2013 SCBWI Crystal Kite Winner Kim Baker
Yesterday on facebook, Seattle illustrator and author Jaime Temairik reminded folks that Kim Baker, Seattle author, won the 2013 Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) Crystal Kite Award for the West for her middle-grade novel, Pickle. (There are 15 divisions forged out of the 70 SCBWI regions around the world. “West” encompasses the Pacific Northwest.)
Here’s some information from the SCBWI about the Crystal Kite Award (given in late April):
The SCBWI Crystal Kite Awards recognize great books from the 70 SCBWI regions around the world. Each regional chapter was assigned to one of 15 divisions and the membership in each division voted for their favorite book published by an SCBWI member that year. “The SCBWI
is pleased to reward excellence in children’s books,” President Stephen Mooser stated. “These awards honor authors from our many regions and help bring worthy books into the spotlight.”
The Crystal Kite Awards are a regional complement of the annual SCBWI Golden Kite Award which are given in 4 children’s literature categories. Both awards are unique as they are chosen by other writers and illustrators, making them the only peer-given awards in publishing for young readers. “Like the Golden Kite Awards, the Crystal Kites are selected by peers—authors and artists working in the children’s book field,” SCBWI Executive Director Lin Oliver commented. “That makes them unique and especially satisfying to receive.”
Jaime Temairik, illustrator, author, awesome supporter
I love that Jaime’s post 1) reminds me of an award that may be under-appreciated, 2) gives me another great thing to say about one of my favorite chapter books to recommend for kids in grades 3-6, and 3) proves the supportive book people culture in the northwest.
For more about Kim Baker and Pickle (including Kim’s bibliography of funny books), see Kim’s website.
