Sleeping Bear Press' Memoirs of a Tortoise Wins the 2023 Texas Bluebonnet Award
Sleeping Bear Press’ Memoirs of a Tortoise Wins the 2023 Texas Bluebonnet Award
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Sleeping Bear Press is thrilled to announce that Memoirs of a Tortoise written by Devin Scillian and illustrated by Tim Bowers is the recipient of the 2023 Texas Bluebonnet Award.
The Texas Bluebonnet Award is one of the oldest and most prestigious children’s choice literary awards in the country. Over 70,000 students across the state of Texas, all in third through sixth grade, were tasked with reading five books from the 2022- 2023 Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List in order to vote.
In this beautifully illustrated book, Oliver the tortoise has shared life with his human, Ike, for over 80 years—they are practically twins! They both enjoy the slowness of the garden, cool water from the hose on a hot day, and a nice slice of honeydew melon. But when Ike stops visiting the garden, Oliver wonders why his pet human has left him so soon and he goes looking for answers to life’s big questions. This tender story reminds us to cherish all the days we have with our pets and loved ones.
Congratulations to Devin Scillian and Tim Bowers for this incredible achievement. They will officially be presented the award at the Texas Library Association 2023 Annual Conference on Friday, April 21.
Devin Scillian is an award-winning author, broadcast journalist, and musician. He presently anchors the news for WDIV-TV in Detroit. In addition to Memoirs of a Tortoise, Devin is the author of over 20 books for Sleeping Bear Press. Devin lives in Michigan with his family. Find out more about Devin at www.devinscillian.com.
Tim Bowers has illustrated more than 50 children’s books, including 11 with Sleeping Bear Press. Tim’s artwork has been included in the Society of Illustrators Annual Art Exhibition and the S.I. Humor Exhibition, as well as featured in children’s magazines, used on a wide variety of products, and appeared on hundreds of greeting cards. Tim lives with his family in Granville, Ohio. Find out more about Tim at www.timbowers.com.
Deeply committed to its mission of providing books that engage, entertain, and educate, Sleeping Bear Press’ award-winning books provide opportunities for children to explore the world in educational, library, and home settings.
To arrange for an interview or feature, email carrlee.craig@sleepingbearpress.com.