I recently returned from a wonderful trip to Los Angeles to accept the 2010 FOCAL Award. The award has been given out annually for the past 32 years to an outstanding book with a California focus by the Friends of Children and Literature (which is associated with the Los Angeles Public Library). Prior to the event, I visited three wonderful schools in the LA area: Dana Middle school, Palms Middle School and the Paseo Del Ray Natural Science Magnet. I owe a big thanks to the fabulous teachers and librarians that made them possible.
The awards event was a luncheon at the excellent Border Grill, in Downtown LA. Prior to the event, students participated in essay contests, the winners received a personalized copy of Redwoods. I also sat with them at the luncheon and we talked about writing, illustrating and our favorite books. Following lunch, I gave a short presentation and accepted the award — a beautiful puppet of the main character from Redwoods! There are two copies of the puppet — one for me and another that will reside permanently in the LA Public Library; how cool is that? It was an honor to receive the award and I am especially thankful to FOCAL for arranging for my trip, and each of the school visits.