Moonbeam Children's Book Awards

Bronze it is! We are thrilled that the judges have honored "The Mysterious Jamestown Suitcase" in this prestigious new children's book contest. We know how much our readers like the series, but it is always exciting to have judges recognize the value of the books. We were on Sanibel Island in Florida when we got the word about the award.

In addition to reading (a favorite vacation activity), I had two book signings during our trip (one at the Peace River Center for Writers in Punta Gorda, where we saw many friends), and another on Sanibel. I also had a wonderful day at Sanibel School, meeting with grades three through eight. The students were fun and had great questions. They really liked my new rubber chicken that squawks and crows (read book 4--there are rubber chickens).

We took long walks on the beach, picked up shells, and saw dolphin, and more birds than we can ever remember during our visits. The sky and beach were full of them.

Now we're back. The bear has returned to our Virginia neighborhood. Fall is here. We still need rain. I will be at Touch of Fusion in Mineral from 2-4 on Friday, Sweet Creations in Mineral from 11-2 on Saturday, and the Mineral Kids fair from 3-6 on Saturday (behind the fire house). On Tuesday, I will be at Chelsea Jo's from 6-9. And, I'll be in Arlington at the Library at 2 p.m. Nov. 17. More on later.

More Great News--another award

I just found out that "The Mysterious Jamestown Suitcase," book 4, is a semifinalist in the Moonbeam Awards for children's books in the Pre-Teen fiction category. Competition was and is stiff--there are seven semifinalists in this group, and the winners will be recognized at an awards luncheon Nov. 3 in Chicago. The book will get at least a bronze medal, but of course, Sugar and Bailey (and the rest of us) are hoping for gold or silver. We are thrilled to have reached this point in a a national contest. The awards are made by the Jenkins Group and Independent Publisher Online. According to the Web site, the Moonbean Children's Book Awards honor the year's best children's books, authors and illustrators. "A total of 862 entries were received in 45 states, 6 Canadian provinces and 7 countries oversees."

I am often asked which of the books is my favorite, and I can't really say. I love the characters in each. As we prepare No Sisters Sisters Club ready for a second printing, I am again caught up in the drama of that story.

Being recognized with medals and awards for three books so far is very exciting. But knowing the reaction that young readers have to my books, and how engaged even reluctant readers have become, is just as important. Having kids love reading is what it is about!