Awards

The Pennsylvania Center for the Book celebrates outstanding books, authors, and literary achievement through four signature awards: The Baker’s Dozen: Thirteen Best Books for Family Literacy, The Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, The Lynd Ward Graphic Novel Prize, and Pennsylvania Great Reads from Great Places. Together, these programs recognize excellence in family literacy, children’s poetry, graphic novels, and books that reflect Pennsylvania’s rich literary heritage. By honoring exceptional literary works and connecting readers with engaging and meaningful stories, the Pennsylvania Center for the Book promotes lifelong reading, literacy, and a love of literature across the Commonwealth and beyond.

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Water Sings Blue

By Kate Coombs
Illustrated by Meilo So
Published by Chronicle Books, 2012
Young Readers

Video - Anniversary Luncheon

Water Sings Blue

Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards

Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award 2013 Winner

"All poetry is musical, but this collection really SINGS—and bellows and hums and warbles and more. Sea shanties, operas, jingles, hymns; a haiku aria here, a fishy rap there, " one judge stated. "The interdependency of the sea is wonderfully depicted in the verse, especially on the Coral, Shark, and Nudibranch trio," says another. "Push away from the shore with the first poem in this collection and return with the tides at the end." And, "The swirling watercolors and book design (the whale and shipwreck page) are the perfect gorgeous accompaniment."