A Giveaway, and Honor, and an Apology

THE APOLOGY

It’s been a very long time since I’ve written a blog post – and for that, I apologize! I’ve been busy with books (hooray!), with education summits, with homework and a new house and so many wonderful and stressful, mundane and magical things. The blog has definitely been on the back burner. If you want to keep up with more frequent, but less wordy, news and thoughts from my point of view, I’d love to connect on Twitter or Instagram.  You can also find much more about my books and writing at www.kateyhowes.com.

THE HONOR

I’m completely blown away to share this news with you! My debut picture book, Grandmother Thorn,  has been named a 2018 Anna Dewdney Read-Together Honor Book by the Children’s Book Council and Every Child a Reader! According to the press release, this award is given to a picture book “that is both a superb read-aloud and also sparks compassion, empathy, and connection. The award commemorates the life and work of author/illustrator Anna Dewdney, and celebrates her commitment to reading with young children and putting books into as many little hands as possible.”  This year’s winning book is the superb AFTER THE FALL by Dan Santat, and the four honor books are “Be a Friend, written and illustrated by Salina Yoon (Bloomsbury USA Children’s); Bunny Slopes, written and illustrated by Claudia Rueda (Chronicle Books); Come With Me, by Holly M. McGhee; illustrated by Pascal Lemâitre (Penguin / G.P. Putnam’s); and Grandmother Thorn, by Katey Howes; illustrated by Rebecca Hahn (Ripple Grove Press).”

I’d like to thank the committee, the CBC, and the family and friends of Anna Dewdney, whose work is an inspiration to me. I cannot think of a greater compliment than to be told my book is a superb read aloud and sparks compassion, empathy and connection. That’s truly all I’ve really wanted my writing to do and be! And when I look at the other books honored, and so many other books I read in the last year that also do these very things so well, I am even more amazed and grateful. Just wow! I highly recommend you check out all these titles from your library and read them out loud with a child (or two or 20.)

AND THE GIVEAWAY

Fleur de Liftoff dress by Princess Awesome: photo property of Princess Awesome

One of my very favorite clothing companies for kids has started a book club that features girl-powered reads. I’m super-jumptastic over-the moon-thrilled to share that the  Princess Awesome Book Club Pick this month is MAGNOLIA MUDD AND THE SUPER JUMPTASTIC LAUNCHER DELUXE!!! Head over to their site to find girls’ clothes that move the conversation from “you look pretty” to “do you like rockets?” and to enter this awesome giveaway. Winner will receive a Fleur-de-Lift-Off dress, a copy of the book, and a Stomp Rocket Junior Glow kit! Perfect for anyone who likes rockets more than ribbons. The video book review is simply amazing!

 

All this excitement is making my head spin! Or maybe that’s the staying-up-too-late this week (husband out of town, worrying about 3rd grade mean girls and seventh grade report cards, new episode of Call the Midwife to stream…you know how it is.) But spinning, sleeping, writing, reading, or whatever I’m up to, please know that I’m so happy and blessed to have you  – my friends, my readers, my support and my community – in my ever-changing life.  Thank you all!