boo-Boos to share with them.
Vaughan Duck 