Set to end 2014 on another high note, BPG's titles "The Last Akaway" and "The Silver Rings," are among a selected group of books nominated for the Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards). According to the organization's website, "The Cybils Awards aims to recognize the children's and young adult authors and illustrators whose books combine the highest literary merit and popular appeal." To support this mission, the Cybils Awards' first round of nominations are made by the public and unaffiliated with publishers or publicists. Both BPG titles were nominated in that first round.
In October, author and illustrator Sam Valentino was awarded a prestigious Moonbeam Children's Book Gold Award for "The Silver Rings." It was the first book he authored. Valentino also illustrated "The Last Akaway," which won a 2014 eLit Award in May and a 2013 Moonbeam Children's Book Bronze Award. Geared toward a middle grades audience, "The Last Akaway" is the first book in Gary Karton's Brody Boondoggle trilogy.
Valentino's inspiration comes from the stories he creates and reads to his three children. According to the Boston-area author, "As a dad who loves to tell his family stories, I wanted to make The Silver Rings something kids and their parents could enjoy together. The Cybils Awards are very important to me because it was the public - other parents and families - who nominated my work."
BPG Founder and CEO Richard Lena also noted the significance of the public's nominations. "Our team is focused on creating books that encourage children to want to read," says Lena adding, "for educators, parents, and others tasked with engaging our next generation in literature, to recognize this in our children's books is a distinct honor."
A team of judges will review all nominations. Finalists for the Cybils Awards will be announced on January 1, 2015. A second panel of judges will select winners, who will be announced on February 14, 2015.
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