Sunday, February 15, 2009

A Huge Honor


The boys and girls of the Marguerite E. Peaslee School sent me a wonderful letter this week. If you can't read it, here is what it says:

Dear Mr. Hendrix-

Guess what! Your book, Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek, won the Peasleecott Award in Mrs. Farrell/Mrs. Mara's class and is going into the final round! It is like the Caldecott Medal except it is picked by children instead of grown-ups. We chose your book as having the most distinguished illustrations in a children's book. Why not have kids pick the "Caldecott Medal"; it is a children's book. It is picked by children at Peaslee School. We liked your illustrations because you did something extra like painting your hand in the picture and adding signs.

Sincerely,
Your Friends



Truly, I've never received a better award in my entire life. After reading this giant letter in my living room, I realized that winning those big industry awards are totally meaningless unless these books get read by kids who love them. Forget the real Caldecott medals, if kids send me letters like this one, giant or not, I won't have any other aspirations for my work.

Thanks to Mrs. Farrell and Mrs. Mara's second grade class!

5 comments:

Jenn Jilks said...

How delightful! I don't miss teaching much, but miss the students!

palma tayona said...

aaaw... that is awesome. i bumped into your blog from Kyle webster and i am enjoying every post you've done.

great work. ahluvthem. :-)

Paul Hoppe said...

Congrats John, that's very rewarding!

John Hendrix said...

I sent them a small piece of original art to hang on their library walls from the book. Thanks everyone!

abbiegrace said...

What an honor!