Patricia Gallagher Picture Book Award

During my work in Bellview library, I continually learn about reading programs and awards. My latest discovery is the Patricia Gallagher Picture Book Award. Voting is currently open and continues until April 30.

This year’s nominees are:

• The Buffalo Storm, written by Katherine Applegate and illustrated by Jan Ormerod
• Flight of the Honey Bee, written by Raymond Huber and illustrated by Brian Lovelock
• Imogene’s Last Stand, written by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
• Martina: The Beautiful Cockroach, written by Carmen Agra Deedy and illustrated by Michael Austin
• See What a Seal Can Do, written by Chris Butterworth and illustrated by Kate Nelms

This award is overseen by the Oregon Reading Association. It is named in honor of Patricia Gallagher, a woman who loves reading and spent many years imparting that love to children.

With its emphasis on picture books, I think this award especially suitable for younger readers and in an email message, I directed Bellview staff’s attention to the Patricia Gallagher award.

The books are chosen for their “innate appeal to children,” their quality text and illustrations and working well as a read-aloud (that’s according to an informational flier about this year’s nominees).

Imogene’s Last Stand and Martina: The Beautiful Cockroach are available in Bellview library. Flight of the Honey Bee and See What a Seal Can Do can be accessed through Jackson County Library Services. Ballots are available in Bellview library and can be placed in the “VOTE” box on the circulation counter.

I asked Bellview staff that if any of these titles are in Bellview classrooms, to please highlight them with your students.

If you conduct an election in-class, you can report the results to Karen Antikajian (kantikajian@cvcable.net). The deadline is May 1 to submit your classroom’s votes. Please include the total votes for each title and the school and grade levels that voted.