Children's Literature Festival 2008
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Dr. Seuss’ Lorax may “speak for the trees,” but there are
plenty of other environmental issues with authors and literary
characters on their side, as well. The world’s top authors and illustrators who emphasize
environmental stewardship in books for children and young adults
recently gathered at Salisbury University during the Newton Marasco Foundation’s Green
Earth Book Awards ceremony, held in connection with SU’s annual
Children’s Literature Festival. The authors and illustrators,
including 2008 winners Jean Davies Okimoto, Jeremiah Trammell,
O.R. Melling, Laurie David and Cambria Gordon, signed books for
SU students, faculty and local children during a festive
environmental community fair leading up to the awards
presentation.
Authors and illustrators received their awards before a full
house which included keynote speaker Phillip Hoose, author of
the acclaimed children’s book Hey, Little Ant. Award winners
receive $2,500 plus $500 for the environmental organization of
their choice. This year’s recipients included Polar Bears
International, Ireland’s Golden Eagle Reintroduction Project and
stopglobalwarming.org.
“Through our partnership with SU and the Children’s Literature
Festival, we are able to publicly showcase and honor the writers
and illustrators whose books have earned the national Green
Earth Book Award for their promotion of environmental awareness
and stewardship for young people,” said Dr. Laura Marasco of
SU’s Seidel School of Education and Professional Studies and
Newton Marasco’s board of directors. “The respect and care
for the earth are responsibilities for all of us on this planet.”
Since 2005, the Newton Marasco Foundation has honored nine
“Green Earth” books, awarding $22,500 to 29 authors and
contributing $4,500 to environmental charities in the authors’
names.
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