Thank you, Mockingbird Committee and the Students of Abilene

June 17, 2009

Last Friday, I was here at home having lunch with two writer friends when the UPS man placed a large, slightly heavy package on my doorstep. When I opened it . . .

I found a beauitful bronze cast statue - The Mockingbird Award. Each year the Mockingbird Committee, comprised of elementary and early childhood librarians, reads and reviews many picture books. They then select twenty titles that go on a list. Students in the Abilene Independent School District in grades K-2 read or hear these books and then vote for their favorites. To learn more about this process, visit their website: http://www.abileneisd.org/mockingbird

This year - 2009 - FRANKIE STEIN is the winner. Hurray for Frankie! More importantly, CONGRATULATIONS to the librarians, teachers and students who participate and encourage one another to value books and become life-long readers. I wish that I could take full credit for the creation of this book, but I can't. Kevan Atteberry's bold art is the life-blood of this monster-boy. And we were both fortunate to work with Margery Cuyler and the talented staff at Marshall Cavendish to publish Frankie's story.

Even though the statue is definitely one of the most handsome literary awards given to authors of children's books, it's the honor that goes with the award that is humbling. My words and Kevan's art found an appreciative audience in Abilene. The book entertained and excited student readers. That's the reason I write and Kevan illustrates. The connection with kids is the best reward of all.

Needless to say, it was difficult to convince my friends that the delivery of this award during our luncheon was not planned or staged. Even if I had tried (which I didn't), it couldn't have worked out better. Sharing one of these celebrations with kindred spirits is GREAT!