Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award announced

The Children's Book Award Committee has selected the 2008 Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla award winner, "Rabbit’s Gift: A Fable from China." Written by George Shannon and illustrated by Laura Dronzek, the book emphasizes the importance of friendship, community, and sharing. The warm, beautiful illustrations are a perfect complement to the story. Both the author and illustrator of this year’s book have significant Wisconsin ties. George Shannon lived in Eau Claire for many years, and Laura Dronzek lives in Madison.

The committee also named seven titles as exemplary of Outstanding Achievement in Children’s Literature:

"The Silenced" by James DeVita
"The Perfect Nest" by Catherine Friend
"The OK Book" illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
"Babies Can’t Eat Kimchee!" Written and illustrated by Susan L. Roth
"Terrible Storm" illustrated by S.D. Schindler
"Circle the Truth" by Pat Schmatz
"Keeping Corner" by Kashmira Sheth


The Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla award is given annually for excellence in children’s literature to a book by a book creator with Wisconsin ties. The award is named for Elizabeth Burr, who made outstanding and important contributions to library services for young people during her 27 years of service in Wisconsin, and Worzalla Publishing Company, which funds the award through a grant to the WLA Foundation.

WAPL 2007: Never stand behind a sneezing cow

Wisconsin author Michael Perry entertained a full-house crowd at the Thursday luncheon.

Perry, whose new book is Truck: a Love Story, showed why he is in high demand as a library speaker. His remarks and readings showed him to be a gifted wordsmith as well as a family man, nurse, poet, raconteur, down-to-earth intellectual and a pretty funny guy.

He talked about his love for libraries and reading, recalling how his mother had taught him to value the time sitting quietly with a book, and remembering childhood trips to the library. Attendees also learned valuable lessons on many topics, including lambing, chickens and Ford F150s.

Perry's website is www.sneezingcow.com