A Note from Kit Pearson (CANSCAIP Member)
To my colleagues in the Canadian children’s book world:
After our beloved friend, Jean Little, died last April, Sarah Ellis and I, as well as Jean’s niece, Maggie de Vries, came up with the idea of establishing an award in Jean’s name. We decided that the most appropriate honour would be a prize for a Canadian middle grade novel by a first-time writer. Much of Jean’s writing was for the middle grades, and beginning writers need all the encouragement they can get. Jean was always an enthusiastic supporter of first-time writers. This award would both honour her long and successful career and encourage the next generation of writers following in her footsteps.
The three of us approached the Canadian Children’s Book Centre and were thrilled when they agreed to add a Jean Little Prize to their galaxy of annual book awards. We still have to work out many details, but the first step is to raise money for the award. Our hope is to fund a prize of $5000 (plus administrative costs) for a minimum of five years – maybe even longer! We would like to be able to start the prize in 2021. Perhaps by next year we’ll be able to attend an actual, in-person awards ceremony!
Please consider contributing to this exciting venture – no amount is too small! You can donate via the Canadian Children’s Book Centre website at the link below. When donating, choose “general” for the fund, and type “Jean Little Prize” in the memo box. The CCBC is a registered charity and will issue charitable donation receipts.
http://bookcentre.ca/support-us/donations
Forgive me if you receive this message twice – I’m trying to send it out to as many people as possible and it may overlap. And please feel free to share it.
Sincerely,
Kit Pearson
