The Last Day Julian was My Best Friend is a 2025 Crystal Kite Award Winner!

 Friends,

I'm so thrilled to share that The Last Day Julian was My Best Friend has been recognized by my author, illustrator, and publishing industry friends from the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) with a Crystal Kite Award!

The award is for "outstanding books created by SCBWI members across fifteen international regions." It's unique because this award is peer-voted, making it "a meaningful accolade within the children's book community." https://shorturl.at/wNkiR

I'm delighted to share this award with the amazing illustrator of the book, Joanne Lew-Vriethoff, who so meaningfully brought Anthony and Julian's story to life, my brilliant editor, Marilyn Brigham, and my  publisher Two Lions.

I couldn't be happier!

Jody

Creep, Leap, Crunch! A Food Chain Story is a 2026 Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award nominee!

Friends! Exciting news!

Creep, Leap, Crunch! A Food Chain Story, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal, published by Knopf Books for Young Readers/PRH, is a 2026 Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award nominee! 

Yes, THE Bill Martin Jr...of Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom fame!

My kindergarten teacher Mom would be thrilled! 

From the Emporia State University Teachers' College website:

"The Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award promotes an appreciation of quality literature in young children across Kansas. The award is named for Kansas native and ESU alumni Bill Martin Jr. the internationally renowned author best known for his classic text Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do you See?

The Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award was established in 1996 by the Kansas Reading Association. Since March 2018, the award became a state-wide award presented by Emporia State University. The award aims to promote an appreciation of quality literature in young children across Kansas. The award is named for Bill Martin Jr., American educator and author of more than 300 children's books.

Each year, the titles are suggested by teachers, parents, communities and librarians. A committee chooses nominations from the list of suggested titles."

And the other nominees? Brilliant. What a thrill! 

Thanks, as always, for your support of my books.

Best,

Jody