The winners of the Pannell Award, sponsored by the Women's National
Book Association and given to two bookstores that "excel in contributing
to their communities in ways that bring books and young people
together," are:
General bookstore: Queen Anne Books, Seattle, Wash.
Children's store: Fairytales Bookstore & More, Nashville, Tenn.
The
judges praised Queen Anne for its "clear understanding of the needs of
young readers at different ages and stages," for "its creative ways to
reach them (in store, in schools, in libraries, in the community)," and
for "not overlooking the oft-forgotten secret weapon, the parents."
Queen Anne was also cited for reaching out "to children in foster homes
and give discounts for parent-child book groups [and] the Bookworms
Little League team."
The
judges lauded Fairytales Bookstore & More for "the comprehensive
approach it takes to involving kids in reading, from creative play and
storytelling, to music, and visual arts" as well for its daily story
time that offers "many ways for kids to engage with reading and books."
It also was praised for its attention to parents and their need to
"relax and rejuvenate" in the store.
Each winner receives $1,000
and an original artwork by a children's book illustrator. The awards,
underwritten by the Penguin Young Readers Group, will be presented at
the children's book & author breakfast at BEA on Mary 24.