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.
4 Comments
Jason, this is terrific!! It was so great to meet you and listen to your remarks. Thanks for giving the FOCAL Award some notoreity on your website!!!
Jason,
Our students and teachers at Paseo Del Rey are asking when you can come back to share your next book. All three library copies of Redwoods are checked out all the time. Hope you and your family are doing well. Please come back next school year!
Best wishes,
Carol Raby
Jason–I feel lucky to have been at the presentation of an author/illustrator who is clearly a fast-rising star in the field. Your next book looks amazing too. Hurrah, and thanks for the nice works about FOCAL, an all-volunteer effort that I’m glad to see you too think does good work.
The Palms MS sixth grade students and art classes, who experienced your presentation, are still talking about your visit, continuing to checking out our several copies of REDWOODS and already asking for your next book. Equally thrilled were the four students who designed the centerpieces for the FOCAL Award luncheon and then attended. Your illustrated FOCAL Award acceptance speech is still receiving rave reviews from the FOCAL members.
Thanks so very much!
Caroline Gill, FOCAL President and Palms MS Teacher Librarian