January is the month for awards. It is the month of red carpets, beautiful gowns, and shiny trophies (as we like to think of literary awards...) It is the month where we congratulate each other, pat one another on the back, and at the same time pray that we will have more award-winners, more books on 'Best of' and recommended lists.
This year marks the 5th anniversary for TOON Books. Looking back, we're proud to see the many awards we've received from the start. Three of our books have won or have been honor books for the prestigious Theodore Seuss Geisel Award: Benny and Penny in the Big No No! by Geoffrey Hayes, Little Mouse Gets Ready by Jeff Smith, and Stinky by Eleanor Davis.
That said, our hunger for awards is even stronger this year, as we look at what we've accomplished.
This year marked one of our most successful yet! In 2012, our frontlist of 7 books has received starred reviews in both Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal, tributes from The New York Times, and been named to several "best of" lists.
So how do you come in?
The most important thing is getting our name out there. Talk about us, tweet about us, facebook about us. Let the world know that TOON is a force to be reckoned with!
Share this blog post with your friends and family.
If you are a judge or influential member of an awards committee that is considering our books, let us know and we will send hard copies your way!
If you know a judge or any influential member of an awards committee, ask if they know the TOON Books. Let us know if you think we should send copies their way...
And, if you’re a reviewer, make sure we have your up-to-date information so that we can continue to send you advance copies of our line-up. If you're not sure you're on our list, send a quick email to me, Emily, at:
eev.toon@gmail.com
and we'll get right back to you. If you have requested and received a review copy, make sure to post your review(s) in as many places as you can, on your blog and in gathering places for readers such as Goodreads and Amazon.
Help TOON get the attention it deserves. Help us continue to change the world through comics.
Praise the 2012 titles have already gathered:
The Shark King by R. Kikuo Johnson
A Junior Library Guild Selection, Greater Boston Jewish Coalition for Literacy “Book of the Month”
A New York Times review, as part of a round-up on books for dads and kids
A Trip to the Bottom of the World by Frank Viva
Starred review in Publisher's Weekly
A New York Times review
Named as one of 100 Scope Notes' Fall 2012 '10 to Note'
The Secret of the Stone Frog by David Nytra
Named to the New York Public Library's 2012 List of 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
A graphic review in the New York Times
Starred review in Kirkus Reviews
Starred review in Publisher's Weekly
Maya Makes a Mess by Rutu Modan
Named to the Autumn 2012 Kids' Indie Next List
Fingers crossed... We're hoping the list will only keep growing. We're counting on your help and support. Thank you!