Congratulations to Paul Harbridge who has won the Ezra Jack Keats Award for OUT INTO THE BIG WIDE LAKE (Tundra Books) in the Writer category! The Ezra Jack Keats Award is given annually to a writer and an illustrator early in their careers whose work celebrates a broad spectrum of childhood experiences.
About OUT INTO THE BIG WIDE LAKE:
An empowering and necessary picture book about a young girl with Down syndrome who gains confidence and independence through a visit to her grandparents.
It’s Kate’s first time visiting her grandparents on her own at their lakeside home. She’s nervous but excited at the adventure ahead.
She helps her grandfather with his grocery deliveries by boat, where she meets all the neighbors, including a very grumpy old man named Walter. And she makes best friends with her grandparents’ dog, Parbuckle.
Her grandmother even teaches her to pilot the boat all by herself!
When her grandfather takes ill suddenly, it’s up to Kate — but can she really make all those deliveries, even to grumpy old Walter? She has to try!
Based on the author’s sister, Kate is a lovable, brave, smart and feisty character who will capture your heart in this gorgeous and moving story about facing fears and gaining independence.
Paul Harbridge is the author of the beloved and award-winning picture book When the Moon Comes, Helena’s Voyage and several published short stories. A graduate of the University of Toronto, he works as a speech-language pathologist with adults with developmental disabilities. He and his wife, Isabel, live in Etobicoke, Ontario, and are the proud parents of Daniel and Helena. Paul is represented by Amy Tompkins.
To see the full list of winners, please visit: ezra-jack-keats.org/ezra-jack-keats-award/