From: elivia
Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2006 12:51:41 -0500

Yes as an illustrator/author I have mixed feelings about AWARDS. I am originally not from this country and was blissfully unaware of any awards when I started. Over the years I find many different feelings arising. I am so happy that children's books are loved enough to have such recognition given them. The East Coast remains a haven for Children's Authors and Illustrators. It was also useful to me, to find out that with the Newbury Award, there is a very fair process, that allows even the committee no idea of who will win until the award is announced. I hope other awards have as careful a structure. BUT I do find that as I struggle along in a profession where it is often hard to find work, when my hard won " babies" leave my studio, and go out into the big wide world, that I feel sad, as any mother does, when other "babies" are made a big fuss of. I also am surprised to notice how competitive I feel. I don't try to make books that will fit Award specifications , in order to win, but I do feel that I want my creations to be seen and heard and noticed. I think there would be a chance for many more books to receive such attention if the feedback came from individual professionals in the broader viewing public of librarians and teachers, sharing their input with one another, without awards. I would love to see which teachers and librarians and children loved the books, rather than having professional adult award committees judging on their behalf. On the other hand I cannot let go of my new addiction quite yet, and I wouldn't say no, to winning an award next time around! Elivia Savadier




Elivia Savadier Studio elivia at savadierstudio.com

phone/fax 617 327 8849

http://www.savadierstudio.com/index.html

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Received on Mon 06 Feb 2006 11:51:41 AM CST