this week i learned that the picture book i illustrated, "hot, hot roti for dada-ji" took home the honor title in the picture book category from the APALA (asian/pacific american librarians association)
the 'honor' title is generally considered the runner up status or recognizing a work of merit.
in fact, for the children's publishing industry, monday was their 'oscars' in that ALA (american librarians association) handed out a slew of awards to celebrate the works of many authors and illustrators in a number of categories.
so to be given this title is a very humbling and flattering thing.
but let's not think this award mine alone, it acknowledges both the literary as well as the artistic achievement. it very much is a team collaboration. and, of course, that starts with the lyrical words of author f. zia, who conceived this charming story to give to her grandchildren. my editor jennifer fox whose guiding hand brought this project together and a tip of the hat to art director scott myles. they were so terrific to work with and i especially enjoyed hanging out with scott talking about the book and going over the designs and layouts over lunch at bob's big boy restaurant here in LA. (get the chili spaghetti- thems good eatin')
also want to say thank you to lee & low books for taking a chance on a couple of newbies to the field.
i raise a glass and toast you all.
Freakin' awesome, Ken. Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji is one of my top five picture books for 2011! I was going to post a "Best of Year of the Rabbit" list last weekend; I didn't realize all the awards were getting announced Monday. Now I won't get to say I found you first!!
Posted by: Rita | January 25, 2012 at 02:10 PM
Congrats buddy! Very proud of you. And how 'bout that chili spaghetti, eh?! :)
Posted by: Ryan Astamendi | February 09, 2012 at 12:36 AM