The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art announced the winners of its annual Carle Honors, which recognize “individuals whose creative vision and dedication are an inspiration to everyone who values picture books and their role in arts education and literacy.”
The Artist Honor went to Raúl Colón, the illustrator known for his books Draw! and Imagine!, and his artwork in books such as Julia Alvarez’s Already a Butterfly and David Zeltser’s The Night Library.
“Throughout his distinguished career, Colón has inspired readers and illustrators alike with his exceptional artistry, unique techniques, and powerful stories of people who never give up on their dreams,” the museum said in a news release.
The Angel Honor was given to Every Child a Reader, the nonprofit group that sponsors programs like Children’s Book Week and the Children’s and Teen Choice Book Awards.
Patricia Aldana was given the Mentor Honor. Aldana is the founder of Groundwood Books and the publisher of Aldana Libros, an imprint of Greystone Kids.
The Bridge Honor went to rare book dealers Dennis M. V. David and Justin G. Schiller, who were cited for playing “behind-the-scenes roles as builders of many of the field’s major research collections.”
The honorees will get a chance to celebrate next year, at a ceremony slated for the fall in New York.
Michael Schaub is a Texas-based journalist and regular contributor to NPR.
