Henkes Nabs Educational Paperback Association Award
By SLJ Staff -- School Library Journal, 1/7/2009
Caldecott-medal winner Kevin Henkes is this year’s recipient of the Jeremiah Ludington Award, presented annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the paperback book business.
Previous winners of the annual award, named after the founder of the Educational Paperback Association (EPA), include Mary Pope Osborne, Seymour Simon, Anita Silvey, Tomie dePaola, Richard Peck, Lois Lowry, and Paula Danziger.
Henkes, who will receive a framed certificate and the EPA and a $2,500 check to the charity of his choice, will accept his award at the EPA's annual meeting in Del Rey Beach, Florida, on January 14. He has asked that his donation be sent to his local public school library at Randall Elementary School in Madison, WI.
"The EPA is thrilled to add Kevin Henkes to the list of esteemed Ludington Award recipients," says Emily Jones of Delaney Educational Enterprises, Inc., who served on this year's award committee. "As both an author/illustrator of picture books and an author of books for older children, Kevin has created wonderful books that are loved by children, parents, teachers, and librarians. We look forward to his continued success."
Henkes was awarded the 2005 Caldecott Medal for Kitten's First Full Moon and is the creator of several picture books featuring his mouse characters, including Lilly's Big Day, the New York Times bestseller Wemberly Worried, the Caldecott Honor Book Owen, and Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse.
Henkes also writes for older children. His novels include Bird Lake Moon, the Newbery Honor Book Olive's Ocean, The Birthday Room, and Sun & Spoon (all Greenwillow). He lives with his family in Madison, WI.
