January 31, 2012

Rebecca Elliot receives The Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award 2011

The Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award 2011 was presented on January 19, 2012 at the Council for Exceptional Children’s Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities (DADD) international conference in Miami Beach, Florida.

In the picture book category, the awards went to Rebecca Elliott, author/illustrator of Just Because.

The Dolly Gray Award recognizes high quality fiction/biographical books for children, adolescents, and young adults that authentically portray individuals with developmental disabilities. The award was developed by the DADD in 2000 in response to a growing body of children’s literature that includes characters with developmental disabilities, and to assist in dispelling harmful myths and stereotypes portrayed in the media. Special Needs Project, a worldwide leader in the distribution of books related to disabilities, co-sponsors this award.

Fran Prezant, disability consultant, author, presenter, and Dolly Gray Award panelist notes, “Engaging books that feature people with disabilities as individuals with personalities, strengths and talents as part of the story line, have the exponential power to change attitudes and promote inclusion in education, jobs and community life. These are important, not only for young readers with and without disabilities, but for parents and teachers who read books to them and model societal attitudes through words and actions. This year, it is wonderful to see so many positive contributions to the literature choices compared to a decade ago when people with disabilities were rarely featured in positive ways if at all, in children’s books. The Dolly Gray Award has been a positive vehicle to call attention to this and authors and progressive publishers should be commended and encouraged to put more of these books into the hands of readers.”

For more information DADD website

January 31, 2012

'A Day In The Life Of...' James Davies

‘A Day In The Life Of…’ James Davies – Fantastic glimse into the life of illustrator James, the beautiful countryside that surrounds him and fuels his inspiration – not to mention the animal sanctuary he runs!

Bright Blog

January 27, 2012

The Guardian reviews A Tale Dark and Grimm, illustrated by Nelson Evergreen

A Tale Dark and Grimm tells you the true story about Hansel and Gretel. It is about a king who marries a beautiful princess. His faithful servant, Johannes, turns to stone for saving them. However, that’s not the whole story because then they have children and they cut off their heads so that Johannes will come back to life. Although that’s not where the story ends. The children then come back to life and run away to find new parents. Hansel and Gretel are then pushed around to different parents but never is one good enough.

Full Review