One of the best things about belonging to an organization that supports reading, books, and publishing is the ability to honor those we feel who go above and beyond.Our Pannell Award, which recognizes independent bookstores that “enhance their communities by bringing exceptional creativity to foster a love of reading in their young patrons,” is one way we are able to acknowledge our admiration and respect. It is with great pleasure that we, the New York City Chapter wish to extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s winners:
4 Kids Books & Toysof Zionsville, Indiana
Children’s Specialty Store Category
Devaney Doak and Garrett Booksellersof Farmington, Maine
General Bookstore Category
The award, co-sponsored by Penguin Young Readers Group was established in 1983 and is given annually at BookExpo America’s Children’s Book and Author Breakfast. It comes with a $1,000 check and a piece of original art from a children’s book illustrator. The nominations, submitted by customers, sales reps, and personnel, are reviewed by a panel of judges. The Pannell Award jurors in 2014 were Cheryl Willis Hudson, v-p and editorial director of Just Us Books; Andrew Karre, editorial director of Carolrhoda, an imprint of the Lerner Publishing Group; Lisa von Drasek, curator of Children’s Literature Research Collections, University of Minnesota; Emma D.Dryden, children’s editorial and publishing consultant; and Kelli Chipponeri, executive editor of children’s books at Chronicle Books. “This year my selections were influenced by the bookstores that are the epicenters of their communities,” said Chipponeri. “Outreach that these booksellers do, with little resources and support, makes them, not only cultural touch points for the people who shop at their stores, but promote reading, art, and education (as well as other ideas that feed the mind and soul) in communities.”
For those of you attending BEA this year, particularly the breakfast, I hope you will raise a glass and help us toast these two great stores. Take a look at Publishers Weekly and Book Web’s coverage of the award.
